We the AIR-B Network stand in solidarity and in action with our community partners in outrage at the injustices that disproportionately hurt Black communities across this country. We denounce the police violence against people of color, and we mourn the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black lives ended by structural racism and police brutality. Each new life lost carries the ugly history of countless deaths to police violence, as well as the reality that very little is changing. Injustice is woven into the fabric of our communities, as evidenced by disparities in educational, legal, and health systems and outcomes.
We are committed to equity for under-resourced communities of color who for so long have not received the timely and effective disability services that they need. Sentiments are not enough; we are in a time when we must address systematic racism through anti-racist actions. We join with our community partners in dedicating our research and training efforts to bridging these gaps.
The Autism Intervention Research Network on Behavioral Health (AIR-B) is a network of researchers seeking to advance evidence-based behavioral treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders, particularly those in underserved and minority communities. The network is composed of nine sites across the country:
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)- Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART)
University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)
University of Pennsylvania -Center of Mental Health Policy and Services Research (CMHSR)
University of California, Davis (UC Davis)- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorder (MIND Institute)
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
Florida State University (FSU)
Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI)
New York-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Development Brain (CADB)
University of Washington (UW)
The network is conducting a number of studies to assess the efficacy and sustainability of community-based treatments and is working with members of the community to ensure that these treatments are addressing the challenges that children with autism spectrum disorders face in day-to-day life. In these efforts, we hope to make substantial advancements in the field, to empower educators, professionals, and parents with the tools they need, and most importantly to make a difference in the lives of children with ASD.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UA3 MC 11055 (AIR-B). This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
