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.