UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment

03/26/2026

New research from Dr. Rujuta Wilson, pediatric neurologist at and investigator in is helping unlock the mysteries of FOXP1 syndrome. This rare genetic condition can affect speech, movement, and development—but scientists are making progress in understanding how it works and how to support those affected. Read full the article –https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/foxp1-syndrome-rare-neurodevelopmental-disorder-studied

In the photo: Dr. Rujuta Wilson holds Maggie Targon during a visit with UCLA Basketball's Tyler Bilodeau. Photo courtesy of Alex Timiraos/UCLA Athletics.

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03/23/2026

In the media: Parents are pushing for a widely promoted autism treatment, but Dr. Shafali Jeste of UCLA warns that misinformation is spreading, creating confusion and extra burden for families and clinicians.
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/16/nx-s1-5742676/leucovorin-autism-parents-treatment-prescribe

After leucovorin got public attention as a potential autism treatment, families rushed to get it. Many doctors are torn about prescribing an unproven drug but don't want to lose patients' trust.

03/19/2026

03/16/2026

With misinformation about autism on the rise, access to trusted, evidence-based information matters more than ever. Join us for a day of learning, dialogue, and community. Register for the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment's scientific symposium on May 8 @ UCLA and online: https://ucla.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=9229

03/10/2026

Get more information about UCLA CART's annual scientific symposium: https://ucla.cloud-cme.com/Autism26

03/10/2026

Free Virtual Conference on Verbal, Nonverbal, & AAC Communication for Parents, Advocates, and Community on March 20: “Say It Your Way – Communication Across the Spectrum.” This event is available in English and Spanish.

Hosted by UCLA CART and the Autism Research Consortium on Communication, get updates on AAC devices and everyday communication, PECS and visual supports, communication challenges and skills, the latest research updates, and hear from self-advocates.

Register here: tinyurl.com/yourway2026

02/12/2026

Save the date! “Advances in Autism 2026: The Current State of Autism Science” will be held at University of California, Los Angeles and online on Friday, May 8. Get the latest updates on autism science from leaders in the field. Registration opens soon!

02/12/2026

Free Virtual Conference on Verbal, Nonverbal, & AAC Communication for Parents, Advocates, and Community on March 20: “Say It Your Way – Communication Across the Spectrum.” This event is available in English and Spanish.

Hosted by UCLA CART and the Autism Research Consortium on Communication, get updates on AAC devices and everyday communication, PECS and visual supports, communication challenges and skills, the latest research updates, and hear from self-advocates.

Register here: tinyurl.com/yourway2026

02/12/2026

Free event on March 6! Join us for the next presentation in the CART Distinguished Lecture Series with guest speaker, Dr. Brian Boyd discussing: “Early Communication in Autism: Moving the Needle on Data-Driven Decision Making in Practice " Click here for event details: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/autism/event/early-communication-autism-moving-needle-data-driven-decision-making-practice-cart

02/03/2026

Free virtual event on Feb. 6th! Join us for the next presentation in the CART Distinguished Lecture Series with guest speaker, Dr. Angelica Ronald discussing: “The Field of Infant Genetics Offers New Insights Into Neurodevelopmental Conditions: The Example of Age at Onset of Walking." Click here for event details: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/autism/event/field-infant-genetics-offers-new-insights-neurodevelopmental-conditions-example-age

01/27/2026

A Community Journey: Latino Families and Autism Research
In the Latino community, autism has often carried stigma. Grace and her family believe education and participation can change that. Through the SPARK autism study, families help doctors and researchers better understand autism to help improve lives.

Participation helps build acceptance and find answers.�
Join us for a SPARK Study Live Registration Event in Bakersfield in partnership with Exceptional Family Center!

The event will be held on Saturday, January 31st. For more information, please see the flyer below.
If interested in participating, please RSVP through this URL:
https://forms.gle/6UJrdRF7BcAjAZoP9
Unable to attend? Register for SPARK online via
English: www.sparkforautism.org/ucla
Español: www.sparkforautism.org/ucla/es
For questions, contact:
Lily Mendes: lmendes@mednet.ucla.edu ; (424) 371-1345
Angelina Matar: amatar@mednet.ucla.edu