The Autism Treatment Network and Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health: Future Directions

Abstract

* Abbreviations: AIR-P — : Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health ASD — : autism spectrum disorder ATN — : Autism Treatment Network CER — : comparative effectiveness research CTSAs — : Clinical Translational Science programs Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent complex neurodevelopmental disorders with multiple etiologies.1 The resulting variability of behavioral, medical, and developmental concerns that affect individuals with ASDs has made it extremely difficult to predict which treatments work best for which individuals. Developing effective treatments and improving care for individuals with ASDs throughout the life span remain urgent priorities. Comprehensive coordinated care for individuals with ASDs will require further advances in our knowledge of medical and behavioral interventions and a health care system that can deliver them consistently. Over the past 7 years, the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and more recently the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) have significantly increased understanding of the prevalence, nature, and treatment of medical conditions in children with ASDs, such as gastrointestinal conditions, sleep disorders, metabolic disorders, and seizures. The network has pioneered in standardizing the clinical evaluation of children with ASDs, based on a comprehensive, multidisciplinary model of care. The network has also developed key partnerships that have helped the field move from limited consensus toward evidence-based autism-specific guidelines in key areas of medical concern, and has acquired the infrastructure and expertise to develop more targeted treatment studies that can help move the most effective therapies through the research pipeline and into the hands of consumers. The ATN has led in the application of quality improvement methods to autism care and in systematic efforts to bring the experience and lessons of the network to broader communities of professionals and parents. This effort, led by Autism Speaks, has allowed strong synergy among research, clinical, and family communities. Key areas of continued growth for the research activities of network include (1) on-going enhancement of research infrastructure, including increased availability of biological samples; (2) expansion of the research agenda to include more focused research … 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