Autism Speaks Awards

e-Speaks || July 25, 2008
Autism Speaks Awards More than $4.5 Million in Basic and Clinical Grants
Autism Speaks has awarded 24 new grants in the fields of basic and clinical research dedicated to autism. Two types of grants were awarded: two-year Pilot grants that explore newer, particularly innovative lines of research, and three-year Basic and Clinical grants that build on more established research. The funded projects take a variety of approaches toward revealing the underlying biology and causes of autism. Read more about the newly funded grants here and see the complete list of Pilot and BASIC AND CLINICAL GRANTS

Olympian Joins Tacoma's 4th Annual Walk Now for Autism
850 participants raised over $76,000 at the 4th annual Tacoma Walk Now for Autism, which took place at Cheney Stadium. Walkers were treated to an inspirational speech by local Olympic weightlifter Melanie Roach. Read more and view photos here. Join us at one of our Walks across the United States, Canada or in the United Kingdom; find your local event here.


La. Governor Signs Autism Insurance Bill into Law
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed House Bill 958, the autism insurance reform bill, into law on July 2. The bill had passed the legislature unanimously in June. The new law requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in patients under age seventeen. Covered treatments include: habilitative care, rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care. Benefits are capped at $36,000 per year and $144,000 over the lifetime. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2009. For more information, visit HERE.


Family Services Committee Requests Grant Proposals
Autism Speaks is once again seeking proposals to fund projects that will enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Proposals for these family services grants are sought in the following areas: Recreation/Community Activities; Education; Equipment/Support Technology; or Young Adult/Adult Services. Educators, trainers and services providers who work with individuals with autism are invited to apply. Applications are due by September 26, 2008 11:59 p.m. (EST). Since the inception of Autism Speaks' Family Services Community Grant program in December 2007, over $1 million has been awarded to 50 community programs across the nation. Read more.


Stars, Families Enjoy "Over the Top" Circus Performance
Neil Patrick Harris Autism Speaks and Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus teamed up on July 16 to welcome celebrities, families affected by autism and the general public to the opening night performance of the "Over the Top" show at Los Angeles' Staples Center, which promoted autism awareness while raising funds for Autism Speaks. Read more and see photos here.


"Autism: The Musical" Nominated for Five Emmy Awards
"Autism: The Musical," which premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, has been nominated for Emmys in five categories: outstanding nonfiction special; outstanding directing for nonfiction programming; outstanding cinematography for nonfiction programming; outstanding picture editing for nonfiction programming; and outstanding sound editing for nonfiction programming (single or multi-camera). The documentary tells the story of five children, their families and one acting coach as they heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Purchase "Autism: The Musical" on DVD here.


In Their Own Words: The Crucial String
In our latest "In Their Own Words" essay, a mother recounts her 15-year-old son with autism's upbringing, comparing it to beautifully playing an instrument that is missing a crucial string. Read more.
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