The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART): A New Statewide Autism Collaborative

摘要

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social interaction, language and repet- itive behaviors. The need for services is rising sharply as the number of children identified with autism increases. The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) was founded in 2009 with the goal of increasing communication among autism researchers throughout the state and improving treatment for chil- dren with autism. RI-CART members have several ex- citing projects in progress, with its larger aim being the creation of a statewide research registry. A statewide reg- istry would benefit research in Rhode Island and allow for larger collaborations nationally.