Autism is a complex behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one out of every 52 children born in the United States. There are no known causes for autism; therefore, no known measures that can be taken to prevent spectrum disorders. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries and can affect any family and any child.
We believe that many opportunities and answers lay ahead. Autism Discovery & Treatment Foundation is now ready to conquer new endeavors that will have lasting impact on the lives of children with autism and their families.
Researchers have already discovered several abnormalities in cellular metabolism that are more frequent in children with autism than in their typical peers.
Tests have been developed to look at these differences, which are referred to as biomarkers. We know there are many more biomarkers waiting to be discovered.Once a biomarker is discovered, we can work to develop treatments or interventions that “normalize” the functioning of the cell or the metabolism and ensure that the treatment works in individual children by repeatedly measuring these biomarkers.
We have observed improvements in some children who received specific treatments based on the type of abnormality or biomarker that they had. Our goal is to further study these biomarkers and potential treatments and improve the standard medical practices around Autism.
We aim to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment by identifying treatable biologically valid mechanism and causes of disease, then developing and validating practical and safe treatments.
We are searching for predictive biomarkers of autism that may facilitate early diagnosis and provide a treatment target to arrest and possibly prevent the development of autism in susceptible children.
Another component of our mission is to educate the scientists, medical professionals and general public regarding new developments in biological mechanisms and treatments.
We are ready to advance our collective understanding of Autism by investing in research for Biomarkers and Treatments. We want to build a process that moves promising ideas from basic research to clinical products that improve lives.
Funding clinical and translational research projects as well as clinical trials.
Year 1
$400K in Donations
Fund 3 Internal Basic Science Projects
Year 1
Year 2
$1M in Donations
Fund 4 Internal Basic Projects and 1 Phase II Clinical Trial
Year 3
$6M in Donations
Fund 4 Internal Basic Science Projects, 1 Phase II Clinical Trial, 1 Phase III Clinical Trial
Year 3
Year 4
$8M in Donations
Fund 5 Internal Basic Science Projects, 2 Phase II Clinical Trials, 1 Phase III Clinical Trials
Year 5
$10M in Donations
Fund 6 Internal Basic Science Projects, 3 Phase II Clinical Trials, 1 Phase III Clinical Trial
Year 5
The Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation (ADTF) is a 501c3 organization dedicated to solving complex medical problems. The overall aim of ADTF is to improve the lives of individuals and families living with chronic diseases which have been difficult to treat and/or cure. Our focus is on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.