New advocacy group focuses on non-vaccine-related autism research

The Autism Science Foundation, a new not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding autism research, has launched it’s operations, debuting its website and kicking off its “First 100 Days” fundraising drive.

The organization is co-founded by Alison Singer, former executive vice president of Autism Speaks, and Karen London, co-founder of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). Both Singer and London are parents of children with autism. Singer will serve as president of the new organization.

Singer resigned from Autism Speaks in January of this year, citing disagreement with the group’s decision to continue to fund more vaccine research despite multiple scientific studies exonerating vaccines as a cause of autism.

In a press release, officials with ASF said their mission is to support autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. The organization will also provide information about autism to the general public.

Foundation founders said their mission is premised on the following facts and principles:

Autism is known to have a strong genetic component. Research must aim to discover the mechanisms of action that trigger autism, as well as safe, effective and novel treatments to enhance the quality of life for children and adults currently affected.
Early diagnosis and early intervention are critical to helping people with autism reach their potential, but educational, vocational and support services must be applied across the lifespan. Science has a critical role to play in creating evidence-based, effective lifespan interventions.
Numerous studies have failed to show a causal link between vaccines and autism. Vaccine safety research should continue to be conducted by the public health system to ensure vaccine safety and maintain confidence in the national vaccine program, but further investment of limited autism research dollars is not warranted at this time.

“As we attempt to understand the causes of autism, and to develop optimal treatment programs, it is critical that parents have access to information that is based upon the best medical evidence,” David T. Tayloe Jr., MD, president of the AAP said in the release. “We welcome the chance to work closely with the Autism Science Foundation to improve the lives of children diagnosed with autism.”

To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.