Investigating patterns to accelerate solutions.

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.

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

NDL among Northwestern research groups rethinking genetics

NorthwesternNow

Environmental factors are now recognized to play a strong role in development, and pose risk factors even in strongly genetic conditions like autism. The NDL is one of the many labs at Northwestern that are considering the complex relationships between genes and environment. Click to learn more: Northwestern Now!

Recent News

NDL Newsletter Jan. 2025

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. This important work would not be possible without the support and dedication of participating families and collaborators. We [...]

NDL Fall 2024 Retreat

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. We wrapped up the day with some fun games, celebrating the arrival of Fall and the start of a promising academic year!