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202510 Autism Centers of Excellence

​Program seeks Council approval for an initiative entitled “Autism Centers of Excellence.” Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are lifelong conditions, characterized by difficulties with social communication and stereotypic and repetitive patterns of behaviors. They are complex and highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with early childhood onset and associated with a wide range of co-occurring health conditions. Autism remains an urgent public health challenge. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that from 2002 to 2020 the prevalence of autism in eight-year-olds rose from 1 in 150 to 1 in36. The impairments associated with autism typically persist throughout life, require a wide range of health care and service needs, and have huge societal costs. Much more research could be done to improve life outcomes for autistic people. The ACE program focuses on improving the health of autistic individuals throughout the lifespan, including the unique challenges faced by autistic youth transitioning to adulthood.

Created in 2007 by five NIH institutes, the ACE program has generated impactful findings in autism research, disseminated research findings, and mentored the next generation of researchers and clinicians in autism. Significant advances have been made in many areas such as : (1) defining early brain and behavior trajectories in autism; (2) applying digital approaches to behavioral assessment and in early autism screening and detection; (3) exploring screening newborns using genome sequencing; (4) predicting autism in children by 1 year of age from data in Electronic Health Records; (4) understanding complex contributors of genetic and environmental risk and protective factors; (5) supporting the use of technology-based social learning devices; and (6) developing early interventions that lead to improved outcomes for many children.

The research advances have brought to light many challenges that still need to be addressed. The average age of diagnosis remains at about four years of age despite the fact that subtle signs of ASD features can be detected in the first year of life. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, studies that deepen our understanding of the causes of autism and the nature of its co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, as well as studies that use innovative technologies to screen, diagnose, and deliver treatments or services for ASD.

This proposed concept aligns with NICHD Vision areas of Setting the Foundation for Healthy Pregnancies and Lifelong Wellness, Improving Child and Adolescent Health and the Transitions to Adulthood, and Advancing Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices.

This proposed concept also aligns with these Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Branch research priorities: a) Studying the Etiologies of ASD; b) Understanding the Complexity of Comorbid Symptoms; and c) Promoting Translational and Implementation Research to Develop Safe and Effective Therapeutics and Devices.

Program Contact

Alice Kau
Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Branch (IDDB)

 

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