Mission, Vision, and Values

The Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, a National Institutes of Health Autism Center of Excellence, is dedicated to ensuring that autistic individuals reach their fullest potential, allowing society to benefit from the talents and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals offer. With support from Duke University, research grants and philanthropy, we deliver state-of-the-art interdisciplinary clinical care, conduct cutting-edge research, inspire and train the next generation of scientists and clinicians, and partner with the community to impact public policy. The Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development is a part of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Duke University School of Medicine.

Our Mission
To provide exceptional, compassionate support to families so that each individual on the spectrum will realize his or her fullest potential and to expand our impact through education, innovative participatory research, and public policy.

Our Vision
We envision a world in which all individuals live a life with purpose, dignity, choice, and joy.

Our Values

As a part of the Duke community, we share the university’s core values – Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Diversity, and Excellence. More than aspirations, these core values shape the behaviors that we expect of ourselves and our colleagues.

• Coordinated, compassionate care and support services
• Continuity of care and support services throughout the lifespan
• Building capacity through training
• Research that improves lives
• Effective collaboration through community partnerships
• Equity and Inclusion for all 

We believe that society thrives when diverse talents, experiences, perspectives, and cultures are welcomed and celebrated.

We envision a world where everyone, especially autistic individuals, can fully participate, contribute and succeed to their fullest potential. We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and we are committed to respecting diversity of identity including neurodivergence, disability, ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic status, citizenship, gender identity or sexual orientation.

We are committed to act with purpose and intention to:

• Build a community of researchers, staff, and students who reflect the community we serve.
• Address the stigma autistic people face in society and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including families and the autistic community, to understand and dismantle barriers.
• Invite open, transparent dialogue to shape impactful scientific research, clinical services, and educational opportunities.
• Aim to provide services, programs and research opportunities to all who could benefit.
• Advocate for policies that promote broad access to diagnosis, interventions and services, healthcare, education, and community supports.

With these commitments in mind, we stand in solidarity with those who promote human rights and justice. We pledge to continually celebrate and cultivate a team that reflects our community’s population, while working to ensure that every individual can reach his or her full potential, advocate for themselves, and live a life of meaning and purpose.