• Jingwen & Luo

    Integration

    of quantitative genomics and neurobiology to understand Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Family-Based Studies

    lead to better understanding of neurodiversity

  • Modeling Behavioral Traits

    in experimental organisms will lead to new therapies

  • Welcome to ASPE

    The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania established ASPE, the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, in 2017 to significantly improve the understanding of the genetic causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 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.

    Genetic studies of ASD will give us greater insight into the genetic roots of the entire autism spectrum. A major focus of ASPE will be on the NRXN1 gene, which codes for the protein neurexin 1 and has been associated with autism spectrum disorder and other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

    Latest News

    Want to know more about synapses?

    Want to know more about synapses? Quick summary! A neuron is a type of cell located in the brain that transmits information to other neurons through a junction called a synapse. The communication between neurons...

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    What is a neuron?

    What is a neuron? Quick summary! A neuron is a type of cell located in the brain that transmits information to other neurons through a junction called a synapse. The communication between neurons at synapses...

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    ASPE (Neurexin Nexus) blog introduction

    Quick Summary! Welcome to the Neurexin Nexus! Our hope is to use this platform to build a relationship between scientists and non-scientists and to make research findings accessible to the general public. This blog, written...

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    Events

    Next Steps for Families with a New Diagnosis – September 27, 2023

    Where:  Virtual via QR code

    When: Sep 27, 2023 @ 12:00 pm to 3:15 pm

    Why: This virtual workshop is geared towards parents/caregivers of toddlers through elementary school-age children who have recently been diagnosed with autism.

    Cost:  Free of charge, but registration still required.

    Additional Information can be found at https://www.research.chop.edu/events/next-steps-for-families-with-a-new-diagnosis-virtual-sep-27-2023