Heart-broken. Devastated. Grief-stricken. Words such as these just scratch the surface of the emotions of those who live with a child with an autism spectrum disorder each and every day. At this time of national emergency in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the trustees and staff of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) share in the emotion of this disaster on the Gulf Coast. Our thoughts are especially with those in the area who are coping with the tragic loss of loved ones, homes and possessions, while at the same time dealing with a child or children with an autism spectrum disorder. The combination is unimaginable and our hearts go out to these individuals in a special way.

Resolve. Hope. Commitment. Words such as these are part of NAAR's thoughts and prayers for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. We hope that those individuals affected by this tragedy will be able to demonstrate resolve and hope for the future.

NAAR and Autism Cares

NAAR is banding together with other organizations within the autism community by partnering with Autism Cares-Katrina. We encourage you to visit http://www.autismcares.org/ if you wish to make a donation of money, shelter, clothing, transportation, or other services to the many displaced families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Additional resource and support information may also be found through The Katrina Disaster Relief Information for People with Disabilities website at http://www.katrinadisability.info/.

Established in 1994, the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) is the first non-profit organization in the country dedicated to funding and accelerating biomedical research for autism spectrum disorders. The organization was established by parents of children with autism concerned about the limited amount of funding for autism research. To date, NAAR has committed nearly $30 million in grants for biomedical research projects worldwide that seek to find the causes, prevention, effective treatments and, ultimately, cure for autism spectrum disorders. Walk for Autism Research is the organization's signature fundraising and autism awareness event, which is held annually in numerous communities across the United States. Additionally, NAAR was instrumental in establishing the Autism Tissue Program, a parent-led brain tissue donation program for autism research.