Advancing knowledge of human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Studying the biological underpinnings of autism is exceptionally complex with more than 1000 genes thought to be associated with autism.
Yu (Kristy) Guo, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Waisman investigator Xinyu Zhao, PhD, professor of neuroscience, was recently selected to receive the prestigious Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar Award.
Brianna Piro-Gambetti, who received her PhD in Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) in 2023, is the lead author of a recently published study that examined how the mental health of autistic children is connected with the mental health and romantic relationship quality of their parents.
Barriers to accessing inclusive healthcare for autistic adults
Autism is often associated with complex tasks like social processing and language and the later-developing brain regions that control them. But what if autism is more rooted in the earliest developing and most reflex-like part of the brain – the brainstem?
Waisman Center clinicians, Madeline Barger and Megan Farley, were featured on Wisconsin Public Radio's The Morning Show on "Life as Neurodivergent People in Wisconsin".
There is no one “typical” type of researcher clinician. There are differences in training, percentage of focus on research vs clinic, and type of research done. Many also carry teaching and administrative responsibilities on top of their already demanding positions.
A recent study continues to add to the body of evidence that the brain structure of autistic individuals is different from the structure of neurotypical individuals.
Without access to communication, people are isolated and frustrated and can end up having very different life experiences. If we can establish communication for a variety of individuals using alternative tools and techniques, and in so doing, increase that individual's quality of life, I think it's a pretty substantial impact...
Former UCEDD director Bill MacLean with current director Leann DaWalt.
