Overview

The Autism Research Program (ARP) is part of the US Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Among its strategic priorities, the ARP seeks innovative and impactful research to meet critical needs of the autism community. Priority research areas with relevance to urology include:

• Underlying conditions co-occurring with autism
• Physical health + related QOL issues in aging Autistic adults
• Sexual/reproductive health for Autistic individuals
• Non-pharmacological therapies for the core symptoms of autism or to alleviate co-occurring conditions (including pain, sleeping, eating)
• Pharmacological, genetic, and other biological treatments for the core symptoms of autism or to alleviate co-occurring conditions
• Understanding heterogeneity in treatment response, including identification of psychosocial or biological factors that (1) impact treatment outcomes or (2) can be used to prospectively identify treatments that are most likely to benefit particular subgroups of individuals

Award Types

For FY2026, ARP offers 3 award mechanisms.

Career Development Award

<$750K / 3y for independent investigator at or below the level of Asst. Prof. or equivalent; or an established investigator in a different area at or above the level of Asst. Prof seeking to transition to a career in autism. Must hold doctoral degree & must not have received >$250K in total direct costs for previous or concurrent autism research. Must not have previously received Career Development Award or equivalent.

Clinical Trial Award

<$1.5m total costs for single established PI or <1.75m for early career investigator PI partnership. Project period up to 4y. Supports rapid execution and analysis of clinical trials with the potential to have significant impact on the treatment or management of autism. Preliminary data required.

Idea Development Award

<$750K / 3y for independent investigator at or above the level of Asst. Prof. or equivalent. Supports the development of innovative, high-risk/high reward research that could lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate progress in improving outcomes for Autistic individuals. Preliminary data required; clinical trials not allowed. Up to 2 PIs may collaborate on a single application.

Deadlines

Preproposals for all award mechanisms must be submitted to the Electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) by July 27, 2026.