Full access
Government News
Published Online: 4 January 2008

Govt. Acts on Commitment to Find Cause, Treatment of Autism

Joan Arehart-TreichelAuthors Info & Affiliations
Publication: Psychiatric News
Volume 43, Number 1
https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.43.1.0014a
The national drive to combat autism is gaining momentum.
In 2003 the National Institutes of Health awarded almost $10 million in grants to six new research centers to study the biological basis of autism and to advance treatments for those with autism (Psychiatric News, August 1, 2003).
In 2005 the National Institutes of Health spearheaded an international coalition of public and private health agencies and advocacy organizations to identify genes associated with the disorder (Psychiatric News, January 21, 2005).
In 2006 President Bush signed the Combating Autism Act of 2006 into law. Its mission is to increase public awareness of autism, lead to early identification and treatment of autism, and provide enhanced federal support for autism research and treatment.
And now, as designated under the new law, an Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has been formed. It will be part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its chair is Thomas Insel, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health.
“This important committee will play a key role in coordinating autism education, services, and research,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a prepared statement. “I'm pleased that its members bring to the committee a wide range and great depth of expertise, including research and program administration, advocacy, and personal experience with the condition.”
Insel said in the same statement, “The committee's first priority will be to develop a strategic plan for autism research that can guide public and private investments to make the greatest difference for families struggling with autism.” The committee's strategic plan for research should be in place by May 2008, according to the committee's Web site.
More information about the committee and its activities is posted at<www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/scientific-meetings/recurring-meetings/iacc/index.shtml>.▪

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Psychiatric News
Psychiatric News
Volume 43 • Number 1 • January 4, 2008
Pages: 14

History

Published online: 4 January 2008
Published in print: January 4, 2008

Notes

The Combating Autism Act of 2006 is moving into gear with establishment of an interagency coordinating committee that should have a strategic plan for autism research by May 2008.

Authors

Details

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Export Citations

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.

Format
Citation style
Style
Copy to clipboard
Tips for downloading citations

There are no citations for this item

View Options

View options

Get Access

Login options

Already a subscriber? Access your subscription through your login credentials or your institution for full access to this article.

Personal login Institutional Login Open Athens login

Not a subscriber?

Subscribe Now / Learn More

PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5-TR® library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.

Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Share article link

Share

×

As described within the American Psychiatric Association (APA)'s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences. Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.