Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Surveillance, Research, and Prevention

This funding supports State health agencies, universities, and public and private nonprofit organizations in planning, implementing, coordinating, or evaluating programs related to autism and other developmental disabilities and the improvement of infant and child health and developmental outcomes. Programs may include the following activities: conducting epidemiologic research or surveillance; providing a national, State or local platform in the area of autism and developmental disabilities prevention that focuses on improving early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need; enhancing existing research or surveillance programs to better address research questions, monitor changes in prevalence and contributing factors, and inform policy and program activities; employing epidemiological methods to set priorities, build capacity and direct health promotion interventions for persons with autism and other developmental disabilities; disseminating data and health information; employing strategies to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in the identification of autism and other developmental disabilities; and expanding public health training opportunities through fellowships to introduce geneticists, epidemiologists, and clinicians to public health practice through education, training and career-enhancing experiences.