Needs Assessment to Inform the Development of a Strategic Plan for the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism

CSHP will conduct an overview of the major elements of autism-related clinical, educational and training infrastructure in the state and gaps in that infrastructure. This study will catalogue the autism-related research occurring in New Jersey as well as provide a synthesis of stakeholder perceptions of existing clinical and research grant programs and a broader understanding of how other states and agencies are addressing autism. The needs assessment and study findings will be used to develop a strategic plan for the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. This strategic plan will then guide the Governor's Council with their funding priorities and strategy, including the type and structure of grant-funded programs and activities that are supported. Such a strategic plan will be instrumental in helping the Governor's Council to fulfill its legislative charge of developing a Center of Excellence for Autism in New Jersey where basic and applied biomedical research, diagnosis and treatment for autism takes place.