Project Rex: MUSC Autism Spectrum

Project Rex: MUSC Autism Spectrum Providing support and treatment for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their parents in Charleston, SC.

"Where I would put my research dollars in is studying the kids that had some speech and then they lose it. The regressiv...
05/21/2025

"Where I would put my research dollars in is studying the kids that had some speech and then they lose it. The regressive group is where I would study, because if there’s an environmental insult or treatment that’s something other than behavior, that’s where it’s going to be. Separate out your early intervention kids, pull that regressive subgroup out where they had speech and then lost it."

The world-renowned autism expert shares her thoughts with NBC News after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered controversial remarks about autistic people.

"In the 1990s, 1 in 1,000 individuals was diagnosed with autism. Today, it’s closer to 1 in 31. The rise is largely due ...
05/19/2025

"In the 1990s, 1 in 1,000 individuals was diagnosed with autism. Today, it’s closer to 1 in 31. The rise is largely due to greater awareness, improved screening and updated diagnostic criteria.

Clinicians are now more skilled at recognizing early signs, sometimes as early as 12 to 18 months, through play-based assessments and structured parent interviews. "

In the 1990s, 1 in 1,000 individuals was diagnosed with autism. Today, it’s closer to 1 in 31.

MUSC is conducting a study on a non-invasive ear stimulation method aimed at reducing anxiety in verbal children aged 12...
05/09/2025

MUSC is conducting a study on a non-invasive ear stimulation method aimed at reducing anxiety in verbal children aged 12–17 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The technique, known as Trans Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TAVNS), involves a small device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to the ear, targeting the vagus nerve to help calm the body during stress.

The study spans four weeks and includes three in-person visits to MUSC's downtown Charleston campus, along with a virtual follow-up. Participants will undergo assessments, learn to use the device, and receive compensation for their involvement.

Interested or know someone who might be? Contact Nicole Cash at cashni@musc.edu or Falon Sutton at suttonf@musc.edu, or call 843-792-9502 to learn more.

Thank you for your interest in our Noninvasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation Study for Anxiety in Autistic Teens!This research study aims to explore a new treatment for anxiety symptoms in autistic teens. The treatment uses a small, noninvasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the outer part...

🎉 Looking for summer fun and social connection? Project Rex’s Summer Hangout returns this June! Open to neurodivergent t...
04/30/2025

🎉 Looking for summer fun and social connection? Project Rex’s Summer Hangout returns this June! Open to neurodivergent teens and young adults, it’s a great way to build friendships and practice social skills in a relaxed, supportive space. Please call each week to let us know you will be coming! 🌟

https://www.projectrex.org/2025/04/summer-hangout-starts-in-june/

"Autism has never been so widely discussed as it has in 2025. Diagnoses are on the rise, thanks in large part to an incr...
04/07/2025

"Autism has never been so widely discussed as it has in 2025. Diagnoses are on the rise, thanks in large part to an increased awareness, and numerous celebrities have shared their experience with the condition.

But, even now, half of the world’s population is still being overlooked when it comes to the understanding of symptoms and the rate of diagnosis. Gender bias in medicine means that much of the general understanding of autism is skewed towards its presentation in men, leading many women with autism to fly under the radar."

To this day, autism in women is still vastly misunderstood. Here’s why women and girls fly under the radar for so long

"Some adult children with autism may not be able to work, drive to work or live alone without a lot of help. But they ma...
03/26/2025

"Some adult children with autism may not be able to work, drive to work or live alone without a lot of help. But they may still want independence. The assistance and aides necessary for them to live away from family, though, may not be on the family’s dime. Medicaid pays many expenses for those who are eligible, no matter their parents’ assets."

If you have a parent short on savings, a disabled adult child or a minor with special needs, Medicaid may be your backstop. Plenty of people are unaware.

The  University of South Carolina (MUSC)  invites you to participate in the SPARK for Autism  study at We Rock the Spect...
03/24/2025

The University of South Carolina (MUSC) invites you to participate in the SPARK for Autism study at We Rock the Spectrum in Summerville, SC on Saturday, March 29th from 9am – 1pm!

In addition to helping families participate in research, we will have access to We Rock the Spectrum’s new sensory gym! After your appointment, you are invited to stay and play in the gym area.

This event is completely free to attend.

Signup Here: https://redcap.musc.edu/surveys/?s=48JXJKYJ8XA7DAFF

If you have questions, please call or text 843-714-1352 or email SPARKautism@musc.edu

The MUSC SPARK Team and Goose Creek Therapeutic Recreation will be hosting SPARK in the Park, an Autism Research Fair at...
03/14/2025

The MUSC SPARK Team and Goose Creek Therapeutic Recreation will be hosting SPARK in the Park, an Autism Research Fair at Central Creek Park in Goose Creek on Saturday, March 22nd from 11AM-1PM.

Individuals with autism and other special needs will have the opportunity to explore the new all-abilities recreational park in an inclusive and uplifting environment. Autism service providers will join the fun to share their resources!

SPARK in the Park is free to attend and will feature food trucks, information tables with local autism resources, opportunities to win prizes, and plenty of fun for all ages.

https://www.projectrex.org/2025/03/3rd-annual-spark-in-the-park-autism-research-fair-is-march-22nd/

"Scientists have long recognized that ADHD has a genetic component, but identifying the specific genes responsible has b...
02/21/2025

"Scientists have long recognized that ADHD has a genetic component, but identifying the specific genes responsible has been a challenge. Over the years, numerous studies have suggested a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the disorder’s development. However, recent advancements in genetic research have brought scientists closer to understanding the genetic roots of ADHD."

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 5% of children worldwide

"LinusBio, a New Jersey-based startup, on Thursday launched the test, called Clearstrand-ASD, which it says can help phy...
02/17/2025

"LinusBio, a New Jersey-based startup, on Thursday launched the test, called Clearstrand-ASD, which it says can help physicians rule out autism in children 1 to 36 months old. The test requires just a single strand of hair.

The test cannot diagnose autism spectrum disorder, nor is it designed to be used on its own. Instead, it is meant to help physicians rule out autism in children who have higher likelihoods of it. That could be because a kid has a sibling with autism or has demonstrated behaviors associated with the disorder."

A test that identifies biomarkers associated with autism just became available in most states. It's meant to help rule out autism in children who have higher likelihoods of it.

02/12/2025

Our support group for those ages 8-12 with a sibling with autism begins March 4th.

Participants will learn about autism and its challenges; group activities will help individuals to better understand what it can be like to live with a specific learning or physical challenge.

Participants will receive weekly assignments. Siblings will have discussions and complete exercises with their sibling with autism or with their parents related to the weekly topic. We will then review the assignment in the group.

Any interested siblings must complete a Project Rex intake with either James Truelove or Jennifer Warthen prior to attending the first Group meeting.

Families do not need to have prior history with Project Rex to participate.

To register, please call 843-792-4113 to schedule an intake.

https://www.projectrex.org/2025/02/sign-up-now-for-our-sibling-support-group-for-ages-8-12/

Providing support and treatment for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their parents in Charleston, SC.

Because of travel concerns related to winter weather, the Project Rex pre-teen/teen group originally scheduled to begin ...
01/22/2025

Because of travel concerns related to winter weather, the Project Rex pre-teen/teen group originally scheduled to begin January 23rd has been postponed to January 30th. Both winter groups will continue an extra week to make up for the delayed start.

Address

Charleston, SC

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Project Rex: MUSC Autism Spectrum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

About Us

Project Rex is a treatment initiative dedicated to providing services, support, and treatment to children and young adults who struggle socially. We serve children and adults diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, social anxiety, and more. Diagnosis of any kind is not required to receive services. We are affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, SC.

Our goal is to help individuals reach their highest potential by enhancing their social skills, their ability to understand emotions, and their adaptability.