Families in Washington State who have a child on the autism spectrum and a younger child who is asymptomatic are being asked to participate in a groundbreaking research study being conducted by the University of Washington Autism Center.  From the Journal Newspapers story on the study:

Researchers at the University of Washington were recently granted $11.3 million to work on the prevention of autism. Their work will be the first study done with a pre-symptomatic population who are thought to be at risk for autism because they have an autistic sibling.

Babies that participate in the study will be assessed at six, 12, and 24 months of age.  Out of the 200 children that the University of Washington hopes to have as participants, 100 will be chosen for a more intensive program.  This intensive program will help to foster a strong and positive attachment between the infant and his primary caregiver.

For more information, view the University of Washington’s Early Connections website.

Source:  Journal Newspapers

Autism Awareness Month is rapidly approaching (April); Toys R’Us has published a news release announcing its commitment to continue supporting Autism Speaks in 2008.  Toys R’Us and the Toys R’Us Children’s Fund have awarded a $250,000 grant to Autism Speaks.  In addition, the stores located throughout the United States will sponsor dozens of the Autism Speaks fundraising walks and allow customers to donate to Autism Speaks through in-store fundraising efforts.  The 2007 in-store fundraising brought in more than $1 million to benefit Autism Speaks.

For more information read the entire Toys R’Us/Autism Speaks press release.