Funds will enable parents and other stakeholders to attend the leading autism research conference and share what they’ve learned with the broader autism community.
The Autism Science Foundation today announced that is offering a limited number of grants to parents of children with autism and other stakeholders to support attendance at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), to be held in Philadelphia, May 20-22, 2010. Awards of up to $1000 can be used to cover registration, travel, accommodations, meals and other directly related expenses, including childcare.
After the conference, grant recipients will be expected to share what they’ve learned with families in their local communities and/or online.
IMFAR is an annual scientific meeting, convened each spring, to promote, exchange and disseminate the latest scientific findings in autism research and to stimulate research progress in understanding the nature, causes, and treatments for autism spectrum disorders. IMFAR is the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR).
“We are thrilled to be able to give back directly to the autism community in a research-focused way,” said Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation. “The award recipients will bring critical new research information to their communities, increasing the speed with which the latest data are shared with the broader autism community.”
“These scholarships are a wonderful opportunity to bring more stakeholders to the IMFAR and improve dissemination of the latest research findings presented at the conference,” said Dr. David Amaral, president of INSAR and director of research at the University of California at Davis M.I.N.D. Institute.
To apply, send a letter to grantsATautismsciencefoundationDOTorg describing why you want to attend IMFAR and, most importantly, explaining how you would share what you learn there with the broader autism community. Letters should be sent as Microsoft Word attachments of no more than 2 pages, 12-point type, “Arial” font, with standard margins. In the subject line please write: IMFAR Grant. Letters must be received by March 15, 2010. Recipients will be announced in April.
Left Brain Right Brain 
If my real world identity gets sponsored, who will meet me after the sessions for a duel of Patron shots, which as I am sure we can all agree, is the true measurement of idea validity?
– pD
Seriously though, thanks for posting this.
I think this event of getting together and meeting other people also coping with autism and their families is something that can really help everyone deal with autism in a better way.