What is Autism?

Autism is an untapped reservoir of creative solutions, by nervous systems that grow and evolve in uniquely different ways.

Under a new strengths-based model, we redefine autism using a community-based platform that brings our Autism ecosystem to a new era of multidisciplinary collaboration inclusive of the autistic members as active participants guiding us in our research, education, and services. Hand in hand with the autistic individual, we integrate multiple layers of knowledge and expertise to create a space of collaboration and progressive, forward thinking that will support and embrace the autistic person across the lifespan.

Science and technology, paired with best clinical practices help us understand autistic traits that we can see using traditional observable means, while new technological advances can help us augment our knowledge and uncover the autistic experience and the potential for growth that remains hidden to the naked eye.

Working together, with autistics and their families, this collaborative approach to autism can help us understand how many different forms of human intelligence can coexist and work towards a common goal that improves our communal existence. It is in this sense that embracing neurodiversity is one of the greatest opportunities of our times.

Younger siblings of children with ASD are known to be at higher risk for developing language delays. The Infancy Studies Lab at Rutgers University-Newark has created an engaging interactive acoustic experience with the aim of helping baby siblings of children with ASD develop better pre-language skills known to be important for optimal and efficient language acquisition. Watch this short video to learn more about how to participate in this exciting, innovative research study.