NJ continues to fund autism research

The Christie administration has announced $2.5 million in grants to fund programs that further autism research, treatment and services.

On Tuesday, the Christie administration granted medical schools, universities, a hospital, and a specialty medical center a total of $2.5 million to expand on autism research.

"New Jersey continues to be a national leader in our commitment to find new and innovative ways to help New Jersey families affected by autism, said New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd in an emailed press release Tuesday.

The grant will fund an array of projects including: testing for genetic abnormalities, analysis of special transportation services for those with autism and an examination of video as an interventional therapy.

The overall goal of these programs is to improve the lives for individuals living with autism and their families, and to connect families affected by autism. "These grants will help us better understand autism and allow families with special needs children to benefit from the excellent research New Jersey institutions offer," O'Dowd said.

Among the grant recipients are Rutgers University's Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick and William Paterson University.