Research

Including Kids with Intellectual Disabilities in Research

Child playing with blocks. Overlay of a brain with illuminated EEG points in the background.
Read how the COMET study includes participants with intellectual disabilities, a critical step to identifying and distinguishing categories across the autism spectrum for a more complete picture of autism.

Can Electronic Health Records Reveal Early Signs of Autism?

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Duke’s AURORA study is using machine learning to uncover hidden patterns in children’s health records—patterns that may signal autism before diagnosis. Discover how this groundbreaking research could lead to earlier support for kids and families.

Research Publication Summaries

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To make sure that you can learn more about our published research discoveries, our website has a selection of our team's research publications, with the main findings summarized in simpler language.

Community

group walks through an art gallery with a guide

ArtVentures at the Nasher: Photo Story

We collaborated with Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art to host a sensory friendly event for local families. Kids enjoyed making crafts and tours of the galleries led by Nasher staff.
Duke womens soccer players in a circle

Duke Women's Soccer Dedicates Game to Autism Center

At their final home game of the 2025 season, Duke Women's Soccer welcomed members of our community. Faculty, staff, and their families greeted players on the field.

Quick Learner: What is the Autism Spectrum?

We consulted with our Duke ACE Community Engagement Advisory Board to create a new informational video about autism for Duke University's YouTube channel.

Clinical Care

Alexandra Bey, MD, PhD, On Research and Patient Care

Alex Bey sitting in a pediatric exam room with colorful toys
We sat down with Dr. Bey for a conversation about her clinical career and research goals, and how her dual roles in research and patient care overlap.

Anna Laakman, PhD, selected for Professionalism Award

Anna Laakman
Anna Laakman, PhD, was awarded the Karen C. Wells, PhD Professionalism Award for the outstanding professionalism, ethics, and compassion she demonstrated as a 2024-2025 Duke clinical psychology doctoral intern, where she focused on autism.

Gary Maslow, MD, Receives NC Pediatric Society Award

Gary Maslow
Gary Maslow, MD, MPH, the Gorrell Family Distinguished Professor in Children’s Psychiatry, received the 2025 Outstanding Academic Service Award from the North Carolina Pediatric Society.

Media Mentions

Washington Post: What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Autism, According to Science

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Time: Special Issue on Autism, Reality Vs Myths

Geri Dawson quote in Time Magazine

Podcast: Understanding Autism: Insights from Research and Practice

Headshot of Lauren Franz with text "Understanding Autism: Insights from Research and Practice

Podcast: How AI Is Aiding Earlier Diagnosis of Autism

Logofor the Osmosis podcast from Elsevier, with headshot of Geraldine Dawson

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