Many scientific research papers are hard to read and understand, even for experts. Some papers also require a paid subscription to a journal to access. To make sure that you can learn more about our published research discoveries, here you'll find a selection of our team's research publications, with the main findings summarized in simpler language.
A link to the full text or abstract is included where available.
Machine Learning Model Improves on Long-Term Diagnosis Prediction
Doctors sometimes use a binary “yes or no” classification to predict a long-term diagnosis using patient records, but this model doesn’t work well when patients stop coming in for visits, leaving incomplete data.
SenseToKnow App Spots Differences Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Kids Aged 3-8
Duke researchers created the SenseToKnow app to help spot signs of autism in children by tracking how they interact with the videos and games in the app. The app was first tested with toddlers and showed promising results. In a recent study with kids aged 3 to 8, the app showed clear differences between autistic and non-autistic children. With further testing, the app might be useful for autism detection in older children.
Behavioral Characteristics of Toddlers Later Identified with an Autism Diagnosis, ADHD Symptoms, or Combined Autism and ADHD Symptoms
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among autistic people. Less is known about the behavioral characteristics of children who have both conditions when they are toddlers.
A recent study led by associate professor Naomi Davis, PhD, asked caregivers to answer questions about their toddlers’ behavior, including whether they noticed signs of autism or ADHD. The children were then followed over several years. Some were diagnosed with autism only or autism plus ADHD.
ADHD, Big Emotions, and Adaptive Behavior in Young Autistic Children
A recent Duke study explored a link between ADHD, difficulties with big emotions, and adaptive behavior – a person’s ability to perform everyday social and personal life skills - in autistic children. We found that kids with more difficulty managing big emotions also had greater difficulties with social adaptive behavior specifically.
SenseToKnow app shows accurate results when performed at home, study shows
Our team tested the accuracy of the SenseToKnow app for autism screening when used by caregivers at home on their own mobile phone or tablet. The results showed that the mobile autism screening app can be done at home and still provide a high level of accuracy for identifying autism in toddlers, comparable to the results of earlier studies in our clinic and lab.
The possibilities for remote screening could lower barriers to autism screening, reduce disparities in early access to services and support, and improve children’s outcomes.
Brief Report: Relationships Between Caregiver-Reported Behaviors and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
In 2024, Duke autism researcher Jane Marryat and team compared toddlers’ scores on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT), which is used to screen for autism in young children, with another measure of behavioral and emotional concerns. Findings suggest that high scores on an MCHAT autism screening may indicate other behavioral concerns such as ADHD that should alert clinicians and families to additional support needs for young children.
Integrating Tailored Surgery Care Strategies for Neurodivergent Individuals
A team including Duke’s Sam Brandsen, Geraldine Dawson, and Madhav Swaminathan (Anesthesiology) gives tailored recommendations for caring for neurodivergent patients before, during and after surgery in the newest issue of eClinicalMedicine. Read the full open access text at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537024004255
Autism Center Team Publishes Practical Suggestions for Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinical Care
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face barriers in finding neurodiversity-affirming clinical care that is suited to their communication style and needs. In this chapter, by Drs. Sam Brandsen, Tara Chandrasekhar and Lauren Franz offer practical suggestions for creating a safe, accessible, and effective clinical care approach for individuals with IDD.
Danai Fannin, PhD, pens article investigating the narrowed gap in autism diagnosis between Black and white youth
Recent data suggests that the gap in autism diagnosis between Black and white youth has narrowed. In a new open access article in Autism Research, Danai Fannin, PhD, and colleagues question whether this means better access to supports for Black autistic youth.
Dr. Fannin is a member of the Duke Autism Center of Excellence Community Engagement Advisory Board and an adjunct faculty member at Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences.
Brandsen, Chandrasekhar publish "Developing an inclusive campus for autistic students."
The article "Developing an inclusive campus for autistic students" appears in the March 2024 issue of the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. The paper discusses specific ways that colleges can become more accessible for autistic students.