Blog

It’s a great honor for the UConn School of Medicine to be recognized by the prestigious Eagles Autism Foundation as one of the 22 groundbreaking projects in autism research.

The foundation has selected Uconn’s innovative research in autism and awarded it a portion of the impressive $8.1 million raised through generous contributions from fans.

Eagles Autism Challenge alone raised over $3 million

Since its inception in 2018, Eagles Autism has funded 169 autism research projects and community grants nationally and internationally. Last year, the annual Eagles Autism Challenge alone raised over $3 million, highlighting their fundraising initiatives’ significant impact and success. One of the notable awardees was Dr. Eric S. Levine, an esteemed member of the Eagles Autism Foundation’s Advisory Board and a renowned expert in autism research.

Dr. Levine, who has previously been a reviewer for submitted grant proposals, took on a new challenge and applied for a grant to further advance his cutting-edge neuroscience research lab at UConn. He emerged victorious among strong competition and secured $400,000 in funding over the next two years.

Levine’s research

Levine’s research explores the effects of genetic alterations, specifically deletions or duplications, on the behavior and function of neurons in the brain. Unlike traditional mouse models that rely on single-gene mutations, Levine’s groundbreaking approach uses skin or blood cells from individuals with Angelman or Dup15q syndrome to create specialized brain cells in a lab setting.

His goal is to compare these cells to those from healthy individuals and utilize advanced genetic analysis tools to identify the contributions of various genes to the neurological differences observed. Later, he plans to conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of current and potentially new drugs in improving patients’ symptoms and overall quality of life.

Other project funding

Apart from transformational research project funding, such as Levine’s, the funds also positively impact the community by providing grants to organizations that work towards improving the lives of autistic individuals. These efforts serve as a heartwarming reminder of the ongoing commitment to supporting and enhancing the well-being of those with autism.

At Illinois Autism, we are thrilled to see such innovative and impactful initiatives being supported through grant funding. As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families, we believe that research and advancements in understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder are crucial for creating a more inclusive and supportive society.

We also understand the importance of collaboration and partnership in these efforts, so we actively seek partnerships with researchers, organizations, and community members to work towards a common goal.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism and create a more understanding and accepting world for individuals on the spectrum. For quality Autism treatment services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Illinois Autism. We are here to support and empower individuals with autism and their families every step of the way.