Applications for Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Autism Research

The American Academy of Neurology invites applications for their pilot grant program, Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Autism Research. According to AAN, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed in about one in every fifty-four children by the age of 8, and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. To date, nearly all autism research has included a relatively homogenous group of individuals, resulting in an incomplete picture of the disorder and how it affects patients and families across racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, sexuality, and geography spectra.

The purpose of this pilot grant is to support research into the incidence, etiology and underlying pathology, diagnostic challenges, clinical presentation, healthcare behavior, health outcomes, and/or disease burden in populations who are underrepresented in ASD research. Increasing inclusivity in research will broaden the understanding of ASD and improve diagnoses and treatments. Underrepresented populations include, but are not limited to, Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, LGBTQ+, those in lower socioeconomic groups, and individuals living in underserved geographies (rural and urban).

Grants of up to $50,000 over eighteen months will be awarded as seed funds. Applications should focus on studies in underrepresented populations around one or more of the following ASD areas: disease burden, risk, assessments, access to care, and interventions. 

Eligible applicants include researchers or clinicians at any career stage at U.S. and non-U.S. public and private for-profit entities, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of state and local governments, and eligible agencies of the federal government. Applications may be submitted by basic, translational, or clinical investigators.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the American Academy of Neurology website.