LITTLE ROCK — A $1.2 million donation from the New York-based Jane Botsford Johnson Foundation will fund autism research at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a Tuesday news release said.
S. Jill James, director of the autism metabolic genomics laboratory at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, will use the funds to lead three studies aimed at understanding biochemical abnormalities in children with autism, the release said.
“Because the causes of autism are still not understood, we are working to identify biochemical markers that can give us clues into the underlying pathology of autism and help us to better understand the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with its development,” James said in the release.
“We hope to translate these findings into clinical trials designed to treat both behavioral symptoms and medical problems associated with autism.”
Autism disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Gastrointestinal and immune functions may also be affected.
Arkansas, Pages 10 on 03/28/2012