Autism Research Group Launches Non-Profit Organization

[Guest guest]

The Autism Research Group announced today that its new non-profit organization

places individuals with autism first by providing scientifically proven research

that helps those with autism to break through barriers and improve their quality

of life.

Autism Research Group (ARG) announced today the launch of its pioneer non-profit

organization highlighting its mission of placing individuals on the autism

spectrum and their families first. ARG is founded on the principal of using

science to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum

disorders (ASDs) as well as their families and caregivers. Individuals with ASD

have the right to live life to the fullest and this right transcends social,

cultural, and economic barriers.

" Our organization does research that matters to families of children with autism

and our mission is to share the results with the world. ARG's research findings

will allow more families to access effective treatment, " says ARG Executive

Director Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D.

This launch coincides with the newly-released report from the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention showing 1 in every 88 children in America has an

autism spectrum disorder; a 78 percent increase since the study first began in

2002. The latest figure reconfirms that autism is more prevalent than juvenile

diabetes, childhood cancer, and pediatric AIDS combined. ASD is a range of

complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by social impairments,

communication challenges, and restricted, repetitive, or stereotyped patterns of

behavior. Autistic disorder is the most severe form of ASD, while other

conditions along the spectrum include milder forms known as Asperger's syndrome,

childhood disintegrative disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not

Otherwise Specified.

" Our first step in reaching out to families affected by autism is our

Parent-Generated Research Initiative. It's designed to give parents a voice on

what matters most to them " says Tarbox.

Parents can complete a 10-question survey at www.autismresearchgroup.org

<http://www.autismresearchgroup.org/> and ARG will use the input to design

research programs that directly address the needs and preferences of families

affected by autism.

ARG's objectives include:

• Innovate and test new treatments that hold promise for improving the lives

of individuals with autism spectrum disorders

• Increase awareness and access to treatments that are already proven to

work

• Conduct research to improve the effectiveness of proven treatments

• Establish benchmarks to increase accountability for the effectiveness of

services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders

About the Autism Research Group:

The Autism Research Group (ARG), is a non-profit organization dedicated to

identifying, evaluating, and disseminating treatments that make a real,

measurable difference in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and

their families. ARG uses science to improve quality of life for people with

autism spectrum disorders and the families who love them. The Autism Research

Group is a non-profit organization. For more information about the Autism

Research Group, visit www.autismresearchgroup.org .