Autism Science Foundation Offers Travel Awards for the 2014 International Meeting For Autism Research
Funds will enable parents, teachers, students, individuals with autism and other stakeholders to attend leading autism research conference
(January 7, 2014—New York, NY)–The Autism Science Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding autism research, today announced that it is offering a limited number of grants to parents of children with autism, individuals with autism, and other stakeholders to support attendance at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), to be held in Atlanta, Georgia from May 14-17, 2014. Awards of up to $1000 can be used to cover registration, travel, accommodations, meals and other directly related expenses, including childcare or special accommodations to enable individuals with autism to participate.
IMFAR is an annual scientific meeting, convened each spring, to promote, exchange and disseminate the latest scientific findings in autism research and to stimulate research progress in understanding the nature, causes, and treatments for autism spectrum disorders. IMFAR is the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR).
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity for a fourth year, and to give back to the autism stakeholder community in a research-focused way,” said Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation.
“Participating in IMFAR with an ASF travel grant in 2012 was an eye opening experience” said Marjorie Madfis, mother of a daughter with autism and founder of Yes She Can, an organization that helps girls with autism develop employment skills. “I was particularly impressed with the research examining the unique needs of girls and women, and on development of social skills, and I incorporated some of this research into the work we do at Yes She Can.”
To apply for a travel grant, send a letter or video to grants@autismsciencefoundation.org describing why you want to attend IMFAR and explaining how you would share what you learn there with the broader autism community. Letters should be sent as Microsoft Word documents of no more than 2 double-spaced pages, 12-point type, “Arial” font, with standard margins. In the subject line please write: “IMFAR Travel Grant Application”. Videos should be two minutes or less and should be emailed to the same address as above with the same subject line. Letters & videos must be received by February 21, 2014. Recipients will be announced in March. Past recipients have included individuals with autism, parents of children with autism, siblings, outreach coordinators at autism research centers, special education teachers, graduate and undergraduate students, journalists, and others.
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to support autism research by providing funding to those who conduct, facilitate, publicize and disseminate autism research. ASF also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) is a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorders. INSAR was created in 2001. The society runs the annual scientific meeting – the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) – and publishes the research journal “Autism Research”.
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Contact Information:
Meredith Gilmer
Community Relations Manager
Autism Science Foundation
mgilmer@autismsciencefoundation.org
28 West 39th Street, #502
New York, NY 10018