Autism Research Consortium (Autism RC)

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau Research Consortium Program (MCHB RCP) creates a national group of researchers to study maternal and child health (MCH). In the past, MCHB funded research networks, single investigator innovation studies, and field-initiated research studies. The MCHB RCP merges these programs into one. In FY25, this NOFO replaces the Research Network program, including the Autism Intervention Research Network on Behavioral Health (AIR-B) and the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P). Parent-reported data from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) documented that 3.6% of children ages 3-17 years had a current diagnosis of autism, representing nearly 2.2 million children and adolescents.[5] Autistic children have higher rates of co-occurring mental and behavioral health conditions compared to children without autism, and access to adequate health care is a significant challenge for children with autism.[6] Of particular concern are the disparities in timing of diagnosis, access to services, and quality of care.[7] Research about effective and scalable interventions and services is needed to address the diverse and complex needs of autistic children and their families, with a focus on underserved and vulnerable populations. Autism RC recipients will develop research-practice partnerships[8] with community organizations, people and families with lived experience,[9] and MCHB programs. Through these partnerships, you will identify best practices for maximizing the impact of research. Research Centers will improve systems of care by translating and implementing evidence-based interventions to improve physical and behavioral health of children with autism and other DD across the lifespan. The Autism RC will advance the evidence base on effective interventions, services, supports, and systems for children and adolescents with autism and other DD. Priority areas for the Autism RC were selected based on alignment with MCHB’s strategic priorities including the Blueprint for Change,[10] and the 2021-2023 IACC Strategic Plan.[11] Each application under this NOFO will focus on one of the following categories. We anticipate funding up to 2 awards in each category. You are expected to focus on one or more of the priority topics listed within your chosen category (if applicable). To respond to this NOFO, you must focus on children or adolescents with autism and other DD.