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RFAs: Profound Autism Pilot Grant and Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program

Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is accepting applications for its Profound Autism Pilot Grant and Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program, supporting research focused on the unique needs of individuals with profound autism. Funding is available for one-year pilot studies and pre-doctoral training projects that explore biological mechanisms, treatments, co-morbidities, and methodological challenges. Applications are due March 2, 2026, and must include an advocacy organization’s support.

Autism Science Foundation Profound Autism Pilot Grant & Pre-Doctoral Fellowship: Complete AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Autism Science Foundation is offering two competitive funding programs to advance research on profound autism—a subgroup of autistic individuals with significant cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive challenges. These grants aim to improve scientific understanding, treatment pathways, and research methods tailored to this underserved population.

Understanding Profound Autism

Profound autism is defined using multiple criteria that highlight intensive support needs. Applicants must clearly define their target population based on:

  • Age 8 or older

  • Clinical autism diagnosis

  • Need for adult supervision

  • Minimal independence in daily living

  • IQ below 50 or minimal verbal communication

  • Persistent, severe symptoms

This definition ensures scientific focus on individuals with the highest support requirements.

Types of ASF Awards

1. Profound Autism Pilot Grant

  • Amount: Up to $35,000

  • Duration: 1 year

  • Eligibility: Established investigators with an M.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., or Sc.D.

  • Use of Funds: Supplies, salary, consultant fees (no tuition or indirect costs)

2. Pre-Doctoral Fellowship

  • Amount: $35,000 (salary + fringe benefits)

  • Duration: 1 year

  • Eligibility: Graduate or medical students pursuing research doctorates or dual degrees

  • Mentorship: Required mentor; optional advisor

  • Restrictions: Cannot be used for tuition or indirect costs

Research Priorities

ASF encourages innovative proposals that address key gaps in profound autism research, including:

  • Biological mechanisms and genetic underpinnings

  • Behavioral, pharmacological, or genetic treatment evaluations

  • Co-morbid physical or psychiatric conditions

  • Recruitment, data collection, and methodological constraints

  • Dangerous behaviors (optional but allowed)

  • Comparative control groups with non-profound autism (preference given)

Why This Funding Matters

  • Supports an underserved, high-needs population

  • Advances scientific discovery through rigorous, targeted research

  • Helps establish early-career researchers in autism science

  • Promotes collaborations between researchers and advocacy organizations

  • Encourages development of practical, impactful solutions

Who Is Eligible?

For Pilot Grants

  • Must hold an M.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., or Sc.D.

  • Must hold a position at a university, research institution, or 501(c)(3)

  • Open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens

  • International institutions permitted

For Pre-Doctoral Fellowships

  • Must be an enrolled graduate or medical student in good standing

  • Must have a research mentor, plus optional advisor

  • Additional recommendation letter required

Required for All Applicants

  • A letter of support from a recognized advocacy organization involved in profound autism
    Examples:

    • National Council on Severe Autism

    • Profound Autism Alliance

    • AGENDA member groups

What the Grant Does Not Cover

  • Tuition costs

  • Indirect institutional costs

  • Large-scale, multi-year research programs

  • Projects unrelated to profound autism or autism research

  • Applications intending to transfer funds into mainland China

How to Apply

Follow this structured process to submit a complete and compliant application:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

All applications must include:

  1. Title page

  2. Proposal abstract & lay abstract

  3. Research plan + analytic strategy

  4. Bibliography

  5. Detailed budget + justification

  6. Biosketches for all key personnel

  7. Advocacy organization letter

  8. For fellowships:

    • Training plan

    • Mentor statement

    • Additional recommendation letter

2. Format Requirements

  • Compile everything into one PDF document

  • Ensure clarity, structure, and scientific rigour

3. Submission

  • Deadline: March 2, 2026

  • Time: 5:00 PM ET

  • Method: Submit via email as a single PDF

  • Notifications: June–July 2026

  • Project Start: Expected by August 1, 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing advocacy organization letter (a mandatory requirement)

  • Submitting multiple PDFs instead of one consolidated file

  • Failing to clearly define “profound autism” according to ASF criteria

  • Overstating project scope beyond a one-year timeframe

  • Including tuition or indirect costs in the budget

  • Not demonstrating relevance to profound autism specifically

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can international applicants apply?

Yes. Both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, and institutions worldwide, are eligible.

2. Are advocacy letters optional?

No. Every applicant must include a letter of support from a recognized advocacy organization.

3. Can funding be used for participant compensation?

Yes, as long as it fits within the allowed direct research costs.

4. Can a student apply without a mentor?

No. Pre-doctoral applicants must have a qualified mentor and submit a training plan.

5. Are indirect costs allowed?

No. Neither award allows institutional overhead or indirect costs.

6. Can applicants submit more than one proposal?

No. Applicants may not appear on multiple submissions for this specific call.

7. What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects with strong scientific rigor, clear focus on profound autism, comparative analyses, and feasible one-year plans.

Conclusion

The Autism Science Foundation’s Profound Autism Pilot Grant and Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program provides critical support for innovative research dedicated to individuals with profound autism. With clear eligibility rules, targeted research priorities, and strong advocacy partnerships, this funding opportunity helps advance meaningful scientific insights and improve outcomes for a significantly underserved community. Applicants are encouraged to prepare comprehensive, well-structured proposals ahead of the March 2, 2026 deadline.

For more information, visit Autism Science Foundation.