The Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) program represents a consolidation of the Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment (STAART) and Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism (CPEA) programs in order to maximize coordination and cohesion of NIH-sponsored efforts in autism research. The focus of the ACE centers and networks will be on the causes and best treatment of autism (as listed in the Autism Research Matrix http://www.nimh.nih.gov/autismiacc/researchmatrix.pdf).