The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC) is pleased to have learned that Linda Brzustowicz, a Rutgers University scientist, will be working with 150 families in our state to study the genetics of families affected by autism. The $3.7 million funding from the National Institutes of Health may play a key role in helping to prevent this developmental disability in the future.
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of autism is on the rise in New Jersey and across the country. It is estimated that as many as one in 500 people statewide have some form of autism. Usually diagnosed before age 3, autism is characterized by atypical, often repetitive behaviors and deficits in social and communication skills. It is more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries.
New Jersey has become the hub of public awareness and autism research in the past few years. This award proves that we are indeed leading the way to find a cure for autism.
Paul Potito
Executive Director
COSAC
Ewing