Editors’ Note and Prologue

Abstract

* Abbreviations: AIR-P — : Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health ATN — : Autism Treatment Network CAAI — : Combating Autism Act Initiative MCHB — : Maternal Child Health Bureau After the Combating Autism Act of 2006, the Health Resources and Services Administration/Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB) in 2008 developed a program covering several research, guideline development, and training activities (the Combating Autism Act Initiative [CAAI]). Two autism intervention research networks received funding through this initiative, as did both Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities and developmental/behavioral pediatrics training programs. MCHB also initiated several research projects in autism intervention through a request for proposals. One of the research networks, the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), expanded on an already existing network, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), which had initial (and continuing) infrastructure support from Autism Speaks. Overall activities of the AIR-P are described later in this supplement. This network also took on leadership in developing the current supplement, to describe a number of … Address correspondence to James M. Perrin, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, 100 Cambridge St #1542, Boston, MA 02114. E-mail: jperrin{at}partners.org