Social Behavior and Autism Program
Overview
This program supports investigations of the causes, neurobiology, behavioral phenotypes, and effective treatments for autism, autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and other disorders within the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). It also supports basic research on related cognitive and biobehavioral processes such as social cognition, affiliative behaviors, and communication.
Areas of Emphasis
- Studies of the validity of diagnostic measures for autism.
- Identifying environmental risk factors for social and communication disorders.
- Biobehavioral models of stereotypic behaviors, including limited relevant animal studies.
- Development of novel treatments, including identification of mechanisms of action and predictors of response to treatment.
Contact
Lisa Gilotty, Ph.D.
Program Chief
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6179, MSC 9617
301-443-3825, gilottyl@mail.nih.gov
