Marcus Autism Center Received $17.25 Million Grant
The Atlanta-based facility will use the funds to develop gene-based medical treatments for children with severe autism.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Autism
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The Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta has secured a $17.25 million grant from Aligning Research to Impact Autism to advance new medical therapies. The center will share this funding with the Emory School of Medicine to research treatments for severe autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Why it matters
The grant supports critical research into gene-based treatments for the estimated 600,000 children in the United States currently living with severe autism. This effort aims to address the significant medical needs of a population that represents one-quarter of all U.S. autism cases.
The center treats 6,000 children annually through 65,000 clinical visits and operates with a staff of 560. Severe autism affects 600,000 children out of the 2.3 million pediatric autism cases in the United States.
The players
Marcus Autism Center
This Atlanta-based facility provides clinical care and research for children with autism and related conditions.
Emory School of Medicine
This academic institution is partnering with the Marcus Autism Center to conduct medical research.
Bernie Marcus
He is the founder of the Marcus Autism Center and a philanthropist.
Ami Klin
He has served as the director of the Marcus Autism Center since 2011.
The details
Operating under the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta network, the center will utilize the funds to develop medical treatments while collaborating with an international research network. The organization plans to expand its local facility by adding 160 parking spaces to accommodate its ongoing clinical operations.
Timeline
1991: Bernie Marcus founded the Marcus Autism Center.
2008: The center joined the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta network.
2011: Ami Klin was recruited as director.
2026: The center received a $21.9 million Marcus Foundation contribution.
The Big Picture
This grant expands the scope of the Marcus Autism Center's research network, which includes 10 U.S. sites and international partners. The investment marks a shift toward specialized, gene-based treatment development within this established clinical framework.
The development of new gene-based treatments may eventually provide additional therapeutic options for families managing severe autism symptoms. Local residents continue to access care through the main Briarcliff Road facility and four metropolitan satellite locations.
The takeaway
The increased funding highlights a growing emphasis on treating severe neurodevelopmental conditions through precision medicine. Families should continue to monitor clinical developments as research initiatives advance into potential new therapies.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives at the Atlanta Autism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlanta Jewish Times.
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