Close To Home: Planned UCSB Autism Center Gets $940,000 Donation

SB Independent
By Chris Meagher
May 23, 2007

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has made a $940,000 donation for a new center on UCSB’s campus where research on Asperger’s Syndrome will be conducted. Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of high-functioning autism which makes social and communication skills more difficult. Asperger’s is found in an estimated in 500 children. The center, as part of the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education’s Koegel Autism Center, will be the first dedicated to developing treatments and finding a cure to the syndrome.

The Broad Foundation, based in Los Angeles, was started by businessman and philanthropist Eli Broad, who founded two Fortune 500 companies, and now spends his time advancing education, scientific and medical research.

“Edythe and I are pleased to create a center that will support the Koegels’ innovative research into a disorder that presents a challenge for many families around the country who live with Asperger’s Syndrome,” Eli Broad said in a statement. “We are encouraged by the work underway at UCSB, and we look forward to advancing the research and knowledge that will someday lead to a cure of this disorder, and in the interim, will enable those affected to lead more productive lives.”