National Network To Focus On Severe Autism

By Michelle Diament


A first-of-its-kind research network is forming with an eye toward better understanding autism by studying kids who are most severely affected by the developmental disorder.

Six inpatient psychiatric facilities across the country that specialize in treating individuals with autism and other developmental disorders are coming together to form the new initiative known as the Autism and Developmental Disorders Inpatient Research Collaborative.

While significant resources have been devoted to autism research in recent years, those behind the new effort say large studies have generally failed to include individuals at the severe end of the spectrum.

“There is so much that remains unknown about autism … and those most severely affected by the disorder both deserve our attention and are likely to provide us clues for understanding the core features of autism,” said Matthew Siegel of Spring Harbor Hospital and the Maine Medical Center Research Institute who is working with his colleague Susan Santangelo to spearhead the new project.

remainder: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/10/18/national-severe-autism/18820/