February 2024

Nicole Simon, the Senior Behavioral Consultant at the Lurie Center for Autism, is passionate about helping families overcome obstacles and improve quality of life. As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, she has worked with many families to acquire the skills and resources they need to feel prepared in challenging situations. When not consulting with families or conducting workshops, Nicole enjoys being outside, cooking, eating, playing word games, watching University of Michigan sports, and going on adventures with her husband and two kids.

Read the full interview here.

The majority of students in Massachusetts with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related neurodevelopmental condition have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific educational services and accommodations that a student with special needs is entitled to receive. For the first time in 20 years, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has overhauled its IEP resources. In this article we describe key changes to the IEP form and highlight some important considerations for parents and caregivers who are preparing to transition to the new IEP form. Read the full article here.

The Lurie Center for Autism invites you to join Chris McDougle, MD, Director, Lurie Center for Autism, and Sarah Campbell, Senior Research Coordinator, Adult Autism Health Resources, Harvard Medical School, on Wednesday, February 14th, for a presentation on Harvard Medical School’s latest initiatives designed to improve health care for autistic adults.

Dr. McDougle will discuss Clinical Care for Autistic Adults, a free CME course for clinicians designed by HMS faculty and experts who lead their fields in autism care. The course explains what it means to provide autism-competent care and explores how some medical conditions present differently in autistic patients. Ms. Campbell will present Adult Autism Health Resources (AAHR), a patient and family website that provides information, tools, and resource links to assist autistic patients and their caregivers at key points in the adult lifespan. AAHR gives specific advice on health conditions common in autistic adults and provides tools for understanding and communication about those conditions. Time will be left at the end of the presentation for questions. Register for this event online.

In December 2023, Neuren Pharmaceuticals, an Australian company, shared the outcome of a Phase 2 clinical study focusing on children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a genetic syndrome associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study assessed the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of an experimental compound known as NNZ-2591. Neuren's initial analysis indicated that the drug was well-tolerated and the children in the study showed measurable improvements in areas like communication, behavior, cognition/learning, and socialization. Read the full article here. 

You may have seen some new faces around the Lurie Center lately. Our team is growing across disciplines with new staff in family support services, research, nursing, psychology, and even a new practice manager! We’re excited to welcome all of our new staff and the expertise, professionalism and commitment they bring to the Lurie Center. Meet them here.

This parent support workshop series, led by Dr. Davina Savant, is designed for families of South Asian heritage (e.g. Indian, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Bhutanese, Maldivian, Afghani, Sri-Lankan) with children under the age of 12 who have autism spectrum disorder. This series provides an opportunity for families with similar cultural backgrounds to engage in interactive discussions and receive professional guidance with a South Asian cultural perspective on important topics such as parenting styles, parenting partnership, disclosure, the landscape of neurodiversity in South Asia, complementary medicine considerations, and long-distance air travel accommodations.

This 3-session series is held twice per year on consecutive Thursdays from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Cost is $35 per session. Workshop dates will be confirmed upon registration. Register by contacting us at LurieCenter@mgb.org or 781-860-1700. 

The MGH Lurie Center for Autism is currently recruiting for a research study that will evaluate emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorder. The study is aimed at improving how anxiety is assessed in youth with ASD, by measuring heart rate, heart rhythm, and sweat in the lab and at home using a portable heart monitor and smart watch. Children, ages 7-17, diagnosed with ASD, both with and without anxiety, are encouraged to participate. One in-person visit is required in Lexington, MA and questionnaires may be completed remotely. Compensation up to $50 for study completion.

View currently enrolling Lurie Center research studies.