Researchers at the Waisman Center’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) were recently awarded a grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to support research to improve the health and well-being of children and youth with autism.
In memoriam, Paul Rathouz, former Waisman executive team member and collaborator
Paul Rathouz, PhD, former Chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, passed away from complications of multiple myeloma on Wednesday afternoon, December 10, 2025. Paul served with distinction as the chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics from 2010-2017. He will be missed by those who knew him.
Austin Pier & Ngawang Namru (Gomez Laboratory) – Slide of the Week
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a monogenic mutation to either TSC1 or TSC2. Nearly one-half of TSC patients have mild to profound intellectual disabilities and autism, with the majority developing seizures and neuropsychiatric conditions.
How advanced MRI paired with neuropsychological testing shed light on how Temple Grandin’s brain processes the world
Temple Grandin, PhD, is likely the most well-known living autistic individual, both nationally and internationally.
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.
Peter Ferrazzano, MD – Slide of the Week
Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a complication of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that carries a risk of secondary brain injury.
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.
Rebecca Alper, PhD – Slide of the Week
Childhood trauma is pervasive and can have widespread negative influences on language development.
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.
Haley Dresang, PhD – Slide of the Week
This preliminary study examined the feasibility of using correlational tractography and differential tractography to identify white-matter mechanisms associated with conceptual and lexical verb priming in post-stroke aphasia.