Autism Science Foundation Canada

06/05/2026

Not all scientific evidence is created equal.

Join ASF Chief Science Officer Alycia Halladay, PhD, and Giacomo Vivanti, PhD, on June 11 for Part Two of What’s the Proof? and learn practical tools to evaluate scientific claims, strengthen critical thinking, and navigate complex autism research topics with confidence.

📅 June 11 | 3:00–4:30 PM ET
💻 Free via Zoom with live Q&A

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x23TrDI4Q525dIjyaXxRbg #/registration

06/05/2026

This week on Autism Science Minute with Alison Singer:

Results from a phase 2 trial found that pimavanserin did not significantly improve autism-related irritability compared with placebo.

A new Nature study suggests astrocytes may help regulate developmental plasticity, raising intriguing possibilities for future gene therapies.

Pimavanserin study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42162607/
Nature study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10512-9

06/02/2026

Can antidepressant use during pregnancy cause autism? Short answer: no.

This week on the ASF Weekly Science Podcast, ASF Chief Science Officer Alycia Halladay, PhD, breaks down what the research shows, why early studies caused confusion, and where this myth came from.

Most importantly: don’t stop taking medication during pregnancy without speaking with your doctor.

➡️ Listen now: https://asfpodcast.org/archives/2015

05/29/2026

This week on the Autism Science Minute, ASF President Alison Singer covers DOJ charges in a Medicaid fraud case involving autism services — and why families who rely on those services should not be left behind.

05/22/2026

This week on the Autism Science Minute with Alison Singer:

➡️ A major Nature study identified a non-coding RNA gene linked to core autism traits, highlighting the growing role of the genome’s “control system” in autism biology: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10515-6

➡️ A JAMA Network Open study found leucovorin prescriptions in autism rose more than 2000% following widespread media attention, raising new questions about evidence standards for autism treatments: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2849124

➡️ Researchers identified two biologically distinct autism subtypes with opposite patterns of brain connectivity across nearly 2,000 people and 20 mouse models: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-026-02287-z

05/22/2026

Science matters. Facts matter. And this year, Peter Hotez, MD, is bringing that message to the ASF Autism Leadership Luncheon.

Join us on June 4 in New York City for a keynote from the physician-scientist, autism dad, and co-author of Science Under Siege as we celebrate leadership and progress in autism research.

The luncheon will honor ASF Board Chair Jonah Zimiles and feature a special musical performance by Tom Bak.

Tickets are going fast: https://secure.givelively.org/event/autism-science-foundation/autism-leadership-luncheon-2026

05/20/2026

Looking to participate in an autism study — or recruit participants for one?

The ASF Participate in Research Directory helps families and scientists connect. The free, mobile-friendly platform features studies with clear details about eligibility, participation requirements, and compensation.

➡️ Browse current studies
➡️ Learn about participation opportunities
➡️ Submit a study at no cost

Explore the directory here: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/participate-in-research/

05/18/2026

On this week’s ASF Weekly Science Podcast, Chief Science Officer Alycia Halladay, PhD, speaks with neuroscientist Opher Kornfeld, PhD, Managing Director of Translational Research and Development at SPARK NS — a Stanford-based initiative helping scientists turn promising autism research into potential therapies.

Kornfeld explains how SPARK NS supports high-risk, high-reward translational research and helps scientists move discoveries toward potential treatments for autism and Parkinson’s disease.

Listen now: https://asfpodcast.org/archives/2011

05/13/2026

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children - SickKids in Toronto identify new clues into the genetics of autism.

A major study supported in part by ASF has identified a non-coding gene linked to core autism traits, offering new insight into the biology of autism and tools to generate intervention targets.

Read more:

A research team has pinpointed PTCHD1-AS, a long non-coding RNA gene on the X chromosome, as a contributor to increased likelihood of ASD in males. Notably, deletions within PTCHD1-AS influence social interaction and repetitive behaviours, while ...

05/13/2026

Reminder for researchers: ASF is now accepting applications for Suzanne Wright Memorial Research Accelerator Grants.

These grants are designed to help scientists expand the scope, increase efficiency, and accelerate active autism research projects. Proposals from all areas of autism research are welcome, with special interest in projects focused on profound autism.

Applications are due July 6, 2026.

Learn more and apply:https://autismsciencefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RFA-Accelerator-Grants-2026-RFA.pdf