autism research new york

Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI)

SFARI’s mission is to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance.

The Simons Foundation is pleased to announce the latest recipients of its prestigious independence awards. The 13 talented early-career scientists will receive support as they transition from mentored training to independent research positions.

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Autism Inpatient Collection Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) is a study designed to produce a collection of phenotypic and genetic data from children with a clinical diagnosis of autism who have been admitted to one of six specialized inpatient…

Simons Searchlight Simons Searchlight is studying individuals with recurrent genetic variants associated with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Simons Simplex Collection The Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) contains genetic and phenotypic data from nearly 3,000 families with a child affected by autism.

SPARK SPARK is an online research initiative that aims to recruit 50,000 individuals with autism and their family members living in the U.S.

iPS cell models SFARI is helping to make iPS cell lines derived from individuals who participated in the SSC and Simons Searchlight available to researchers.

Mouse models SFARI is helping to make mouse models of high-risk autism genes and copy number variants available to the research community.

Rat models SFARI is helping to make rat models of high-risk autism genes available to the research community.

Zebrafish models SFARI is helping to make zebrafish models of high-risk autism genes available to the research community.

Autism BrainNet Autism BrainNet is a collaborative network of academic sites that collects, stores and distributes brain tissue for autism research.

Data analysis tools A number of visualization and analysis tools are available to explore genetic and phenotypic data from the SSC, Simons Searchlight and SPARK.

SFARI Base SFARI Base provides approved researchers with access to data and biospecimens from the SSC, Simons Searchlight, SPARK and Autism Inpatient Collection.

SFARI Gene SFARI Gene is an evolving database for the autism research community that is centered on genes implicated in autism susceptibility.

Therapeutics Clinical Research Associates (CRA) is evaluating new potential treatments for autism, including R-baclofen.

Funding Opportunities

We solicit applications for SFARI Awards from individuals who will conduct bold, imaginative, rigorous and relevant research in four main research areas: gene discovery, molecular mechanisms, circuits, cognition and behavior, and clinical.

• SFARI Investigators
• Publications

Since its launch in 2006, SFARI has supported over 550 investigators studying autism-related research in the U.S. and abroad. Research projects include studies at the genetic, molecular, cellular, circuit and behavioral levels, in addition to clinical and translational studies.

Research Highlights

Two studies by different research groups — one led by Flora Vaccarino and the other by Juergen Knoblich — used brain organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells of people with autism and showed how transcriptional alterations affecting certain cell types during human brain development could contribute to the early emergence of ASD.

In a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, Emily Osterweil and her colleagues show that excessive protein synthesis drives a pathological compensatory rise in protein degradation (by the ubiquitin proteasome system), which can be targeted to correct various phenotypes including audiogenic seizures.

A study by Caroline Robertson and her colleagues found that reduced social attention was not a static omnipresent characteristic of autism; rather, it was magnified only under certain real-world conditions where sensory processing demands were high.

Event Videos

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SFARI 2023 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science RFA: Informational session

March 7, 2023 On March 7, 2023, SFARI held an informational session about the 2022 Human Cognitive and Behavioral Science request for applications (RFA)

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SFARI 2022 Bridge to Independence Award RFA: Informational session

January 10, 2022 SFARI hosted an informational session on the 2022 Bridge to Independence Award (BTI) request for applications (RFA). The session provided a brief overview of the BTI program...

Small molecules, genes and antisense oligonucleotides: Industry perspectives on treatment development for ASD

May 14, 2021 Federico Bolognani, Stuart Cobb, and Yael Weiss joined a panel to discuss new industry developments on the use of small molecules, gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides...

New research results from the Australian Autism Biobank study

May 12, 2021 Jake Gratten and Naomi Wray presented findings from the Australian Autism Biobank study, an initiative to establish an Australian resource of biospecimens, phenotypes and...

Other Initiatives

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Research at NYSCF

About ASD   ASD News     FAQs

At NYSCF, we are studying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with stem cells from individuals with ASD to illuminate how genetics factor into a patient’s risk for developing the disorder as well as disruptions in brain development and function.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research at NYSCF

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition caused by differences in the brain. The reasons for this differ from individual to individual. While some people may have known differences, such as changes in their DNA, many other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple factors influencing ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.

The disorder can affect how people communicate, learn, and behave, including:

• Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life

Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.

How is NYSCF Using Stem Cells To Study ASD?

In collaboration with The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation (NLMFF) NYSCF is creating stem cells from people with ASD to investigate what makes one person more likely to develop the disorder than another, and how genetics influence the disorder’s severity.

At the NYSCF Research Institute, we are using our own, powerful robotic platform to create stem cells for research. Our NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array® can rapidly, efficiently, and reproducibly create stem cells from skin or blood, and then reprogram these cells to become the brain cells impacted by ASD.

With these cells, we can tease apart how genetics correlate with different forms of the disease, hopefully pointing to patterns that can inform new therapies.

These stem cells will also be shared throughout the wider research community to accelerate ASD research.

Supporting Neurodiversity in STEM

It has been well established that combining diverse perspectives increases innovation and the potential for discovery, and will be...

Human Brain Cells Take Up Residence In Rat Brains to Illuminate the Secrets of Neuropsychiatric Disease

The Context: Neuropsychiatric disorders are notoriously hard to study due to their complexity and the inaccessibility of human brain...

Noopur Khobrekar Is Tackling All The Genetic Questions Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

When NYSCF – Druckenmiller Fellow Noopur Khobrekar, PhD, reflects on her career in research, she recalls an early fascination...

Studies suggest there is a genetic component to autism . Having a family health history of autism makes you more likely to have a child with autism, or to have autism yourself. How exactly one’s genetics make them more likely to develop autism requires further study, and NYSCF uses stem cells to interrogate these differences.

Not all people with autism carry intellectual disability, but about one in three people with ASD experience intellectual disability to some degree.

There is no medical test to diagnose autism, so doctors rely on analysis of behavior and development. The disorder can be detected during early childhood, but a final diagnosis typically is not made until a child is older. Learn more here .

Research is ongoing to understand how exactly autism affects the brain. Previous studies suggest differences in the structure and connectivity of the brain. NYSCF is creating stem cell models to better understand how brain cells are affected in those with ASD.

The number of children diagnosed with autism each year is increasing , but researchers indicate this increase likely reflects improvements in how we identify and diagnose the disorder rather than an increase in the number of people affected.

Understanding Autism

Join a growing community of families, autistic adults, and researchers working to understand autism and improve lives.

WHY JOIN SPARK

• You’ll be part of the largest autism research community
• It’s simple and free
• SPARK is a long-term study that will provide answers to research questions for years to come
• Together we can advance the understanding of autism

Who Can Join

• SPARK is for all individuals living in the U.S. with a professional diagnosis of autism and their family members
• All ages are welcome

How to Join

• Create an account online
• Agree to share data and genetic information
• Registration takes about 20 minutes

What Participation Means

• Participation is online and free
• Your information will be kept private and secure
• Answer questions about your autism experience
• Return your saliva kit if you agree to genetic research
• Learn about additional research opportunities

MEET OUR PARTICIPANTS

What Can Autistic People Learn From Genetic Testing?

Which autistic people are most likely to learn something from a DNA test? And what does DNA tell us about why autism differs in each person? The SPARK study has answers.

Autism and the College Experience

Many students struggle to adjust to the challenges of college, from difficult classes to dorm living. But for people on the autism spectrum, the transition can be more abrupt and dramatic.

The Struggle to Identify Autism in Girls: Sarah’s Story

Sarah had many classic signs of autism, but no one suspected it in the quiet girl who never made a fuss. Why did she have to wait until adulthood to get a diagnosis?

Jessica Wright, Ph.D.

Webinar: What SPARK is Learning from Returning Genetic Results to Participants with Autism

August 15, 2024

Gregory L. Wallace, Ph.D.

Webinar: Aging in Autism-Risk and Resilience

July 24, 2024

More questions? Email us at: [email protected]

Call toll-free: 1-844-54-SPARK or 1-844-547-7275

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Need more information? Visit our FAQ .

Eric London, M.D.

Position: scientific advisory board member.

Dr. London is the Director of the Autism Treatment Laboratory at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. He is also Chief Science Advisor of the New York State Autism Consortium, part of New York State’s Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities’ (OMRDD) comprehensive autism platform, a slate of initiatives developed in response to the growing autism crisis. He and his wife, Karen, were co-founders of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). He received his M.D. from New York Medical College, where he also completed his residency in psychiatry. He has an adult son diagnosed with autism.

Where are you on your autism journey?

Institute for Autism Research

The Institute for Autism Research (IAR) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research center dedicated to understanding autism and enhancing the lives of those affected and their families. Researchers from diverse backgrounds work together to address critical questions involving causes, development, assessment, clinical treatment, and education.

This research work has led to development of several new and effective programs which are provided by IAR staff to our community partners and schools.  Researchers at the IAR are also dedicated to training the next generation of researchers and practitioners through advanced academic, research, and clinical and community-based experiences.

IAR Overview Part I IAR Overview Part II   

Schoolmax and summermax show long-term positive outcomes for autistic youth.

Recent research by the IAR shows that the schoolMAX and summerMAX programs created and developed by the IAR yield positive long-term outcomes for autistic youth (without intellectual disability [ID]).  The IAR team published results of a long-term outcome study that their innovative school social intervention (schoolMAX) and summer social intervention (summerMAX) yielded sustained, comparable, and positive longer-term outcomes for autistic youth without ID.

  Read More

summerMAX will not be offered in 2024  

Due to the need to devote resources to the newly offered So Fit Program, the IAR will not be offering summerMAX this summer.  In addition to So Fit , the IAR has an ongoing study of an afterschool socialization program being conducted in area afterschool programs.  The afterschool sites have not been confirmed for the 2024-2025 school year but interested families can contact the IAR at 716-888-2800 or  @email  for more information.

The institute has been featured in the local news and in national publications. See just a sample how the IAR has been featured in the media and check back as the institute continues to grow. 

schoolMAX 

schoolMAX is a comprehensive school-based intervention designed to address the unique profile of social-cognitive and social behavior impairments and circumscribed and repetitive behaviors and interests of elementary school-age autistic students without intellectual disability in school settings. 

• Participate in Research

The Institute for Autism Research (IAR) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research center dedicated to understanding autism and related developmental disorders and enhancing the lives of those affected and their families. Researchers from diverse backgrounds work together to address critical questions involving causes, development, assessment, clinical treatment, and education. This research work has led to development of several new and effective treatments which are provided by IAR staff to our community partners and schools.

Grants are a large source of financial support for both research and clinical programming. The following is a sample of current and prior funding used to conduct studies and provide clinical services involving autistic individuals. We are grateful to all the local, state, and federal funding sources for the support.

• Clinical & Community Programs

In addition to conducting high level research, members of the IAR are committed to serving the community and autistic individuals through provision of effective intervention and treatment programs, as well as consultation with parents, educators, and clinical providers. Read more about the programs offered by members of the IAR. 

• Research Team

The IAR is a truly collaborative team that is proud of the strong relationships maintained with all members. Learn more about the people behind the research. 

Meet the Team

• Publications

Members of the IAR team have published extensively in the area of autism and developmental disorders. The following is a list of selected journal articles and book chapters on autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities published by members of the research team.

• Internships

Graduate and undergraduate students work closely with members of the IAR on a range of research and clinical projects that enhance their professional development.

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Welcome to the Schools of AHRC New York City

Our Early Learning Centers and School Age Programs offer an array of programs, services, and supports for students with disabilities and developmental delays, including services for students with autism, ages 3 to 21, for families living in New York City.

Our Preschool Programs

Address: 27-07 8th Street Astoria, NY 11102

Phone: 718-721-3960

Principal:  Sandra Evangelista

Central Park Early Learning Center

Address: 450 W 56th Street, 3rd floor New York, NY 10019

Phone: 212-787-5400

Principal:  Beth Rosenthal

Address: 201 Conselyea Street Brooklyn, NY 11211

Phone: 718-782-1462

Principal:  Teresa Del Priore

Address: 2300 Westchester Avenue Bronx, NY 10462

Phone: 718-409-1450

Principal:  Deborah Bianco

James P. Murphy Staten Island Prep

Address: 23 Summit Street Staten Island, NY 10307

Phone: 718-285-9377

Principal : Chris Uccellini

Our School-Age Programs

Address: 2335 Gerritsen Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11229

Phone: 718-834-0597

Principal:  Denise Polanco-Nieves

AHRC Middle/High School

Address: 1201 66th Street Brooklyn, NY 11219

Phone: 718-259-4389

Principal:  Christopher Uccellini Assistant Principal:  Trudy Pines

© 2023 AHRC New York City Organized Themes

Biomedical Research

Behavioral research, gut - brain connection, special diets.

Research into effective treatments and educational programming that maximizes quality of life for those with high functioning autism and aspergers and their families. Summer Max and Max-out Social development programs include ages 4-6 and ages 7-12. After school and summer programs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in older children and adults with ASD who are stuck in patterns of thinking and responding that are not helpful. As a result the individual with ASD interpretes everything that happens through a "meaning making system" that is skewed or inaccurate. . CBT can change the way an individual with ASD interprets situations , how they feel about those situations and how they respond to them. It is a powerful approach.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. This site is not specifically for autism, but can be used as a research tool when looking at alternative treatments. It also has information on clinical trials.

Link to an interview posted on the web site of Canadian documentary "The Autism Enigma". On October 27, 2012 the Autism Society WNY Chapter hosted a workshop "Putting the Pieces Together - Some New Developments in Autism Research" with Dr. Derrick MacFabe. The workshop was a overwhelming success and was attended by over 300 people.

On August 7, 2012, Autism Canada and the Autism Research Institute co-hosted the Scientific Symposium 2012, Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection in Autism, to explore the potential role of infectious agents in autism phenotypes. Watch video presentations by four researchers Dr. MacFabe, Dr Frye, Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, and Dr. Finegold.

Here is a link to many articles and research papers by Dr. Rossignol, Dr. Frye and some of their colleagues.

The Autism Research Institute has a very interesting and comprehensive article about what we currently know about implementing special diets in children with autism.

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• Diversity in Clinical Research
• Clinical Research for Older Populations
• Clinical Research for Compensation
• Clinical Trial Information for Parents
• What Is A Clinical Trial?

Autism Paid Clinical Trials in New York

Match to clinical trials, browse by autism clinical trials by city.

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Op-ed: Autism diagnoses are on the rise. School policy must change.

September 5, 2023

As awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased, the number of children diagnosed with the condition has risen dramatically.

Children on the autism spectrum face challenges with communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. Nearly a third also have an intellectual disability. Every diagnosis is an opportunity to help a student who might otherwise struggle, notes Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L , associate professor of occupational therapy, in a Fortune op-ed.

“Unfortunately, our growing understanding of autism in the medical community has not yet translated to U.S. school systems. Educational strategies to help students with ASD have remained largely unchanged for decades,” he writes.

“I’ve seen how occupational therapy can help children with ASD improve their communication skills, and I’ve seen the impact of physical activity on brain function,” says Lopez, who has two decades of experience training healthcare professionals to work with students on the autism spectrum.

While most children with ASD receive early intervention during their preschool years, the services change once students enter the K-12 system. Teachers can’t always access the training and resources needed to tailor education for students with autism, and due to these students’ delays in motor processing, they are often excluded from sports, music, and other extracurricular activities.

This model marginalizes children with ASD. 

Occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals specializing in treating autism can play a vital role in supporting these students. Yet most schools don’t have the resources to employ such specialists. Among those that do, some have tried to hire out these roles to independent contractors, but this doesn’t work long term.

This is where policymakers must step in. Changes are needed at the state and federal levels to ensure that appropriate ASD intervention continues beyond preschool. “K-12 schools should be required to have occupational therapists or other autism specialists on staff,” Lopez states.

Policies supporting equitable resource allocation across public schools are also needed. In-school programs and specialists are essential to ensuring that children of all backgrounds get help.

Finally, as a matter of policy, children with ASD must have opportunities to engage in sports and are encouraged to move frequently during the school day. Too many schools have eliminated recess and physical education; this is bad for all children but disproportionately harms those with autism, whose cognitive and physical development greatly benefit from exercise and play.

“With effective therapies delivered by trained healthcare specialists, children with autism can become less marginalized, more independent, and participate meaningfully in everyday life,” he concludes. 

Read the entire op-ed .

This op-ed is part of a campaign designed to help generate awareness and build reputation for the university on topics of national relevance. Read more op-eds by New York Tech thought leaders.

By Libby Sullivan

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A Watch Factory Embraces Workers with Autism

“It’s not just the focus in the first 10 pieces,” the owner said. “It’s being able to maintain that kind of a focus when you’re doing No. 400 and No. 401.”

By Janelle Conaway

Reporting from Mesa, Ariz.

As part of his interview for a job at FTS American Manufacturing in Mesa, Max Cain was asked to take a table clock apart and then put it back together.

One of his hobbies is assembling Gundam model kits — the last time he counted, he said, he had put together 97 of the Japanese anime robots — so he completed the clock task in less than half the allotted time. And got the job.

Now, after working there for a year and a half, Mr. Cain said he got the same feeling of accomplishment from assembling watch components as he did from completing an arm or leg of one of those robots.

“It’s pretty satisfying,” he said during a break on one workday in June. “It boosts my confidence that there’s stuff for me out there.”

Mr. Cain, 21, is the fourth person with autism to work at FTS, according to Kunal Naik, its chief executive, who founded the company in 2018. (The initials stand for Fine Timepiece Solutions.)

Not every person on the autism spectrum would make a good watch technician, Mr. Naik said. But, “there’s a sliver that really identifies well with the work we do,” he continued, because they can concentrate on a task for a long period of time.

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