Pamela Wolfberg of San Francisco State joins me to share some exciting news. Pamela is an internationally know expert on integrated peer play groups for children with autism. I interviewed Pamela in February 2007 (2007 interview) . Autism Speaks has awarded Pamela the ‘2008 Treatment Award for Clinical Research’.  The award enables three years of research about the benefits of integrated peer-play groups at after-school programs.  Autism Speaks, who historically has been funding research in the causes of autism, now has funded this clinical research that is directed at treatment and building life-long community patterns. I wrote about my daughter's experience while visiting an integrated play facility in April 2007, one of Pamela’s earlier successes (stan’s story). This is a very important step in addressing the Autism epidemic and I applaud Autism Speaks for taking this important step. Good move Autism Speaks!