Formation of myelin by Schwann cells is tightly coupled to peripheral nervous system development and is important for neuronal function and long-term maintenance.
Newly funded research to study astrocyte dysfunction in Rett syndrome
The lab of Waisman Center director, Qiang Chang, PhD, professor of medical genetics and neurology, has received $1 million in funding from the Department of Defense to study the dysfunction of astrocytes, a key brain cell that supports neurons, in Rett syndrome.
CDC reports rising autism rates with Wisconsin notably higher than the national average
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among 8-year-old children in the U.S. has increased to 1 in 31 in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020, according to a recently published report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
Statewide Success: Managing Threatening Confrontations Training Enhances Disability Support for Thousands
It focuses on teaching proactive and positive strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities through a broad range of behaviors and escalation levels.
André Sousa, PhD – Slide of the Week
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critical for myriad high-cognitive functions and is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders.
Change Ahead: Creating a Road Map to Help Families Navigate the Transition to Adulthood for Individuals with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability
The road to adulthood can be rough terrain. It consists of uncharted territory and many changes.
Tim Markle Receives 2025 Merle McPherson Family Leadership Award for Tireless Advocacy
Tim Markle, MA/CS, outreach manager of the Waisman Center’s Children’s Resource Center – South (CRC) and director of the Youth Health Transition Initiative (YHTI), recently received the 2025 Merle McPherson Family Leadership Award for exemplary contributions to further family/professional collaboration within state Title V programs and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP).
Rizvi Lab – Slide of the Week
Here, we report the spatial organization of RNA transcription and associated enhancer dynamics in the human spinal cord at single-cell and single-molecule resolution.
Improved Assessment Protocols Identify Cerebral Palsy Earlier
Research from the Pediatric Neuromodulation Lab of Bernadette Gillick, PhD, MSPT, PT, at the Waisman Center showcases that evidence-based assessments for cerebral palsy (CP) are helping to improve diagnostic timelines and access to therapies and interventions.
New Insights into Language Development: The Role of Joint Attention in Kids with Down Syndrome and Autism
Attention is a key component of learning. Think of how hard it is to learn someone’s name if all you can think about is the eyelash on their cheek. The same can be said for language learning.