Temple Grandin, PhD, is likely the most well-known living autistic individual, both nationally and internationally. She is not only a renowned scientist and educator but also an esteemed author and advocate. Across the decades of her life, she has spent considerable time on her personal pursuit of knowledge and understanding about autism and the ways that it influences her perception and interpretation of the world around her. As a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, her professional pursuits involve studying animal behavior and, in particular, designing humane livestock-handling systems.
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The Baby Badger Network seeks to make genetic testing more accessible to critically-ill newborns throughout Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, a new initiative is transforming the landscape of neonatal care by making genetic testing more accessible for critically-ill newborns. The Baby Badger Network (BBN) is a team effort among healthcare providers to break down barriers to genetic testing and ensure timely diagnosis and care for their most vulnerable patients.
Waisman Early Childhood Program’s longest serving teacher retires
The Waisman Early Childhood Program’s (WECP) longest serving teacher, Lisa Marie Carilli-McCord, officially retired at the end of October.
New algorithm helps decipher complex biological data to advance neurodevelopmental research
A new machine learning algorithm developed at UW-Madison is helping researchers untangle a complex puzzle: the molecular mechanisms behind developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases. COSIME, created by the lab of Waisman investigator Daifeng Wang, PhD, associate professor of biostatistics and medical informatics, and computer sciences, offers a powerful new way to integrate and interpret multiple types of biological data which can give scientists a clearer view of how different cellular clues come together to shape disease outcomes.
New research reinforces the link between a cellular quality control system and rare forms of autism
Just like a car factory relies on inspectors to ensure that every vehicle is built correctly, cells depend on internal quality control systems to keep proteins functioning as they should. New research from Waisman Center investigator Luigi Puglielli, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reveals that disruptions in one such system—the endoplasmic reticulum’s acetylation pathway—can lead to rare forms of autism and progeria, offering fresh insights into the cellular roots of these complex conditions.
A tribute to Paul White: Champion of community, compassion, and change
Paul White, MA, founder of Community TIES and former director of the Waisman Center’s Community Outreach Wisconsin program, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2025.
New research suggests mixing languages during study session might be a more effective learning method
A new paper from the lab of Waisman investigator Margarita Kaushanskaya, PhD, professor of communication sciences and disorders at UW-Madison, provides evidence that suggests when trying to learn two languages, studying them both during the same session rather than separately might be the more beneficial strategy.
Lily Wagner on researching, diagnosing and treating autism
Waisman Center Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic Director Lily Wagner considers the Trump administration’s warnings about acetaminophen and approval of leucovorin as a treatment for autism. By Frederica Freyberg | Here & Now September 26, …
Wisconsin researcher responds to White House autism announcement
Since that press conference on Monday afternoon, numerous medical organizations have pushed back, saying acetaminophen is safe for pregnant women to use
As Trump warns of danger with acetaminophen, autism community calls for support, not cure
Natalie Eilbert Milwaukee Journal Sentinel At 40, Erin Miller takes solace in the ordinary joys of life. She goes on nature walks, watches the seasonal butterflies, enjoys a good bowl of ice cream, and plays …