April is Autism Awareness Month and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers and clinicians are behind much of the leading research and clinical service for autism. UNC-Chapel Hill launched the UNC Autism Research Center in 2017 and is second in the world in peer-reviewed research on autism, with 32 departments and almost 100 researchers who have awards for autism-focused research. Our experts are available to discuss topics, including:
- Statistics on the number of individuals with autism in the U.S. and in North Carolina
- Genetic and environmental risks for autism, including UNC-Chapel Hill’s participation in the nation’s largest study of genetics in autism (SPARK)
- Brain changes that occur during the first two years of life that result in the emergence of autism, and the scans that can reveal these changes
- How to recognize the symptoms of autism in a child and the importance of early intervention strategies for infants and toddlers
- How to support the transition from high school to college or employment for adolescents and young adults with autism
- Statistics on autism in adulthood including rates of employment, quality of life and service needs
- The emerging field of aging with autism
- Clinical trials treating autism with sulforaphane (broccoli extract)
If you’d like to speak with an expert, call (919) 445-8555 or email mediarelations@unc.edu.