Autism Research Program Press Release

Just one last thing from the Autism Research Program experience: the official press release (which included fill-it-in-yourself sections):

SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW OF THE AUTISM RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

The Autism Research Program (ARP) research advocate Sarah Frisch recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the ARP sponsored by the Department of Defense. Sarah was nominated for participation in the program by Autism Support of Kent County, in Grand Rapids MI. As a consumer reviewer, they were a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $ 7.5 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2017 will be spent on autism research.

Consumer reviewers represent the collective view of those living with autism by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Sarah said that, “This was an extremely educational and valuable experience.  The work was somewhat grueling, but with the help of my mentor consumer reviewer and a lot of patience, I did manage to get it all done despite the winter holidays.  But being able to speak to other consumer reviewers and the scientific reviewers about research and their experiences was a fantastic experience, and I hope to bring that knowledge home to help parents and other autistic people”.

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the scientific merit of research applications since 2007. Colonel Wanda L. Salzer, M.D., Director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates perspective during the scientific review sessions. “The Consumer Reviewers on each panel are instrumental in helping the scientists understand the patient’s perspective and provide valuable insight into the potential impact of the proposed project. They bring with them a sense of urgency and remind us all, of the human element involved in medical research.”

Scientists applying propose to conduct innovative research focused on the understanding of autism and improving the lives of those with autism. The ARP fills important gaps not addressed by other funding agencies by supporting groundbreaking, high-risk, high-gain research while encouraging out-of- the-box thinking.

More information about the Department of Defense ARP is available at the Website:
http://cdmrp.army.mil.
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Media Contact:
Erin Bolling, Public Affairs, 301-619- 7783
erin.e.bolling.ctr@mail.mil