Georgia State Experts to Lead Major Study on Profound Autism
Researchers from Georgia State University's TReNDS Center will help lead the largest-ever study on profound autism, funded by a $21.9 million grant from The Marcus Foundation. This five-year project will follow 7,500 children from birth to age 12 to better understand why autism affects some children more severely than others.
Why This Matters for Autism Families
According to Georgia State University, the study aims to identify patterns in development, behavior, brain activity, and genetics that could lead to more effective therapies—especially for children with the most serious forms of autism.
What Parents Should Know
While details about participation aren't provided in the announcement, this research represents significant progress in understanding profound autism. The NeuroBridge AI Core, led by Georgia State's Vince Calhoun, will integrate brain imaging with behavioral and biological data to track treatment responses.
Next Steps
- Follow updates from the Marcus Autism Center (a Children's Healthcare of Atlanta subsidiary) for potential future participation opportunities
- Discuss this research with your child's care team to understand how findings may apply to their treatment
This collaborative study brings together experts from multiple institutions, offering hope for more targeted autism interventions in the future.
Source: Georgia State University News (February 25, 2026)
Source: news.gsu.edu
