Dear friends,

As we come to the end of the school year, I hope you have a smooth transition into some fun summer activities.

Last month we reached the end of another successful year of our Autism Seminar Series. We’ll have a great new lineup of presenters starting in August!

Read on for more recent news and research from the center.

Thank you for your support and partnership in our mission.

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

Duke & UNC Researchers to Co-lead $12.9M Study to Improve Care for Autistic Children

Duke University has been awarded $12.9 million from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for a new clinical trial to improve the standard of care for autistic children with chronic digestive discomfort.

2026 INSAR Meeting Connects ESDM Trainers around the Globe

The 2026 International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) meeting, held in Prague, provided an opportunity for Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) global trainers from across sites to connect in person. ESDM is an evidence-based behavioral therapy for young autistic children that uses everyday activities to help kids connect, communicate and learn.

AI Tool May Spot ADHD Years Before Children Are Diagnosed

New research by center researcher Matthew Engelhard, MD, PhD, and his team shows routine medical records could help flag risk for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) early, when support matters most. Autism center faculty Naomi Davis, PhD, and Geraldine Dawson, PhD, are co-authors.

Closing the Gap in Autism Screening and Care through Interdisciplinary Innovation

Geraldine Dawson, PhD, founding director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, provides an update on the SenseToKnow app.

Duke Athletes Share Smiles at 2026 Soccer Spectacular

See photos from this special event with Duke Women’s and Men’s Soccer and children from the local community.

Alignment, Adaptation, and Accommodation

Read highlights from Dr. Holden Thorp’s 2026 Duke Autism Seminar Series keynote presentation for Autism Acceptance Month.

Dawson Addresses Community's Challenges in JAMA Opinion

Geraldine Dawson, PhD, founding director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, addresses major challenges facing the autism community in this viewpoint article in JAMA Pediatrics.

🔒 Please note this article may require a subscription or institutional access.

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.