ASF’s Latest COVID-19 Grants Will Fund Studies Focusing on Telehealth and the Pandemic’s Mental Health Impacts

Throughout the pandemic, ASF has provided funding to sustain existing studies affected by restrictions and shutdowns and to support new research that aims to understand the pandemic’s complex impact on people with autism

NEW YORK — June 7, 2021 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, today announced its fourth round of COVID-19 Research Grant recipients. This funding opportunity was started in the very early days of the pandemic to support scientists who were struggling to continue their research studies when institutions were shut down. The mechanism was then expanded to include research about the unique effects of COVID-19 on people with autism. The grantees are Dr. Joshua Anbar of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Arizona, Dr. Kathryn Hauschild of Stony Brook University in New York, Dr. Emily Neuhaus of Seattle Children’s Research Institute in Washington and Dr. Michele Villalobos of the University of Utah.

This new funding will help two of the grantees examine different aspects of telehealth, with one seeking to expand the scope of online evaluations in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and cognitive disabilities, and the other to reduce disparities in telehealth services across the socioeconomic spectrum. New funds will also support two of the grantees’ efforts to examine issues related to mental health: understanding the effects of pandemic-induced isolation on adolescents with ASD, and recognizing and promoting factors that confer resilience to pandemic-related trauma.

“At the start of the pandemic our focus was on keeping existing research from being shut down, but now we’ve pivoted to funding studies that examine how we can use what we’ve learned through the natural experiment of telehealth and teletherapy to continue delivering resources to the autism community in the most efficient and effective ways possible,” said Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of ASF. “It’s also critical that we understand the unique mental health needs of people with autism who have been disproportionately impacted by the challenges and trauma of the pandemic.”

The following projects have received funding:

Joshua Anbar, Ph.D., MPH
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, AZ
Mentor: Christopher Smith, Ph.D. and Nicole Matthews, Ph.D.
Title: Expanding the scope of telehealth evaluations in children with ASD
During the pandemic, when in-person assessments were prohibited, many clinicians started to embrace telehealth evaluations such as NODA. However, a critical part of the ASD assessment is cognitive testing, which has been difficult to adapt to a virtual environment. This study investigates the precision of telehealth administration of a standard measure of cognitive ability, the Kauffman Brief Intelligence Test. It will provide resources to validate the instrument so that assessments can be accurately made via remote methods assessments, and possibly allow for the use of this online method of capturing cognitive function for families who may have limited time for in person evaluations. This funding will help enhance the Naturalistic Observation Diagnostic Assessment tool and allow for its use to, eventually, be expanded to older children and adults. The findings will help the community better utilize effective telehealth resources for remote assessments and potentially reduce wait times for those evaluations after the pandemic has resolved.

Kathryn Hauschild, Ph.D.
Stony Brook University, NY
Mentor: Matthew Lerner, PhD
Title: Examining the effects of pandemic-induced isolation on the mental health of adolescents with ASD
At the start of the pandemic, Stony Brook University initiated a longitudinal study of the effects of isolation on psychosocial functioning, mental health and stress in students with and without ASD. They recontacted families already enrolled in other projects so they could see the changes from pre- to mid pandemic across a number of outcomes. While there were significant difficulties in many aspects of social interactions at all ages, the effects were most pronounced in youth with ASD. Additional funding will allow this team to continue to collect data to understand how returning to in-person school and changes in mental health supports influence outcomes through the fall of 2021. 

Emily Neuhaus, Ph.D.
Seattle Children’s Research Institute, WA
Title: Understanding and promoting factors that confer resilience to pandemic-related trauma
Children and adolescents have had varying mental health responses to the pandemic. Some have been experiencing extreme distress, and others have been effectively supported through new and existing support services. Some have hypothesized that those with pre-existing psychiatric issues, including ADHD and anxiety, may be more vulnerable to the effects of social distancing, and that different child and family factors may influence resilience in different ways. Researchers in this project will collect information from a diverse group of families (Black, indigenous and other people of color) with and without a member with autism. They will also include those with or without comorbid anxiety or ADHD to identify factors that improve coping, reduce stress, and promote physical and emotional well-being.  This study will help identify those who are at the greatest risk of emotional and behavioral problems and pinpoint factors that may help convey resilience to, or ameliorate, mental health issues.

Michele Villalobos, Ph.D.
University of Utah
Title: Adjusting telehealth practices for low-resource families
During the pandemic, many families were forced to go online to try to access diagnostic assessment, services, intervention and education.  While telehealth services have reached the homes and served the needs of many families, its usefulness has been variable.  Early research showed that while there was an 80% increase in use of telehealth overall, families living in rural communities, those of Hispanic heritage and those on Medicaid were not utilizing important telehealth services to the same extent. Dr. Villalobos will study the sociodemographic factors of families utilizing autism services both before and during the pandemic to understand how socioeconomic factors influenced telehealth usage. In this way, telehealth and other models of care can be improved so that the disparity around access to telehealth can be mitigated and more families can be served with existing resources.

The Autism Science Foundation recognizes the continuing need to better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the autism community, including biological, educational, psychological and psychiatric effects that may impact the immediate and longer-term functioning of people on the autism spectrum. For this reason, we are continuing and expanding the COVID-19 Research Grant program in 2021.  

Multiple approaches may be used to investigate these impacts, including but not limited to:  clinical assessments, new virtual interventions, animal models, use of new or existing samples or data, and basic animal or cellular research. 

All research ideas are welcome, however, ASF is particularly interested in understanding gaps in utilization and delivery of telehealth assessments or interventions in the autism community.  This may include ways to improve telehealth. 

This funding opportunity is limited to early career investigators. ASF defines early career investigators as  those from post-doctoral training to up to 7 years after completion of a postdoctoral fellowship or following medical training including the internship and fellowship. Post-doctoral fellows are required to ensure that a letter of support is sent to ASF from their mentor or PI on the existing grant. Priority will also be given to scientists from traditionally underrepresented groups and to projects that commit to recruiting participants from traditionally underrepresented groups. 

Since this is a fast turnaround mechanism, the funding should be used to expand or enhance a currently funded, IRB approved, ongoing research project (i.e. anchor funding) supported by another funding agency or through an ASF mechanism.  We hope to make decisions within 2 months of receiving the applications and begin funding soon thereafter, so there is no time to set up a new program with your institution.  You can read about previous COVID-19 research grant awardees here:  https://autismsciencefoundation.org/asf-funded-research/

Click here to view 2021 RFA in full

Questions about proposal submission, proposal content and review, or applicant eligibility should be addressed to Casey Gold-Casey, Director of Operations, Autism Science Foundation. (cgold@autismsciencefoundation.org)

It is with extreme sadness that we share the news that our dear colleague Dr. Li-Ching Lee died Thursday at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Dr. Lee was an exceptional researcher, mentor, instructor, and friend. Her work on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence, measurement, and epidemiology made a huge impact on the field, addressing critical issues in the U.S. and across the globe, particularly in Taiwan, China, and Bangladesh.

During her research career, she authored over 100 journal publications with colleagues and students around the world. Her work was featured in the JHSPH Public Health magazine’s Summer 2017 issue: “Li-Ching Lee Reaches Out”. She was the long-standing leader of the Maryland site of the national CDC ASD surveillance study, Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, responsible for new national autism prevalence reports every two years. She also led an NIH-funded R01 studying the impact of air quality on risk for ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders in China, working with other WKC members to develop and implement measurement, screening, and epidemiological analyses while also integrating genetic and epigenetic measures to understand risk. She was a fantastic co-investigator on the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), another long-standing national epidemiologic study, where she led multiple data analyses, data quality control and data acquisition with our community partners at the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Health.  Recently, she was also a critical investigator in the Environmental influences on Children’s Health Outcomes Data Analysis Center (ECHO DAC), located at the Bloomberg School. In this role, Li-Ching worked to coordinate and harmonize data and analyses on neurodevelopmental traits and outcomes across over 50 cohorts throughout the U.S. 

In addition to her research contributions, Li-Ching was an extraordinary teacher and mentor who shaped the careers of many students over the past two decades. Her excellence in teaching epidemiology and mental health courses was recognized annually. She also received the Bloomberg School’s prestigious Advising, Mentoring & Teaching Recognition Award (AMTRA) from the Student Assembly for her caring and expert advising.  She made a lasting contribution to the Center and School’s educational mission through the development of the first ever Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Public Health course, which we have offered as a Summer Institute course since 2014 and a full term course since 2016.  This course, primarily due to Li-Ching’s excellence in teaching, received excellence recognition via student evaluations in nearly every offering so far, and has taught students in multiple programs of the Bloomberg School as well as students across the world via online offerings.

Dr. Lee was born in Taichung, Taiwan and completed her undergraduate education at Kaohsiung Medical University.  She received her Master of Science degree from the Department of Mental Health here at the Bloomberg School and her PhD from the Department of Maternal and Child Health at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.  She joined the Departments of Epidemiology and Mental Health in 2003 and was named Associate Director for Global Autism Research in the Center in 2015. 

She is survived by her father, four siblings, and 20 nieces and nephews.  The Wendy Klag Center plans to host a celebration of her life and accomplishments later in 2021.  Details of the event will be available soon and on the WKC website.

ASF is proud to play an active role at this year’s INSAR conference, which kicks off today and features key players in the autism research community. Supporting new and innovative autism research is at the heart of what we do, and key to improving so many lives. Learn more here:

To view the ASF at INSAR 2021 handout, click here.
To view the INSAR Schedule at a Glance, click here.

The distinction highlights ASF’s commitment to providing donors deep clarity and insight into the organization’s work to support autism scientists and families

NEW YORK — April 14, 2021 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, today announced that it has received GuideStar’s Gold Seal of Transparency for 2021. GuideStar provides detailed information about a range of nonprofits to potential donors so they can make educated decisions about the organizations they choose to fund.

“ASF has been committed to transparency since our founding, and we are grateful that GuideStar has recognized our efforts with this year’s Gold Seal,” said Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of ASF. “ASF could not exist without our generous donors. We are committed to providing them with the detailed information they deserve so they can be assured that their donations are being used to reach the goal we all share: to improve the lives of people with autism.”

In addition to the GuideStar recognition, ASF also received Top-Rated Nonprofit status by GreatNonprofits in 2020 for the eighth consecutive year. The Top-Rated designation is based on the rating and number of reviews that ASF received from volunteers, donors and aid recipients. It is the only honor for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the charities.

These dual recognitions come as ASF quickly shifted priorities last year as the pandemic took hold. As noted in its 2020 annual report, ASF pivoted to develop new programs and funding mechanisms to help meet the changing needs of autism scientists and families. ASF awarded several rounds of COVID-19 Grants designed to help scientists adapt studies to meet the changing requirements of the COVID-19 environment, as well as to study the various impacts of the pandemic on people with autism. ASF also engaged directly with the community in several ways, including compiling COVID-19 resources for families and researchers, and organizing webinars to connect families with relevant research projects. Additionally, ASF is preparing to hold its second virtual Day of Learning on April 22, which will address the impact of COVID-19 on autism families and examine other important issues in the autism community. Individuals interested in attending the event, which will once again be held free of charge, can register here.

About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity. Its mission is to support autism research by providing funding to scientists and organizations conducting 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. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation, or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.

New funding will support scientifically driven research from a diverse group of young scientists

NEW YORK — March 30, 2021 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, today announced the recipients of its annual undergraduate summer research fellowships. Grants have been awarded to: Beza Ayalew of UCLA, Jadon Mehringer of Indiana University, Daniel Nunez Huaracha of Harvard University and Jennifer Yu of California Institute of Technology.

These four promising undergraduates will investigate topics ranging from understanding disparities in autism diagnosis in a school environment, determining the links between early motor development and language using an objective biomarker, utilizing technologies to streamline assessment and diagnosis, and providing resources for emergency room physicians dealing with acute psychiatric distress in those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“These grants will enable undergraduate researchers to contribute to scientifically important projects that address the needs of traditionally underserved communities, while also gaining skills that will help them to
flourish as future autism researchers,” said Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of ASF.

“ASF appreciates the importance of fostering research in undergraduates from diverse backgrounds, as well as promoting science that addresses service disparities in marginalized communities,” said ASF Chief Science Officer Dr. Alycia Halladay. “This work is critical to ensuring the entire autism community receives the help that it desperately needs.”

This is the eighth year ASF has offered grants to promising young researchers. In 2018, Inside Philanthropy praised ASF’s focus on young scientists, writing that funding undergraduates “is not something we see very often. In fact, we almost never see it. A key to achieving (medical) breakthroughs is first to win the battle to engage and retain young investigators. That means getting to promising researchers early. ASF
says it’s alone among funders in its view that support for undergrads is a worthwhile use of research dollars. As far as we know, that’s true.”

The following projects have received funding:

Beza Ayalew
University of California at Los Angeles
Mentors: Brian Boyd, PhD, KU and Connie Kasari, PhD, UCLA
Title: Autism Spectrum Disorder Disparities in the California School System
There is a longstanding disparity in diagnosis of ASD in African American children compared to white or Asian children. African American children are less likely to be diagnosed in preschool, and this delay decreases the total number of years in which the child may receive services. This fellowship will examine diagnosis of ASD, Intellectual Disability and Language Disorder in African American students compared to white students in a school database where the majority of students are ethnic minorities. This will provide information about diagnostic disparity in school settings and what diagnoses, if any, are being provided for African American children if ASD rates are lower than in white families.

Jadon Mehringer
Indiana University
Mentor: Jill Fodstad, PhD
Title: Developing a Protocol for ASD Intervention in Acute General Psychiatry In-Patient Units
People with ASD are more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric issues compared to those without a diagnosis. Their complex needs make providing care more difficult and many psychiatric unit staff do not have the skills or knowledge to help those with ASD. While some evidence based practices do exist and have been published, they are rarely implemented in acute psychiatric settings. This project will develop an ASD-specific training and intervention package for use in acute care settings, including compiling the evidence and incorporating stakeholder perceptions and opinions into what needs to be stressed. Guidelines will then be developed for clinicians in acute care settings, improving care and services for autistic individuals and their families.

Daniel Nunez Huaracha
Harvard University
Mentor: Charles A. Nelson, PhD
Title: Early Links Between Motor Development and Language in ASD
Motor abilities like sitting and grasping are the first behaviors to emerge in babies, and the first to show
differences in those who receive a later ASD diagnosis. These motor skills have been linked to later social
communication abilities in typically developing children, but not always to those with a later ASD diagnosis.
The data indicate that motor deficits should be targets of interventions in infants and that these targeted
interventions will have beneficial effects on later social communication skills, improving later language and
non-verbal communication. This research project will utilize an EEG-based biomarker to investigate biological
signals of these early motor behaviors in infants who are later diagnosed with ASD vs. those who are not.
Combination of both behavioral signals and biomarkers for early behavioral impairments can better inform
clinicians about which interventions will be best for which infants.

Jennifer Yu
California Institute of Technology
Mentor: Ralph Adophs, PhD
Title: Smartphone-based Eye tracking for Assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder
There are significant disparities in early identification of ASD. More biologically based methods, like eye tracking, are needed to ensure a reduction in bias in early diagnosis and intervention. In this project, the
undergraduate researcher will work with Google to collect eye tracking data from people with ASD over a smartphone app in order to develop a mechanism to obtain this data over the internet. The fellowship will support the targeted collection of families from African American or Latinx communities, so that they are meaningfully included in the research findings.

The COVID-19 pandemic upended autism research when it took hold last year, and early career researchers were especially impacted. To examine the full extent of the losses, ASF Chief Science Officer Alycia Halladay joined forces with three other leading autism research scientists to investigate this “Lost Generation” of early career researchers. Their findings were recently published in Autism Research. The project revealed that these current and future scientific leaders, especially female researchers who work with families, are in a particularly vulnerable position because of the pandemic. The additional burdens of social distancing could have dire consequences for autism science immediately and down the road. However, the project also identified ways to support these young researchers during this time, to help forge a path forward.

The Orlandos co-founded the Foundation for Empowering Citizens with Autism (FECA) and Extraordinary Ventures New York (EVNY), which provide employment for people with autism. Almaliti was a nationally recognized autism advocate and founding board member of the National Council on Severe Autism

NEW YORK — March 18, 2021 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, has announced that Elise and Phil Orlando will receive this year’s Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award. Feda Almaliti will also receive the award
posthumously. The award, which recognizes excellence in autism advocacy by parents, will be presented at the eighth annual “Day of Learning” event on Thursday, April 22. This year’s event will be held virtually and tickets are free.

Feda was a fearless autism advocate who tragically died last September in a house fire while attempting to save her 15-year-old son, Muhammed, who had severe autism. Feda first began her autism journey when Mu was 15 months old, later spending two years fighting her insurance company for needed treatments. She then moved her efforts to the Autism Mental Health Insurance Project, where she pushed for insurance reform in California to expand access to behavioral health treatments to all affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She was also a founding board member of the National Council on Severe Autism, appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities as the Area Board V Representative and Vice President of the Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area. Feda co-hosted a podcast called the Scoop and openly discussed her challenges in multiple outlets—including STAT News and NPR’s “All Things Considered” podcast—in the hopes of helping other families affected by ASD. Feda was a nationally recognized source of inspiration and support in the autism community and was just 43 when she died. Two of Feda’s sisters will accept the Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award on her behalf.

“Feda was a force of nature who inspired so many people with her tenacity, intelligence and big bright smile,” said Alison Singer, ASF President and Co Founder. “She left an incredible legacy in a life cut tragically short. I have been moved to see how her courageous advocacy continues to guide the efforts of so many people in the autism community. We are incredibly proud to honor her with this award.”

Elise and Phil Orlando will also be honored for their dedication to improving the lives of people with autism. The couple co-founded the Foundation for Educating Children with Autism over 25 years ago, which opened the Devereaux Millwood School in Westchester County. As the students in that school grew up, FECA changed its name to the Foundation for Empowering Citizens with Autism (still FECA) and launched Extraordinary Ventures New York in 2014, whose mission is to create and operate businesses that provide meaningful employment for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Phil also works as Senior Vice President and Chief Equity Strategist at Federated Investors. Elise previously worked as a Senior Vice President in the investment-banking division at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. The Orlandos have three children, including a son with autism.

“I have wanted to present this award to Elise and Phil Orlando for years. No one has been more dedicated to the autism community than the Orlandos, who have demonstrated a unique ability to support the dignity and well-being of people with autism and their families,” said Singer. “We are grateful for all they have done for ASF and the autism community at large.”

The Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award is presented annually to parent advocates whose energy and commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism best emulate Caryn’s. Caryn was a loving and dedicated mom and a tireless advocate who worked with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), Autism Speaks and the Autism Science Foundation to raise money, advance autism research and improve the lives of children around the country.

The Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award will be presented at the Autism Science Foundation’s “Day of Learning” event on Thursday, April 22, which will feature TED-style talks by the nation’s top autism scientists. Presenters will discuss the latest developments in autism research, treatment and services to an audience including parents, students, scientists, individuals with autism and other autism community stakeholders. Specific topics include The Impact of COVID-19 on Autism Families; Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Autism Research; and The Latest on Cannabidiol Research in ASD.

Tickets for the virtual “Day of Learning” are free and participants can register here.

ASF’s 8th annual flagship event, which features TED-style talks on key issues facing the autism community, has pivoted to a virtual format for the second time amid the pandemic. Tickets are free and accessible worldwide.

NEW YORK — February 18, 2021 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative autism research, will host its 8th annual “Day of Learning,” a TED-style science conference for the autism community, on Thursday, April 22. The event will be held virtually for the second time amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets to ASF’s Day of Learning are free. ASF made this change to ensure that everyone interested in learning more about the latest scientific advances and trends in autism can participate. The all-virtual format also allows the Day of Learning to become a true global event. Last year’s first-ever virtual Day of Learning attracted more than 900 participants from across the world, a new record.

As always, ASF’s Day of Learning will bring together leading researchers in the autism field who will discuss
topics that are most important to the autism community right now. Each TED-style talk will be a thoughtful,
Zoom-delivered 15-minute distillation of a critical issue in autism. Speakers and topics will include:

  • Dr. Pam Feliciano, Simons Foundation: The Impact of COVID-19 on Autism Families
  • Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, University of Alberta, Canada: Rethinking ASD Assessment in the Pandemic
    and Beyond
  • Dr. Brian Boyd, University of Kansas: Improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Autism Research
  • Dr. Sarah Spence, Boston Children’s Hospital: What You Need to Know About Autism and Sudden
    Unexplained Death in Epilepsy
  • Dr. Shafali Jeste, University of California, Los Angeles: Finding the Right Help for Individuals with Autism
  • Dr. Orrin Devinsky, New York University: The Latest on Cannabidiol Research in ASD

“This year’s Day of Learning will address the most urgent issues on the minds of people in the autism community right now and represent an extension of our efforts to provide critical support to autism families and researchers during the pandemic,” said Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of ASF. “We are pleased that the free and virtual nature of the event will allow us to widen our audience and provide universal access.”

This year’s virtual Day of Learning is just the latest example of ASF adapting its regular activities due to the pandemic. Since June 2020, ASF has funded three rounds of COVID-19 Pivot Grants to enable researchers to adapt existing research projects to new pandemic-related restrictions, organized and hosted webinars for families to help address challenges, and partnered with Autism Navigator to create a “virtual community” for newly diagnosed families and more.

NEW YORK — February 4, 2021 — The Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding and supporting innovative autism research, today announced the appointment of Jonah Zimiles, Founder and Managing Principal of [words] Bookstore in Maplewood, New Jersey, to its Board of Directors. The announcement was made by Gregg Ireland, Chairman of the ASF Board of Directors, and Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of ASF.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Zimiles will help guide efforts to support autism families and researchers. In addition, he will also help set the direction for ASF’s fundraising as well as increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders.

Zimiles founded [words] in 2009 and has incorporated people with autism into its mission from the very start. To date, his bookshop has hired or provided vocational training to more than 100 young people with autism as part of its vocational training program. The store, which he co-owns with his wife, Ellen, also welcomes patrons with autism and other developmental disorders. The couple has two children, including a son with autism.

In addition to supporting people with autism, Zimiles has also grown [words] to become a nationally recognized independent bookshop. Publishers Weekly named [words] as one of five finalists for Bookstore of the Year in 2020, and the shop consistently welcomes high-profile, award-winning authors to share their work. The Zimiles opened [words] after Jonah graduated from Columbia Business School with concentrations in management and social enterprise.

Before opening the bookstore, Jonah spent a dozen years as a practicing attorney, then four years as an endowment director of a major national charity, followed by six years as a stay-at-home Dad managing his son’s autism-services home program.

“Jonah is a dynamic leader who intimately understands the challenges autism families face,” said Singer. “As someone who has given more than 100 people with autism employment or provided vocational training as well as a sense of community—all while also growing his community bookstore to national prominence—Jonah has demonstrated that he has the vision, determination and empathy we seek to help guide and grow ASF’s work and mission.”

“As a parent of a child with autism, I have experienced firsthand the value that ASF provides to families in funding, supporting and disseminating cutting-edge, scientific research that can make a real difference in many lives,” said Zimiles. “It is an honor to be invited to join the ASF Board of Directors, and I am committed to working with Alison and the other members of this distinguished group to support and advance ASF’s critically important mission.”

Dr. Halladay will continue in her primary role at ASF as she takes on new responsibilities with PMSF, playing key roles in both organizations as they work to support families and fund critical research projects related to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

NEW YORK — January 21, 2021 — The board and management of the Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, today expressed strong support and enthusiasm for its Chief Science Officer, Dr. Alycia Halladay, on her election as board president of the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF).

PMSF is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of people affected by Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS), a rare genetic condition that can cause several serious health conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Established in 2002, PMSF has delivered funding to numerous research projects that have led to important advances in treating PMS and holds regular research and networking conferences for scientists, families and other stakeholder groups.

ASF and PMSF have collaborated many times over the years and there is significant overlap among the communities they serve – about 60% of kids with PMS also have an autism diagnosis. PMSF is also part of the Alliance for Genetic Etiologies of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Autism, which ASF manages.

Dr. Halladay will continue in her primary role at ASF as she takes on new responsibilities at PMSF, where she previously served as a board member. She holds a PhD in psychology from Rutgers University and completed
a post-doctoral fellowship in pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University.

“I am honored to be helping PMSF achieve its mission of supporting families with rare genetic disorders and ASD,” Dr. Halladay said. “The PMS community is part of a bigger family of individuals with ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders, and my hope is that my involvement will be a benefit to all families with ASD.”

Alison Singer, Co-Founder and President of ASF, said: “We are thrilled for Alycia and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with PMSF to improve the lives of those with autism. Our two organizations share a firm belief that science, research and evidenced-based treatments are critical to helping affected individuals live fulfilling lives.”

Under Dr. Halladay’s leadership, ASF has remained actively engaged with the autism research community throughout the pandemic. The organization released an RFA for its 2021 undergraduate summer research grants earlier this month, while last month it announced a third round of COVID-19 Research Grants recipients.

About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity. Its mission is to support autism research by providing funding to scientists and organizations conducting 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. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.

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