Grant: Training Grant

Autism is a serious and not so rare disorder that affects young children in the first 3 years of life (and 52,000 young Canadians under age 20). It is a lifelong handicap, with no cure yet available. Genetic susceptibility, abnormal patterns of brain growth, and specific neuropsychological deficits are well characterized. Recent progresses in genetics, early detection and diagnosis, and early intensive behavioural interventions, are accumulating; however, families and professionals remain frustrated by lack of service availability. Well trained researchers in both basic and clinical disciplines are urgently needed in Canada. Since 2003, we have successfully developed an Autism Research Training (ART) program that trained over 40 PhD and post-doctoral students conducting research in various disciplines (from molecular genetics to outcome intervention studies) at 9 Canadian universities. This renewal application will expand this innovative program, adding new faculty, new disciplines and research environments at 14 Canadian universities. The training program involves a one-year stipend; 3 years of active mentoring (34 faculty, including 11 endowed Research Chairs) and 3 years of attendance at a summer school; travel stipends to facilitate recruitment and attendance at international conferences; regular trainee and program evaluation; a Winter Institute to increase faculty-fellow mentoring and organize with partners and stakeholders a joint national conference; a new initiative that will advance training outside Canada by funding international students to attend the ART Summer School. ART is administered from McGill which will separately fund its administrative support. Partners have committed at least $675,000 of matching funds. The Program is designed to address the pressing needs of Canadians affected by autism as well as their families and service providers by optimizing the development of a new cohort of exceptionally well-trained researchers.