Mark your calendars for a transformative experience! The 13th Day of Learning, hosted by the Autism Science Foundation, is set to take place in person on March 26, 2026, at the prestigious 583 Park Ave in New York City. This annual event is a beacon for groundbreaking insights and discussions in autism research, bringing together leading minds to share their latest findings and perspectives. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this year's lineup promises to challenge conventional thinking and inspire new directions in the field.
Featured Talks for the 13th Day of Learning:
Josh Gordon (Columbia and NIH) will delve into Understanding the Changing Autism Research Landscape, offering a comprehensive overview of how the field is evolving and what it means for future discoveries.
Helen Tager-Flusberg (Coalition for Autism Scientists, Boston University) presents Pushing Back: Autism Scientists Speak Out, a bold discussion on the challenges and controversies faced by researchers in the autism community. And this is the part most people miss—her talk is expected to spark lively debate about the direction of autism advocacy and research.
David Mandell (University of Pennsylvania) explores The Promise of the Federal ADSI Studies, shedding light on how large-scale initiatives are shaping our understanding of autism.
John Spiro (Simons Foundation) will discuss Confirming New Autism Subtypes, a topic that could revolutionize personalized treatment approaches. But here's where it gets controversial—how do we ethically categorize and treat these subtypes without stigmatizing individuals?
Stephan Sanders (Oxford University and UCSF) examines Prospects for Genetic Medicines, offering hope for targeted therapies while raising questions about accessibility and equity.
Diana Schendel (Drexel University) focuses on Understanding Family Recurrence Beyond the First Degree, a critical area that could reshape how we approach genetic counseling and family support.
Looking Back at the 12th Day of Learning:
Last year's event was equally groundbreaking, featuring talks that pushed the boundaries of autism research. Highlights included:
Dr. Allyson Berent (Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics) on Gene Editing and Gene Therapies in Genetically-Defined Autisms, a glimpse into the future of precision medicine.
Dr. Robert Schultz (University of Pennsylvania) discussed Leveraging AI Tools to Characterize Autism, showcasing how technology is transforming diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. David Amaral (University of California, Davis) emphasized The Critical Role of Families in Autism Research Utilizing Post-Mortem Brain Tissue, a sensitive yet vital topic that underscores the importance of family involvement.
Dr. Rebeca Levy (Stanford University) presented Organoids and Assembloids for Personalized Profound Autism Treatment, a cutting-edge approach to tailored therapies.
Dr. Elena Tenenbaum (Duke University) explored Utilizing AI to Understand Early Development in Infants, offering insights into early intervention strategies.
Dr. Heather Nuske (University of Pennsylvania) shared Using Wearable Devices to Reduce Severe Behaviors in Students with Profound Autism, a practical application of technology in special education.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
As we anticipate the 13th Day of Learning, we invite you to join the conversation. How do we balance innovation with ethical considerations in autism research? Are we doing enough to include diverse voices in the discussion? And what does the future hold for personalized treatments? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community that’s shaping the future of autism science. See you in New York City!
