WASHINGTON -- A new foundation is dedicated to finding answers about autism, the developmental brain disorder that affects more and more children every day.

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Foundation Funds Autism Research

ONLINE Visit Our Special Autism Section AUTISM LINKS Autism Speaks Triathalton Fund-Raiser To Cure Autism St. John's Community Services Autism Society Of America National Alliance For Autism Research Cure Autism Now Cure Autism Now -- Mid-Atlantic Chapter) National Institute Of Mental Health

Autism Speaks was founded by Bob Wright and his wife, Suzanne. Wright is the chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, which owns WRC-TV. He and his wife launched the project for the many families challenged by autism, including their own. Last year, the couple's grandson was diagnosed with the disorder.

"We had a perfectly normal, healthy 2-year-old boy that would come bounding into our house," Suzanne Wright said. "He had about 700 words. He would say, 'Mama. Grandpa Bob. Take out the pots and pans. Play with the toys.' He was extraordinary. And then, little by little, he lost his vocabulary. And then he lost himself and he was in his own little world."

The couple was stunned by the lack of resources dedicated to autism research. Now they hope to change that.

Bob Wright said last summer he met with Bernie Marcus, the cofounder of Home Depot, and Dr. Gary Goldstein, the head of Baltimore's Kennedy Krieger, one of the nation's largest centers for childhood disabilities. Wright learned that very little money is spent on research of autism, which is the most prevalent birth defect of children in the United States.

"So we partnered," he said. "And what we are trying to accomplish is to drive awareness."

Wright said the only reason the number of people being diagnosed with autism doesn't match the amount of money invested in treating the disorder is a lack of awareness. In addition to raising awareness, Autism Speaks will focus on raising money for autism research.

The Wrights hope their effort will rally the country to pay more attention to a disorder that affects many children.