Welcome to the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART). Since its inception in 2003, the Center has continued to play a leading role, both nationally and internationally, in developing an improved understanding of the biological basis and neurobehavioral mechanisms of autism in hopes to advance and disseminate new and more effective treatments for autism and autism spectrum disorders.
The Center encompasses the clinical, teaching and training, and research missions of the University and includes investigators from the Semel Institute and from the Departments of Neurology, Genetics, Neurobiology and Psychology. This interdisciplinary team organized to provide a collaborative, intellectual center for the study of autism and developmental disabilities. A key impetus for its establishment was the award by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of a large center grant in 2003 as part of the Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART) program. UCLA was one of eight STAART Centers in the country and one of 10 Collaborative Programs for Excellence in Autism (CPEA) funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). In 2007, UCLA became one of five Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and was also awarded an ACE Network grant, the only program in this country to receive two ACE awards.
The central theme of the Center's research program involves understanding the origins (genetic, psychological and brain) of social, communicative, and language deficits demonstrated by individuals with autism and related disorders. A second theme is a focus on the design and testing of treatment interventions for autism and related disorders, based on basic and clinical science advancements. A third theme is to provide training and outreach to community professionals and families, to build partnerships with members of the autism community, and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. Notably, CART has presented a full-day continuing education program for community practitioners: Autism 2007 Symposium: Research Update and Evidence-based Treatment Models.
For video of one family's story, go to http://streaming.uclahealth.org/autism.
UCLA Researchers:
UCLA CART offers yearly Pilot Grants for autism research.
2008 Proposals are due March 31 [Announcement].
Please see the Research page
for previously funded pilot projects