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Research
Integration of quantitative genomics and neurobiology to understand Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Family-Based Studies
Lead to better understanding of neurodiversity.
Welcome to ASPE
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania established ASPE, the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, in 2017 to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families through research. Through the ASPE Study, we hope to significantly inform the understanding of the genetic causes of autism in order to energize the research and clinical community across the globe. The ASPE program was made possible by a generous donation from an anonymous philanthropist.
A major focus of ASPE is on the NRXN1 gene (2p16.3 deletion), which codes for the protein neurexin 1 and has been associated with autism and other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. ASPE is working to translate this biological research into improved treatments, services, and support programs, as well as increased acceptance and advocacy for individuals on the spectrum.
Latest News
We’re so glad you’re here. The Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE) is excited to welcome you to our very first Community Newsletter. Founded in 2017, ASPE is a collaborative autism research program involving a…
Congratulations to ASPE trainee Joanna Medina, PhD, for being awarded the Eagles Autism Foundation Post Doctoral Fellowship! This two-year fellowship will support Joanna’s research project, “Bridging pre-clinical and clinical studies of autism via translational biomarker…
On May 7th, the ASPE team participated in the Lurie Autism Institute Inaugural Symposium, “Advances in the Biological Basis of Heterogeneity in Autism Across the Lifespan”. Hosted in the HUB for Clinical Collaboration at Children’s…
