UPenn Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE)

Welcome to ASPE! The Perelman School of Medicine @Penn established ASPE, the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, in 2017 to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families through research🔬Learn more about ASPE by clicking the link in our bio today!🔗

The inaugural NRXN1 Research & Family Conference: Establishing Connections was held on 9/13 and 9/14, with well-over 100 researchers, family members, clinicians, friends, caregivers, and self-advocates attending over two schedule-packed days. Read more: aspe.med.upenn.edu/2024/12/03/nrx…

New paper ALERT!! @MaraCowen discovered and defined how conserved autism-associated genes modify a 'social' behavior in C. elegans!! So proud of her work in the lab! nature.com/articles/s4146…

Here at the ASPE Study, can you believe that we have 11 different research labs? 💡 Today’s ASPE Lab Spotlight is the Gandal Lab, run by Michael Gandal, M.D., Ph.D. 🔗Read more at med.upenn.edu/gandallab

Congratulations @KorbLab !!

Call for participants! @pennASPE is seeking a comparison (control) group to better understand the differences between autistics and non-autistics. Join the ASPE Study today: aspe.med.upenn.edu/join-our-study…

Meet Kyuhyun "Q" Choi! Kyuhyun has been a Research Associate in the Fuccillo Lab at ASPE for the past 3 years. Head over to our blog to read all about the terrific work that Kyuhyun has been a part of, and where he is off to next. Best of luck, Kyuhyun! aspe.med.upenn.edu/2024/09/03/tra…

Congratulations to Chandni Shah, recent @UofPenn Neuroscience Alum and Clinical Research Coordinator in ASPE’s Brodkin Lab, for being awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program Grant! 🔗 Click the link in our bio to read about Chandni’s plans to study autism in India!

July 26th marks 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month to commemorate the passage of this civil rights law and its impact on promoting equal rights and opportunities for those of all abilities.

💡In today’s Advisory Board Spotlight Series, meet Marissa Mitchel and the @Nrxn1Network 🔗 Click the link in our bio to read why Marissa joined ASPE’s Advisory Board and all about her efforts to support individuals affected by rare genetic disorders like NRXN1-related disorder

🌟For today’s #TraineeTuesday, meet Maya! 🌟 For the past four years, Maya has been a member of the Brodkin and Bućan labs here at ASPE. Swipe or head over to our blog (🔗 in bio) to read all about the terrific work that Maya has been a part of over the years here at ASPE!

An esteemed congratulations to Ellie McKeown, a Brodkin Lab Research Assistant, who has recently been awarded a prestigious Thouron Scholarship based on their work in autism research👏 Head over to our website (link in bio) to read more about Ellie’s research and future plans!

On Saturday, May 18th, several members of the ASPE Team laced up their running shoes and gathered at Lincoln Financial Field to walk and run in the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge 5K! 👟 🔗Read more about this exciting fundraising event on our blog. Link in bio!

🌟Want to join the ASPE Study, but unsure about what participation entails? 🌟Watch these simple steps to see how easy the ASPE participation journey is! 🔗Ready to join the ASPE Study from the comfort of your own home? Click the link in our bio to join ASPE today! 🔗

Whether you just learned the word “neurodivergent” or have been involved with the autistic/neurodivergent community for years, click the link in our bio for potentially helpful handouts, support organizations, & community events for autistic/neurodivergent people & caregivers!