Autism Speaks announces grant funding for early-career scientists

As part of our mission to be a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs, Autism Speaks is proud to empower early-career scientists through our Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

The fellowship awards are available to current graduate students or researchers who have completed a graduate degree within 5 years of their application date.

“Our fellowship program supports the growth of a promising cadre of early career scientists who will make autism research their chosen field. Through this program, researchers will gain the quality training they need to drive discoveries that enhance the quality of life for people with autism,” says Andy Shih, interim chief science officer at Autism Speaks.

Both fellowship programs will place high priority on research related to topics including:

• Biomarkers and genetics of autism
• Mental health interventions
• Adult transition and lifespan development
• Care for the cognitively disabled and non-verbal
• Services for individuals in low-resource communities

In particular, Autism Speaks is interested in the innovative implementation of technologies to overcome barriers to diagnosis and intervention services among ethnic minorities, rural communities and other marginalized populations.

Last year’s grant recipients focused on community participation among autistic adults; the delivery of services in low resource communities; the gene expression of autism; sex disparities in autism; and the impact of parent executive function on autism interventions, among others.

Letters of Intent are due on or before February 1, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Please find complete information about the application process and links to the Requests for Applications (RFAs) on our Science Grants Page.