UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

For more than 20 years, the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART) has driven breakthroughs in autism science and clinical care — from cells to service. This Giving Tuesday, your support is more than a donation — it’s an investment in evidence, care, and hope. Donate today 🔗 https://giving.ucla.edu/Campaign/Donate.aspx?SiteNum=171

11/24/2025

In the media: NYT 'The Daily' breaks down the increase in autism rates with Dr. Cathy Lord, professor at UCLA CART. Listen here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/podcasts/the-daily/autism-diagnosis-spectrum-kennedy.html

Autism rates have increased in recent decades, but the reasons are more complicated than what Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has presented.

11/21/2025

UCLA CART Response to Recent CDC Statement About Vaccines. We were surprised to see the new guidance on the CDC website, which is an unprecedented distortion of the state of knowledge about the relationship between autism and vaccines. We reiterate to our community that there is no credible evidence of a causal relationship between vaccines and autism. Dozens of studies have shown no relationship whatsoever. Indeed, one of the few known environmental factors that increases autism risk is maternal-fetal rubella infection, which makes this announcement particularly concerning. https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/autism/news/ucla-cart-response-recent-cdc-statement-about-vaccines

11/21/2025

Sign up for EMI's Winter 2026 classes at the link in bio! ☃️💫

11/14/2025

Registration is open! The UCLA PEERS Clinic will be hosting a PEERS® for Preschoolers Certified Teleconference via Zoom on January 21 - 23, 2026 from 8 am - 5 pm (PT)!

For more information or to sign up, contact our clinic at peersclinic@ucla.edu or 310-267-3377.

11/14/2025

Last chance to enroll for our winter PEERS® for Adolescents In-Person Social Skills Groups here at UCLA!

Our upcoming group starts Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - with limited spots available!!

Contact the UCLA PEERS® Clinic to learn more or begin the enrollment process.

11/14/2025

In Case You Missed It 🎬

The 2025 UCLA Tarjan Center Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities brought together researchers, self-advocates, policymakers, and community partners to share the latest in research and lived experience.

All Forum recordings and podcast episodes are now available!
👉 Scan the QR code or click the link in our bio to watch.

11/14/2025

Join us on December 5th for the UCLA CART Distinguished Lecture featuring guest speaker Dr. Christine Nordahl on October 10th at 9AM PT. Zoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Z3uJX0uR-iZaU1i4I9ZrQ

11/04/2025

Join us for a SPARK Study Live Registration Event in Downey in partnership with We Rock the Spectrum. SPARK is a nationwide study with a simple mission: to speed up research and advance our understanding of autism to improve lives. Attendees will get to participate in SPARK for Autism and receive free gym play time.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 8th. For more information, please see the flyer below.
If interested in participating, please RSVP through this URL:
https://forms.gle/eTJVyRon5gZzrLt77
Unable to attend? Register for SPARK online via
English: www.sparkforautism.org/ucla
Español: www.sparkforautism.org/ucla/es
For questions, contact:
Lily Mendes & Angelina Matar: spark.research@mednet.ucla.edu
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you and your families!

10/24/2025

In the News. HealthDay - Doctors Overlooking A Common Symptom Of Autism, Survey Finds — UCLA Health research led by Dr. Rujuta Wilson, pediatric neurologist and member of the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART). Read the article here: https://www.healthday.com/health-news/child-health/doctors-overlooking-a-common-symptom-of-autism-survey-finds