Autism Science Foundation Canada

06/19/2026

This week's Autism Science Minute answers a question we hear often: Why is brain tissue donation so important to autism research?

Watch to learn how these generous donations help scientists better understand autism and advance future discoveries.

Learn more at autismbrainnet.org.

06/18/2026

Summer is just around the corner, and Leo and Ruby Berger are already making the most of it! Their lemonade and cookie stand raised $150 for ASF. We’re so grateful for their hard work and generosity.

Thank you, Leo and Ruby, for turning a sunny afternoon into something special! 🍋☀️

06/15/2026

🎙️ New ASF Weekly Science Podcast: Autism and Parkinson's Disease

What is the connection between autism and Parkinson's disease? Dr. Blair Braden, Samantha Harker, and Manuela Velez Galindo from the Autism and Brain Aging Lab at Arizona State University join us to discuss what researchers know so far, why these conditions may be linked, and the steps autistic individuals can take to support healthy aging.

🎧 Listen now: https://asfpodcast.org/archives/2021

06/12/2026

This week’s Autism Science Minute explores the growing body of research linking autism and epilepsy. Researchers are uncovering shared genetic pathways, including the role of the SYNGAP1 gene, which helps regulate the development of brain circuits. Understanding these connections may open the door to new therapeutic approaches for individuals with autism and epilepsy.

Read the studies:
🔗 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dmcn.70288
🔗 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505026002192

06/11/2026

Thank you to Bay Street Rides FAR Board Member James Black of CSE for representing ASF Canada and Bay Street Rides FAR at 100 Men of Bay Street. Double-Diamond Sponsor Cboe hosted the group to ring the Opening Bell this past Monday.

James spoke about the importance of supporting autism research and how Bay Street Rides FAR helps fund the science that drives progress. We're grateful for advocates like James who inspire others to get involved.

Learn more and register for Bay Street Rides FAR: https://ridesfar.org/toronto/

06/10/2026

In case you missed it: PsyPost - Psychology Research News highlighted a major autism genetics study from researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children - SickKids in Toronto.

Supported in part by ASF, the study 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 new study in Nature reveals that a specific non-coding genetic sequence shapes the core social and repetitive traits of autism in males. The discovery separates these hallmark behaviors from intellectual disability, leaving learning and memory intact.

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.