Understanding Autism: Insights from Research and Practice

Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH, interim director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, joins the Duke Clinical Research Institute's Beyond the Endpoint podcast for an in-depth conversation about autism research, care, and community. 

How AI is Aiding Earlier Diagnosis of Autism 

On the Raise the Line podcast, Geraldine Dawson, PhD, shares advancements in early therapeutic interventions and explains what has contributed to a near tripling of autism diagnoses over the past two decades.

Keep up with the center’s news on our website!

Research helps us learn how all children grow, think, and learn. To do this, scientists study kids with autism and kids without autism. Families with non-autistic children also play an important role in this work. We thank them for helping us better understand how young minds develop.

Machine Learning Model Improves on Long-Term Diagnosis Prediction

Duke researchers have found a newer machine learning model called a Discrete-Time Neural Network (DTNN) to be more effective when working with incomplete patient records, particularly for individuals with less access to care.

This advancement could help doctors make more accurate predictions about conditions like autism and ADHD. Read more.

Research Including Kids with Intellectual Disabilities Gives More Complete Picture of Autism

If research doesn’t include autistic people with intellectual disabilities, it may describe autism in general but miss what’s unique to them. Duke's COMET research team makes accommodations for every child to have a comfortable experience, and ensure that their results reflect all expressions of autism. Read more.

COMET Study Recruiting Kids Without Autism

The COMET study is recruiting kids 3-5 years old without autism to help us learn more about the brain and behavior. Kids play engaging games and caregivers are compensated.

All participants get a space scientist badge to show their teachers, friends, and family! Visit our COMET website or email us at autismresearch@duke.edu to learn more.

Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development Night at Duke Women’s Soccer

Duke Women’s Soccer is dedicating their final home game of the season - against Clemson University - to the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development!

Thursday, Oct 30, 7 pm | Koskinen Stadium, Duke University, 106 Whitford Dr, Durham, NC 27705

 The soccer team has offered a special discounted rate for our community for this game:

First ticket: FREE

Each additional ticket: $5

We hope to see you there!

A limited number of kids, age 12 and under, can join the team on the field as anthem buddies. Anthem buddies will stand with a team member during the national anthem, and participate in a high-five tunnel before the game.

If your child is interested in being an anthem buddy, please reply to elizabeth.sturdivant@duke.edu.

Duke Arts Presents Jenn Freeman’s “Is It Thursday Yet?”

This stunning tapestry of dance, live music, and home video footage invites audiences into the unique complexities of dancer and choreographer Jenn Freeman’s life following her autism diagnosis at age 33.

The center is consulting with Duke Arts staff on a social story to help community members know what to expect from the production.

November 14 and 15, 7:30 pm

Tickets and More Info

Sensory Friendly Film Series at the Carolina Theatre

The next movie in the Sensory Friendly Film Series at the Carolina Theatre is Monsters Inc! Saturday, October 25 at 11:00 am. Get tickets.

See the full schedule and get free tickets at the Carolina Theatre’s website.

Duke Center for Autism Seminar Series

Our Duke Center for Autism Seminar Series will feature a presentation by Greg Siegle, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, November 5 at 4 pm.

Register for this free webinar here.

Visit the seminar series webpage or sign up for our seminar series email list for more information.