Medical Resources
Explore the scientific and clinical foundations of the Advancing Autism Awareness Forum — including precision medicine, neurodevelopmental research, biomarkers, clinical trials, and translational approaches shaping the future of autism care.
Overview
The medical dimension of the forum focuses on advancing autism understanding through rigorous scientific research, clinical innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. From early biomarker discovery to genetic therapies and environmental health, our medical speakers represent leading institutions across Harvard Medical School and beyond.
Featured Medical Speakers
Patricia Ellen Grant, MD, MSc
Pediatric Neuroimaging
Boston Children’s Hospital · Harvard Medical School
Director, FNNDSC · Leader in infant brain development research
Thomas H. Gassert, MD, MSc, FACOEM
Environmental & Occupational Health
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Autism, climate, workplace health, and global safety standards
Xue‑Jun (June) Kong, MD
Precision Medicine & ASD Research
BIDMC · Boston Children’s · MGH · HMS
Biomarkers, clinical trials, AI‑assisted prediction models
William Stone, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychology
BIDMC · MMHC · Harvard Medical School
Cognition, comorbidities, and neurodevelopmental conditions
Walid Yassin, DMSc, MMSc
Neurodiversity & Workplace Health
BIDMC · Harvard Medical School
Workplace inclusion, neurodiversity frameworks, clinical practice
Xin Tang, PhD
Genetic Therapies
Boston Children’s Hospital · Harvard Medical School
Gene modulation therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders
Key Themes
Precision Medicine
Integrating genetics, biomarkers, neuroimaging, and digital phenotyping to tailor interventions.
Biomarker Discovery
Eye‑tracking, EEG, microbiome, autonomic function, and immune profiling for early detection.
Neurodevelopment
Understanding brain connectivity, white matter development, and early‑life influences on outcomes.
Genetic Therapies
Emerging gene modulation approaches for rare neurodevelopmental disorders.
Environmental Health
Climate, workplace exposures, and environmental factors affecting autistic individuals.
Translational Neuroscience
Bridging lab discoveries with clinical practice to improve long‑term outcomes.
Medical Sessions
8:45 – 9:45 AM
Autism: Research & Clinical Challenges Across the Lifespan
Margaret Bauman, MD
9:45 – 10:15 AM
Autism: Navigating Work, Environment & Climate
Thomas H. Gassert, MD, MSc
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Precision Science & Strength‑Based Futures in Autism
Xue‑Jun (June) Kong, MD
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Updates on Autism & Cognition
William Stone, PhD
2:15 – 2:45 PM
Gene Modulation Therapies
Xin Tang, PhD