Believe in Me Foundation Provides Grant for Autism Program

The Believe in Me Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, presented a gift of $50,000 to the Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation to support autism research at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC). This grant will further the Center’s current work into developing a reliable blood-based screening test for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

“We are very grateful to the Believe in Me Foundation for supporting this exciting work which will help make the autism diagnosis at the earliest possible age, when therapies can be most beneficial,” shared Dr. Tim Wood, Director of the Biochemical Genetics Lab at GGC. “Our hope is that these findings will lead us to effective treatments – which is the ultimate goal.”

“The Believe in Me Foundation is focused on promoting opportunities, education, and research solutions for individuals on the autism spectrum,” shared Justin Ryan, member of the Board of Directors of the Believe in Me Foundation. “We are confident that this gift will help promote those goals by supporting the Greenwood Genetic Center’s efforts to identify the biochemical markers and a more defined treatment for ASD.”

Ryan, who also sits on the Board of Trustees for the GGC Foundation, connected the two organizations through his advocacy work for children with autism.

Photo L-R: Bob Erwin, Chair of the GGC Foundation Board; Victoria Hann, GGC Foundation Director of Development; Justin Ryan; Dr. Tim Wood

About the Believe in Me Foundation
The Believe in Me Foundation is committed to supporting the education and welfare of children with autism, autism spectrum disorders, and other pervasive developmental disorders. The mission of the Believe in Me is to bring hope to children by developing their skills to the greatest extent possible and by discovering the talents that each child possesses and to enable children to be as independently successful as possible. Learn more at www.believeinme.com.