A Q&A with Autistic Autism Researchers at the Duke Center for Autism
Until now, only a few autism researchers have been openly autistic. Fortunately, this is changing as a growing number of self-advocates speak out in the field of scientific research. The Duke Center for Autism includes several neurodiverse researchers, staff, and faculty members working across multiple research and leadership teams, and supports a neurodiverse approach to hiring practices, clinical service delivery, and research protocols. This year, the center formed a new internal working group, the Duke Center for Autism Neurodiversity Initiatives Working Group, led by Sam Brandsen, PhD, a postdoctoral associate, and Jordan Grapel, MS, a research interventionist.
At a Crossroads Reconsidering the Goals of Autism Early Behavioral Intervention
Duke Center for Autism Director Geraldine Dawson, PhD, Associate Director Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH, and Postdoctoral Associate Sam Brandsen, PhD, provided their perspective on how autism researchers can take steps to promote neurodiversity-affirming early intervention practices.