Studying families to reveal the roots of neurodiversity.

At the Neurodevelopmental Diversity Laboratory at Northwestern University, we research language and other abilities associated with autism, fragile X syndrome, and related conditions. We also investigate their associated genetic, environmental, and neural features.

Studying families to reveal the roots of neurodiversity.

At the Neurodevelopmental Diversity Laboratory at Northwestern University, we research language and other abilities associated with autism, fragile X syndrome, and related conditions. We also investigate their associated genetic, environmental, and neural features.

Autism Research

We examine communication differences and genetic links to autism and related conditions.

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Fragile X Research

We study how the FMR1 gene affects language, learning, and social development.

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Current Studies

We are conducting several studies in individuals with autism or fragile X and their families.

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Recent News

  • We are so grateful to get to work with you all, and excited to share with you an update on the lab and our recent research findings in our most recent newsletter.

  • We had an incredible time at our 2024 Lab Retreat! It was a great opportunity to come together, share insights on our exciting new projects, and foster collaboration.

Investigating Patterns to Deepen Understanding

Research in the Neurodevelopmental Diversity Lab investigates the origins of the clinical-behavioral features that define autism, fragile X, and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

Our studies examine relationships between gene, brain, and behavior, and also consider environmental features that may contribute to the causes of these conditions. We adopt a life-span and multigenerational approach, with different studies involving both children and adults, as well as unaffected family members, including siblings, parents, and grandparents.

autistic child working with researcher northwestern neurodevelopmental diversity lab

Our specific study objectives include:

  • understanding different developmental strengths and challenges in language and other abilities associated with autism, fragile X syndrome, and related conditions;

  • defining subtle language and neuropsychological profiles among unaffected family members that may still be linked to the genes involved in autism and fragile X; and

  • documenting the connections between genes and environment in neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism/fragile X syndrome