Mark your calendars for an exciting event! The 13th Day of Learning, hosted by the Autism Science Foundation, is set to occur in person on March 26, 2026, at the prestigious 583 Park Avenue in New York City. This gathering promises to be a pivotal moment for those interested in the evolving world of autism research.
This year's event will showcase an impressive lineup of speakers who are leaders in the field. Among them, we have Josh Gordon from Columbia University and the NIH, who will discuss the dynamic changes within the autism research landscape. Helen Tager-Flusberg from the Coalition for Autism Scientists at Boston University will take the stage to address a critical issue with her talk titled "Pushing Back: Autism Scientists Speak Out." David Mandell from the University of Pennsylvania will present insights into the potential benefits of federal ADSI studies, highlighting their importance in advancing autism research.
Moreover, John Spiro from the Simons Foundation will delve into the confirmation of new autism subtypes, while Stephan Sanders from Oxford University and UCSF will explore the promising future of genetic medicines. Diana Schendel from Drexel University will provide valuable perspectives on understanding family recurrence beyond the first degree, shedding light on vital familial patterns in autism.
To give you a glimpse of what was discussed last year, the 12th Day of Learning featured a range of groundbreaking talks. Dr. Allyson Berent from Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics shared insights on gene editing and therapies tailored for genetically-defined forms of autism. Dr. Robert Schultz, also from the University of Pennsylvania, showcased how artificial intelligence tools can enhance our understanding of autism characterization.
Dr. David Amaral from the University of California, Davis, emphasized the essential role families play in autism research, particularly through the utilization of post-mortem brain tissue. Meanwhile, Dr. Rebeca Levy from Stanford University introduced innovative concepts involving organoids and assembloids aimed at personalizing treatments for profound autism. In another fascinating session, Dr. Elena Tenenbaum from Duke University discussed the application of AI in studying early developmental stages in infants. Lastly, Dr. Heather Nuske from the University of Pennsylvania presented her work on using wearable devices to help reduce severe behaviors in students with profound autism.
So, as we look forward to this year's event, it's clear that the field of autism research is rapidly advancing, and discussions around it are becoming increasingly vital. But here's where it gets controversial: As we embrace new technologies and methodologies, how do we ensure inclusivity and ethical considerations in autism research? We invite you to think about these questions and share your thoughts below. What aspects of autism research do you find most intriguing or concerning?
