In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the NDL was thrilled to participate in the Answer Inc. 18th Annual Autism & Developmental Disabilities Walk-a-Thon and take part in outreach and engagement events at Northwestern’s Norris University Center and Société Générale! Throughout the month, members of our lab had the opportunity to connect with students, families, professionals, and community members to share more about autism, neurodiversity, and the exciting research projects taking place in the lab.

These outreach opportunities allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of autism research, inclusive scientific practices, and community involvement in research. We enjoyed answering questions about our ongoing studies, discussing the goals of our work, and highlighting the importance of creating research that reflects and supports the diverse experiences of autistic individuals and their families.

Most importantly, we appreciated the chance to celebrate Autism Awareness Month by fostering connection, increasing awareness, and encouraging curiosity and dialogue around neurodevelopmental research. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more, share their experiences, and help make these events such a success!