The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health and the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.

Abstract

* Abbreviations: AIR-P — : Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health AS — : Autism Speaks ASD — : autism spectrum disorder ATN — : Autism Treatment Network CAA — : Combating Autism Act HRSA — : Health Resources and Services Administration Over 10 years, the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) and the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN) have collaborated to produce much of the material presented in this supplement and have been pioneers in bringing attention to the medical needs of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and related conditions. Whereas, until recently, medical complaints (eg, abdominal pain, poor sleep, or disruptive behaviors) were typically considered part of the disorder and therefore not requiring specific attention, today clinicians throughout the country directly assess and treat these associated conditions. The combined AIR-P/ATN network has developed systematic ways to assess and treat coexisting conditions, focusing on those for which management was previously highly variable or sporadic and has shared those methods broadly with the larger parent and professional communities. The active involvement of families and young people with ASD has helped the network identify key issues for individuals and families and focus its attention accordingly. Although clinicians may have limited new, evidence-based options for treating autism directly, they now have systematic ways to evaluate and manage coexisting conditions. In turn, families have learned about new ways to help their children and improve their functioning and outcomes. The ATN began a decade ago with key support from private-sector philanthropy. Over the past 7 years, Autism Speaks (AS), the largest parent-led philanthropy in the field of autism, has provided substantial and critical support to the ATN. The ATN maintains a registry of enrolled children at all network sites, collects registry data, and works with sites to improve … Address correspondence to James M. Perrin, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA 02114