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Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center

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2026 2025 20242023 | 2022

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AutismConnect serves more than 1,000 people in its third year

AutismConnect at USC brings together researchers, families and providers to support individuals with autism, offering workshops, resources and community through the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.

USC leads the nation in fragile X research and education

A new grant from the National Institutes of Health will help USC faculty study fragile X-associated health conditions, which may affect thousands of people in South Carolina, and identify new ways to diagnose and treat the conditions.

Ethnomusicologist Alexandria Carrico is redefining musicality

Through the lens of disability studies and traditional Irish music, Carrico challenges conventional ideas of musical talent and expression.

Mentoring program empowers families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The University of South Carolina’s Autism Parent Navigator Program pairs newly diagnosed families with experienced parent mentors, improving co-parenting, mental health, and access to vital resources.

Brain scientist Kristy Welshhans helps student researchers tackle big questions in early development

Dr. Kristy Welshhans and her student researchers explore how small changes in brain development can significantly influence lifelong learning and behavior.

USC neuroscience experts working to understand, improve brain health

The University of South Carolina is focused on the brain. From autism and aphasia to Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, university researchers are working across several academic disciplines to better understand how the brain works and to develop solutions that will improve people’s health.

USC psychologist uses mobile EEG to break down barriers to research

Dr. Caitlin Hudac’s research prioritizes child wellbeing, accommodates families, and produces valuable neuroscientific insights.

AI and data science: The new frontier of autism research

Analyzing large datasets of heart rhythms and brain wave activity with AI and machine learning, a team of University of South Carolina professors is making progress toward better understanding of autism spectrum disorder and identification of ASD diagnostic biomarkers.

ONE-ON-ONE: USC professor explains recent autism study

Dr. Robert Hock, Associate Professor of Social Work, discusses his research study, Autism Parent Navigators, a program designed to support parents of children recently diagnosed with autism.

A new understanding of how the fragile X premutation affects women

Women have often been overlooked in the research, and the time has come to see what aging looks like in female carriers. Dr. Jessica Klusek, Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, discusses her research and advocacy about women with the fragile X premutation.

Shortening the gap

Dr. Sarah Edmunds, Assistant Professor of Psychology, is using her research to improve access to emerging therapies for autism.

Rare Disease Day: Dr. DNA Leaps Across CAN Labs!

Rare Disease Day is also Leap Day! CAN Researchers are using science to help find treatment solutions for those affected by rare diseases. To celebrate, Dr. DNA leaps across CAN labs.

CAN Research Center at Discover USC 2024

Every year, the University of South Carolina hosts Discover USC, an event showcasing research, leadership, and creative projects by USC undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. This year, over 50 undergraduate students in CAN Research Center-affiliated labs presented their projects at Discover USC.

Autism research hits the road

Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.

Spreading awareness of Fragile X syndrome

In celebration of Fragile X Awareness Day, CAN faculty members Dr. Jane Roberts and Dr. Jessica Klusek advocated at the South Carolina State House. Watch the video on WIS 10 News!

Mapping the language of fragile X

Jessica Klusek, Breakthrough Star and CAN member, studies communication difficulties among carriers of a genetic mutation. Learn about Dr. Klusek’s work on communication difficulties associated with the FMR1 premutation — the genetic mutation found in women who are carriers of fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism.

CAN Trainee Publishing Panel

Ask questions and learn about publishing research from faculty member Dr. Fabienne Poulain (Biological Sciences), postdoctoral researcher Dr. Laura Friedman (Communication Sciences and Disorders), and graduate students Miranda Foster and Alexis Federico (Psychology).

Autism Awareness: 2023 USC faculty experts list

April is Autism Acceptance Month and the University of South Carolina has compiled a list of faculty experts to help reporters develop stories about autism spectrum disorder. An estimated 1 in 36 people are affected by autism, a lifelong developmental disorder. As South Carolina’s leader in health sciences, USC has researchers across disciplines who specialize in autism. To interview a faculty member, contact the staff member listed with each expert.

CAN Research Center Final Report

Check out the CAN Research Center's Final Report, which features five years of accomplishments and research contributions from faculty.

Our Breakthrough Stars

For the past three years, faculty members of the CAN Research Center have received the Breakthrough Star Award. This award honors the research achievements made by faculty members relatively early in their careers. Check out their articles and research!

Faculty Spotlight: Jessica Bradshaw

Dr. Jessica Bradshaw runs the Early Social Development and Intervention Laboratory, focusing on early identification and intervention of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the first years of life.

The riddle of autism

New center takes a multifaceted research approach to neuro­developmental disorders

Jeff Twiss Researcher. Mentor. Leader.

https://www.sc.edu/about/centers_institutes/carolina-autism-neurodevelopment/images/list_images/list__0007_10-banner-split-autism-bradshaw-img-9531.jpg

Early autism detection at UofSC offers help and hope to families

Dr. Jessica Bradshaw and the Early Social Development and Intervention Lab were featured on WIS News for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.

Lizarraga Lab Featured in Spectrum News

March 25, 2022 | Drugs that suppress PRC2 activity may be useful as a treatment for people with ASH1L mutations, Lizarraga says, though the work is still “very preliminary


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