A Message from the Director
As we start the new year, I am reminded of the incredible support from our research participants and their families, our advisory committees and community partners, and our donors and funding institutions, all of whom make our success possible. In this newsletter, I am pleased to share with you our Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development 2022 Impact Report, which highlights our efforts to deliver comprehensive clinical care, conduct impactful research, provide training for the next generation of scientists, and empower autistic individuals to live full and meaningful lives. In this issue of Connections, we also share some recent national news media coverage on our neurodiversity-affirming approach to clinical trials, present our Holiday Greeting Art Gallery, and announce our 2023 Autism Acceptance Month keynote speaker. Throughout the year, I hope you will check our website, where you can stay up to date on our latest research studies, events, news, and professional development programs (such as our very popular Duke Center for Autism Speaker Series).
Thank you again for your support and partnership. I wish you a healthy and prosperous new year.
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Geraldine Dawson, PhD
Director, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development
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Prediction of Autism in Infants: Progress and Challenges |
In The Lancet Neurology, Nov. 22, center researchers summarize the latest advances and ongoing challenges in the prediction of autism in infancy. The researchers note that encouraging evidence exists that prediction of later autism in infants is possible. They note that key factors for future success include the need for studies to have more diverse populations of infants and frameworks in implementation involving a variety of stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals, caregivers, and people with lived experience. Read the full article here.
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NIH-funded Study Allows Families to Track their Infant's Development from 6-36 months |
In families with one or more children diagnosed with autism, the chances that a younger sibling will be autistic are higher than in the general population. The Duke Sense to Know study is working to develop an easy to use home-delivered digital app that can be used to screen for autism and developmental disabilities. The study team is currently recruiting participants 6–12 months of age who live in North Carolina. Study activities can be completed at home. If there are any concerns for a child's development, an evaluation with a licensed psychologist is provided at no cost.
To learn more, visit sensetoknow.health. The study is open to families who speak Spanish too! Pro# 00104066
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Scientific American: Autism Treatment Shifts Away from “Fixing” the Condition
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Scientific American interviewed Duke Center for Autism Director Geraldine Dawson, PhD, in an article exploring the autism community’s conversation about the goal of autism treatments/therapies. Explains Dr. Dawson, “We’ve moved away from thinking of autism as a condition that needs to be eliminated or fixed to thinking about autism as part of the neurodiversity that exists across humankind. The question then becomes, How do we best support people who are autistic, and how would you measure improvement if you are conducting clinical trials?” Read the full article in the Dec.1, 2022, issue of Scientific American.
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Now Enrolling Autistic Kids 4-7 Years
HERO study investigates overlap of autism, ADHD & anxiety
All HERO participants get an in-person evaluation at the Duke Center for Autism at no cost. Only 2-3 in-person visits are needed, plus one parent interview that can be done virtually. Parents will be compensated for their time. Email us or visit the study website. Pro# 00108001
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Holiday Greeting Art Gallery features neurodiverse artists of all ages from around the world! |
The Duke Center for Autism 2022 Holiday Greeting Art Gallery features almost 50 submissions from neurodiverse individuals and their family members of all ages! Thank you to all those who submitted your art for the gallery.
Congratulations to David, age 9, an artist with autism and epilepsy, whose artwork, "The Night of Christmas Town" was selected to illustrate our Duke Center for Autism holiday greeting e-card. .
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Mark your calendars!
Announcing our 2023
Autism Acceptance Month keynote speaker - Trabian Shorters
Save the date for our 2023 Autism Acceptance Month keynote presenter, Trabian Shorters, catalyst of a national movement and an international authority on the cognitive framework called “Asset-Framing.” On April 12th, Shorters, a New York Times bestselling author, will share how Asset-Framing defines individuals by their aspirations and contributions, equips communities to have greater social impact, engages broader populations, and makes stronger cases for equity and systems change. This free, virtual presentation will be open to all. Follow us on social media and watch your email for details!
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'22-'23 Autism Speaker Series Features Self-advocates, Researchers and Practitioners
Join us each month for our Duke Center for Autism Speaker Series! These one-hour, virtual presentations are free, open to all and feature autism investigators, clinicians, practitioners, and self-advocates sharing the latest research, interventions, and perspectives. Topics include autism supports and therapies, self-advocacy, genetics and neuroscience, equity and inclusion, and more.
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