UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART)

The UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART), a National Institutes of Health Autism Center of Excellence (ACE), plays a leading role — locally, nationally and internationally — in developing an improved understanding of the biological and psychosocial basis of autism. Combining our excellence in research, education and assessment, the Center continues to develop and disseminate new and more effective treatments for autism and autism spectrum disorders.

Utilizing a strong interdisciplinary approach in genetics, neurobiology, psychology, brain imaging and psychiatry, the Center’s main research aim is to understand the origins of the social, communicative, and language deficits demonstrated by individuals with autism and related disorders. CART is also proud of its outreach to families and community practitioners, building strong partnerships with members of the autism community.

The mission of the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment is to continue to play a leading role, both nationally and internationally, in efforts to develop an improved understanding of the biological basis of autism, so as to improve diagnosis and to develop and disseminate new, more effective treatments for autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan.  We hope to achieve these goals by fostering a strong collaborative environment for basic and applied research, as well as a challenging, but supportive environment for trainees.