Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Research Programs of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

Abstract

* Abbreviations: AIR-P — : Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health ASD — : autism spectrum disorder CAA — : Combating Autism Act DBPNet — : Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Research Network HRSA — : Health Resources and Services Administration MCHB — : Maternal and Child Health Bureau In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 68 children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.1 Based on data from the 2011–2012 National Survey of Children’s Health, a recent report suggests an even higher prevalence estimate of 1 in 50 children with ASD.2 These increasing prevalence data indicate that ASD continues to be a major public health concern in the United States requiring coordinated and collaborative efforts at the national, state, and community levels. Since 1995, the US Department of Health and Human Services has supported initiatives aimed at increasing our understanding of ASD, its causes, and potential treatments.3 These initiatives have paved the way to a more coordinated federal effort to address ASD and other developmental disabilities with the enactment of the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (CAA). This act authorized programs to address ASD and other developmental disabilities through research, screening, intervention, and education. Congressional appropriations included funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to implement section 399BB of the CAA4 to address the following: 1. increase awareness of ASD and other developmental disabilities; 2. reduce barriers to screening and diagnosis; 3. support … Address correspondence to Hae Young Park, MPH, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Ln, 18W51, Rockville, MD 20857. E-mail: hpark{at}hrsa.gov