2020 Impact Report

We expected 2020 to be an eventful year at the Duke Center for Autism, and it did not disappoint. In a year of ambitious plans and surprising changes, our team found creative ways to continue our research, clinical services, education and training programs, and community connections. We invite you to explore our impact. 

Flip through our 2020 Impact Report  (or to download a PDF, click here). 

Only have time for a quick read? Read about our impact in these brief stories.
 

Illuminating Brain Connections to Unlock New Treatment Strategies - See how Center investigators are pursuing a multi-pronged approach to understand how a small change in the Scn2a gene  leads to significant changes in the brain and behavior.

Autism Biomarkers Could Accelerate Treatment & Testing - Center researchers are working to establish replicable and quantifiable indices, or “biomarkers,” that can be used to track improve­ments in brain function and attention. The hope is that these biomarkers could make it easier to tell if a treatment is working. 
 
Researchers Go Virtual to Find Solutions to Digital Divide - Despite COVID-19 disruptions, Duke Center for Autism researchers and colleagues from the University of Cape Town continue collaborating to provide an adapted coaching version of the Early Start Denver Model to caregivers in South Africa.

A World-Class Team Studies the ASD/ADHD Connection - Through a multi-year NIH-funded Autism Center of Excellence study, we are working to uncover how ADHD symptoms influence the early detection, brain mechanisms, developmental trajectories, and responses to treatment of young children with ASD. 

In its ongoing science video feature, "Check this Out," Duke Today spotlighted our Autism Screening App used in multiple investigations, including the Autism Center of Excellence study.  

NC PAL Partnership Brings Autism Education and Diagnostic Support to Rural Providers - In collaboration with Duke University School of Medicine and NCDHHS our Autism Clinic providers assist rural pediatric health care providers to address the diagnoses, medications and psychotherapy interventions for kids with autism and other neurodiversites.