Understanding and Promoting Resources and Opportunities for People with Autism and Fragile X and their Families Across the Lifespan

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), has forecasted a cooperative agreement opportunity aimed at enhancing support and improving outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). The funding opportunity seeks to gather critical information not currently available from other federal sources, with the ultimate goal of reducing morbidity, mortality, and long-term economic and health burdens for affected individuals and their families. The initiative comprises three distinct components. Component A, known as the Survey to Promote Resources and Opportunities for aUtistic Teens and young adults (SPROUT), builds upon data from previous phases of the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED). It will utilize caregiver and self-reported surveys to gather unique insights into the service, support, educational, vocational, and social needs of adolescents and young adults with autism, focusing on impacts from co-occurring conditions and transitions to adulthood. Eligible applicants must demonstrate access to SEED participant data, either through original data collection or formal partnerships. Component B, Focus on Advancing Support and Transition with the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FAST FORWARD), will use clinic-based enrollment to gather data on a minimum of 200 individuals per clinic diagnosed with FXS. This component seeks information on diagnosis barriers, support needs, and developmental transitions, aiming to improve care strategies and reduce familial and societal costs related to FXS. Component C is focused on dissemination of the knowledge gained through Components A and B. Applicants will be expected to create and distribute high-quality public health communications and educational materials to healthcare providers, families, and affected communities. The purpose is to increase national capacity to support individuals with FXS and drive broader awareness. The estimated total program funding is $18 million, with up to 11 awards expected. This opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities including public and private higher education institutions, local and tribal governments, school districts, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), and for-profit organizations. Component-specific eligibility criteria also apply, especially regarding access to prior study data and recruitment capabilities. Applications are forecasted to open on February 24, 2026, and close on April 24, 2026. Award decisions are anticipated by July 24, 2026, with project start dates projected for August 30, 2026. Applicants must submit proposals electronically by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the due date. Contact for this funding opportunity is Seema Gupta, reachable at cvk9@cdc.gov or (770) 488-6527.

Emphasize documented access to SEED data or partnerships, strong outreach history, and experience with public health dissemination to maximize competitiveness.