Emory University and other Atlanta partners are launching a new autism research center using an $8.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

The Autism Center of Excellence will bring together more than 25 researchers and physicians in eight laboratories. The center will be one of three similar enterprises around the country, a distinction that organizers say will establish Atlanta as a leader in autism research.

The center will focus their research on infants and toddlers, including new screening programs in early infancy.

Participants include Emory's pediatrics department, the university's Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Marcus Autism Center ant Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Researchers from Florida State University also will collaborate.

Emory's Ami Klin, a nationally recognized leader in autism research, will serve as director.

Tags: Emory University, research, gpbwell, autism center