Research
The CAN Research Center turns scientific discovery into real improvements in the lives of families with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. We practice interdisciplinary research with faculty investigating mechanisms of development, clinical outcomes and evidence-based interventions. Our research initiatives span laboratory-based studies, community-engaged projects and more. CAN provides a shared framework for advancing scholarship, training researchers and strengthening the visibility of autism research at USC.
Our Research Impact
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Leading fragile X research
USC leads the nation in fragile X research and education, earning new grants from the National Institutes of Health.
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One fish, two fish
Fabienne Poulain’s research uses transparent zebrafish embryos, making it possible to see neurons forming connections as they develop directly in the living animal.
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Early childhood interventions
In the Early Social Development Lab, Jessica Bradshaw explores how to diagnose autism in a child’s first year.
Build Your Research Skills
Discover CAN workshops and training programs that help researchers strengthen skills in statistics, research methods and collaborative autism and neurodevelopment research.
Explore TrainingWe’re able to take what we learn from animal studies and cell-based or molecular-based studies and apply it to better understand human conditions. And we’re able to take what’s learned in humans and apply that to cell-based, molecular and animal studies. It accelerates the research quite a bit.
