Dear friends,

In the past year we saw record numbers of participants enrolled in our research studies, diagnostic evaluations completed in the clinic, and attendees at our monthly educational seminars! See more highlights from 2025 or explore the full report for all the top stories from our four mission areas: research, patient care, education and training, and community impact.

We look forward to setting up more fun events with community partners across Duke and Durham this year, as well as continuing our team’s exceptional research and patient care. Your participation and support is vital for finding meaningful answers to our research questions.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our mission.

Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH
Interim Director
Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development

Holden Thorp, PhD, editor-in-chief, Science

Holden Thorp, PhD, editor-in-chief of Science, professor of chemistry at George Washington University and chancellor emeritus at UNC Chapel Hill, will deliver the 2026 Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development Autism Acceptance Month keynote seminar:

A Convergent Model for Autistic Flourishing: How Research and Experience Highlight the Interplay Among Fit, Adaptation, and Accommodation

Wednesday, April 8, 4 pm ET via Zoom

Register Here

Video: Can Developmental Screening Tools Help Flag Speech-Language Delays at Age 2?

In a study that looked at the electronic health records of 7,198 children, lower scores on the Survey of Well-Being of Young Children — reflecting greater developmental concern — were strongly associated with speech-language delay diagnoses at the 24-month visit, with differences observed across insurance type and demographic groups.

🎥 Watch Dr. Danai Fannin’s video abstract of this new publication.

Danai Kasambira Fannin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, F-ASHA, is an associate professor of communication sciences at NCCU and adjunct associate professor in Duke’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences. She is also a member of our Autism Center Community Engagement Advisory Board.

Autism Center Receives Generous Donation from Student Group

Huge thanks to B&K’s Studio for their generous donation to the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development!

B&K’s Studio is a non-profit founded by a group of local high school students in 2022 to support the autism community.

Mattel Introduces 1st Barbie Doll Representing Autism

Mattel has introduced a new autistic Barbie doll featuring accessories such as headphones, a fidget spinner, and a communication aid.

"Autistic kids often feel excluded because they are different. Having a doll that represents their personal experiences sends a message that they are valued and included," Geraldine Dawson, PhD, told ABC News.

Duke-NCCU Interdisciplinary Postdoc Training Program Applications Open

Applications are now being accepted for the Duke-NCCU Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Training Program! The program aims to equip trainees with specialized skills and advanced methodologies in developmental neuroscience research with a focus on child psychiatry and neurodevelopmental conditions. 

See details on the program, eligibility, and how to apply.

Sensory Friendly Film Series at the Carolina Theatre

There are two more films in this season of the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s Sensory Friendly Film Series. You’re invited to join us for these screenings adapted with sensory accommodations for a more enjoyable movie-going experience.

Get FREE tickets for each movie at the links below:

Saturday, April 25, 11 am - The Lion King (2019)

Saturday, May 9, 11 am - Wall-E

We are looking for children ages 3-5 without developmental delays or diagnoses to join our study! The study explores how children learn, behave, and use their brains.

What's involved:

Children receive a space scientist badge. Caregivers receive $100 after completion of the second visit.

Visit our COMET Study website or email us at autismresearch@duke.edu to learn more.