The Waisman Center celebrates the selection of Xinyu Zhao, PhD, a principal investigator renowned for her work in neural stem cells and neurodevelopment, as one of the esteemed recipients of a 2025 Eagles Autism Foundation research grant.
News
Beyond the bench: Waisman-born clinical trials
AT A GLANCE: The Long Journey of Clinical Trials – Scientific discoveries take years to become treatments. Researchers must prove safety and effectiveness through four trial phases, testing interventions on small groups before expanding to …
Understanding why individuals with disabilities continue to be left out of health research
Individuals with disabilities face significant health disparities, yet remain underrepresented in health research. There is substantial evidence that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are systematically excluded from health research, even when it involves a condition that disproportionately impacts them.
Tribute to Frank L. Siegel, PhD
The emeritus professor of pediatrics and biomolecular chemistry passed away on January 1, 2026 at the age of 93.
Parents as partners: How a community advisory council highlights the importance of learning from lived experience in research
Researchers are increasingly recognizing what families have long known: lived experience is its own form of expertise.
Finding connection: The struggles and strengths of building relationships for individuals with autism
Relationships are hard. It’s part of why there are countless books, podcasts, and blog posts about how to build, maintain, and keep relationships.
James Li receives Vilas Associates Award
James Li, PhD, Waisman Center investigator and A.A. Alexander Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, has been selected to receive a Vilas Associates Award.
Study shows prenatal alcohol exposure may shape drinking behavior later in life
Prenatal exposure to alcohol may increase the risk of problematic drinking in adulthood according to a new 20 year-longitudinal study done in primates.
From Lived Experience to Leadership: Jack Hoselton’s Advocacy Journey with WI LEND
Jack Hoselton strives to improve society for people with disabilities. His own lived experience as a man with autism gives him an understanding of the disability world, its strengths and its challenges.
How LEND training shaped a Waisman CASC clinician’s approach to inclusive care and communication access
Becca Stroschein realized while volunteering as an undergraduate student at a non-profit for autistic adults, that she held a deep passion for helping others find a form of communication that works for them so that they can have access to their community.