Open Access: One investigator’s experience Jennifer Harrison Elder, PhD, RN,FAAN Professor and Associate Dean for Research UF College of Nursing

My Background Been in autism field since 1981 “Autistic” vs. “artistic” Problems slow dissemination; 7 or more years media’s inaccurate reporting of findings Limited collaboration – “islands of research” Difficult to assess innovation and significance

Research Program Trajectory Development and testing of an intervention to promote language and social development in autism Trained family members are the primary interveners 12 years of NIH funding

Open Access Helps Build Research Programs Dissemination of findings is quick, facilitating feedback from those in the field Avoids delays related to subsequent grant submissions Helps us determine what direction to go next Our research – families can access information, direct application of findings Reminds us of our real reason for doing reserach – to help children and families.