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Initiatives
As important as individual grants, initiative projects give Autism Speaks a much more proactive role in promoting specific research. Initiatives frequently involve formation of collaborative research consortia, support of targeted research, organization of research meetings, and creation of research resources. Autism is a complex disease and we believe initiatives that bring together researchers in varied fields (genetics, behavioral sciences and many others) promote a collaborative approach that will help solve the mysteries of this devastating disorder as quickly as possible.
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Autism Epidemiology Network
Autism Speaks and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are co-sponsoring this initiative to explore possible scientific opportunities in an international collaborative effort in autism epidemiology.

Autism Genome Project
Launched in 2004, the Autism Genome Project, or AGP, is the largest study ever conducted to find the genes associated with inherited risk for autism.

Biomarkers
To begin intervention at the earliest possible time, priority must be given to developing unbiased approaches to predict the presence of autism. Biological markers can also help define autism subtypes and reveal potential therapeutic targets.

Brain Development Initiative
The creation of effective biologically-based treatments for autism will require knowledge of the underlying brain defects. Identifying what goes awry in the developing brain of children with autism is the first step.

Environmental Factors Initiative

Although we know that genetics is an important factor, genetics alone may not account for all cases of autism. The increase in the reported number of autism cases has generated extreme concern over the potential involvement of toxins as well as infectious agents in our environment.

High Risk Baby Sibs
The High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium was established in 2003 with the goal of bringing together the major research groups in the field to discover the earliest behavioral and biomedical markers of autism spectrum disorder.

Innovative Technology for Autism
ITA was established to lead in the development of products that provide real world solutions to issues faced by those with autism, their families, educators, healthcare specialists, and researchers.

Treatment Initiative
To achieve standardization of treatment, Autism Speaks supports research into development and translation of innovative therapies, creation of assistive technologies and formation of centers with integrated multi-disciplinary medical teams.

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