UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment

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

10/08/2025

Don’t miss the first Distinguished Lecture of the academic year, hosted by the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment, featuring guest speaker Dr. Carrie Bearden on October 10th at 9AM PT. Zoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XRV1hS4bSLaOUYLGUe-UMA

10/08/2025

Please join us for the UCLA Tarjan Center Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities — a FREE, online event on Friday, October 24, from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM (PDT).

We are excited to announce a featured presentation from 3:15 - 4:15 PM (PDT):

“Communication Supports: Evidence-Based Practices and Considerations in Access” by Dr. Maya Ayoub (Neurodevelopmental Physician, UCLA Child Neurology)

This session will be moderated by Dr. Jasper Estabillo (Director of Training, UCLA Tarjan Center) with community discussant Toni Nelli (Self-Advocate & Poet).

🔗 LINK IN BIO

10/03/2025

“The last 40 years of research has conclusively shown that there’s a substantial genetic component, just like there is for most human health conditions,” Dr. Daniel Geschwind, professor of neurology, psychiatry and human genetics at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, tells Yahoo. He cites a recent JAMA Psychiatry study that found the odds of inheriting autism is estimated to be as high as 80% and that another 15% are likely due to genetic mutations. “You add those up, and genetic factors can explain approximately 95% of the population risk for autism,” he says. Read more:

Parents are posting humorous videos on social media about how they knew their child's autism was genetic, in light of the Trump administration claiming a link between autism and Tylenol use in pregnancy.

10/01/2025

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!

09/29/2025

The FDA plans to add warnings to Tylenol about possible risks for autism and ADHD when taken during pregnancy.

Experts stress that current studies do not show clear evidence of a link, and that untreated fever and pain during pregnancy can be more harmful than the medication itself. Major medical groups continue to agree that Tylenol remains the safest option when used as directed.

Read more, including a quote from our Tarjan Center Director, Dr. Liz Laugeson:

The FDA plans to add a warning to Tylenol (acetaminophen) about a potential link between use during pregnancy and autism. Here’s what the research says.

09/12/2025

Pediatric psychologist Elizabeth Laugeson shares why music is an important means of connection for people on the autism spectrum: n.pr/3JMCndY

09/12/2025

We hope that you will join us for the upcoming Distinguished Lecture Series!

"Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: Perspectives of Autistic Individuals"
Speaker: Dr. Samara Wolpe, Postdoctoral Fellow
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM PDT
Location: FREE and live on Zoom!

Register here!
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0J8qmy7CTpSIvEeZVri0tg #/registration

09/04/2025

UCLA Tarjan Center is recruiting for its upcoming leadership program open to individuals 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The UCLA Leadership Academy for Emerging Disability Rights Leaders will take place on Fridays, April 4 through June 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. via on Zoom. Attendees will learn about disability history, self-advocacy, leadership and more. Application deadline is February 28. Click link for more information and to apply:
https://bit.ly/4k5iPiD

09/04/2025

08/29/2025

A poll of California voters conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies showed strong support among Republicans and Democrats for UC research, hospitals and the value of UC degrees.

08/29/2025

Registration is Still Open! The UCLA PEERS Clinic will be hosting a PEERS® for Young Adults Certified Teleconference via Zoom on September 17 - 19, 2025 from 8 am - 5 pm (PT)!

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