2026 Autism Conference at Yale

This free, full-day conference—hosted by the Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program at Yale Child Study Center and featuring leading experts in neurodevelopmental conditions—is intended for pediatricians, therapists, early interventionists, parents, students, researchers, and trainees.

The symposium-style event will inform professionals and researchers about the latest findings on transdiagnostic approaches to psychopathology and pre- and perinatal susceptibility markers of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Participants will gain practical, up-to-date insights that bridge research and clinical practice through a focused, high-impact opportunity to learn, connect, and advance care across disciplines. Featured topics will include:

• Risk and susceptibility markers of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions
• Breakthroughs in research and clinical care for children with complex motor stereotypies

The event will be held at Yale's Anlyan Center for Medical Research and Education in New Haven, Conn. Register in advance by April 3, 2026.

Continuing Education

This program has been approved for 5.5 Continuing Education Credit Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, CT and meets the continuing education criteria for Social Work Licensure renewal.

These continuing education credits are applicable for licensed psychologists in addition to practitioners with the following credentials: LMSW, LCSW, LMFT-A, LMFT, LPC-A, and LPC.

Conference Schedule

Part I: Risk Factors and Susceptibility Markers in Psychopathology (9–11:15 a.m.)

9:00—Katarzyna Chawarska, PhD: Susceptibility markers in autism/neurodevelopmental conditions
9:20—Q&A
9:25—Zeyan Liew, PhD, MPH: Do Perinatal Risks for Autism Differ Between Families with and Without ASD?
9:45—Q&A
9:50—Helena Rutherford, PhD: Leveraging insights into the maternal brain to inform child development
10:10—Q&A
10:15—Kieran O’Donnell, PhD: Developmental Timing of Exposure to Early Life Stress and Relevance for Mental Health in Adulthood
10:35—Q&A
10:40—Angela Montgomery, MD, MSEd: From Early Brain Vulnerability to Neuropsychological Outcomes After Preterm Birth
11:00—Q&A
11:05—Break

Part II: Profound Autism (11:20 a.m.–12:10 p.m.)

11:20—Adam Naples, PhD: Developing Biomarker Approaches for Profound Autism
11:40—Q&A
11:45—Mariana Torres-Viso, PsyD, BCBA-D: Understanding Profound Autism: Needs, Realities, and Responsive Practice
12:05—Q&A

Lunch Break (12:10–1:10 p.m.)

Part III: Transdiagnostic Approach to Psychopathology (1:15–3:30 p.m.)

1:15—Katarzyna Chawarska, PhD: Introduction to the transdiagnostic approach
1:25—Q&A
1:30—Thomas Fernandez, MD: Motor Stereotypies in Children: Clinical Features, Assessment, and Genetics
1:50—Q&A
1:55—Leah Wang, PhD: Motor behavior across the neurodevelopmental spectrum: movement as a marker and driver of development
2:15—Q&A
2:20—Matthew Goodwin, PhD: Automating Detection and Characterization of Motor Stereotypies in Autism
2:40—Q&A
2:45—Kelly Powell, PhD: Making Sense of Early Symptoms: A Transdiagnostic Lens on Emerging Neurodevelopmental Disorders
3:05—Q&A
3:10—General Q&A / Close