Autism Speaks, an organization founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, recently awarded $4.8 million in grants to research projects in environmental science, innovative small business work and studies that range from basic and clinical initiatives to targeted investigation.

The Wrights started the organization because they had a grandchild diagnosed with autism, and since its inception, Autism Speaks has been leading the world in research, diagnosis and treatment innovation.

"With this latest round of grants, Autism Speaks is funding a wide scope of studies ranging from basic research to innovative technologies to understanding autism across the lifespan," said chief science officer Geri Dawson. "We extend our deep thanks to the donors who make this possible and to the scientists who are our partners in this work."

Some of the research projects that will be funded through this round of grantmaking include one by Lisa Croen of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, who is studying a possible connection between autism risk factors and air pollution and another by Craig Newschaffer, of Drexel University, who is looking into a relationship between the condition and prenatal exposure to flame retardant chemicals.

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