We are the U21 Autism Research Network

The University of Birmingham, UK

The Sowden Lab and Cook Lab study social cognition and bodily movement (and the link between the two) in autistic and non-autistic adults. They also examine interpersonal relationships and social decision-making between neurotype-matched and mismatched interaction partners.

The University of Birmingham, Dubai Campus, United Arab Emirates

Dr Shereen Sharaan’s research to date concerns autism, bilingualism and executive functioning. She is passionate about facilitating understanding of and research about neurodiversity in the Middle East and encouraging the inclusion of diverse samples in autism research.

The University of Connecticut, USA

The Connecticut Autism and Language Lab (CALL) examines social communication skills at multiple levels, from speech sounds (phonology), to words (the lexicon), to language structure (syntax), to how language is used for social purposes (pragmatics and discourse). We aim to connect these complex communication skills with domain-general cognitive and perceptual processes, to try to understand the mechanisms that underlie language difficulties. Visit our webpage at https://eigsti.psy.uconn.edu/ to learn more.

Waseda University, Japan

The Osu and Okamoto lab studies characteristic sensory-motor function of autistic people by multiple approaches. We investigate the development of brain functions related to body recognition in autistic people using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We also try to find autism specific body movement from children to adults by 3-Dimensional Motion Analysis Device and machine learning. Our goal is to contribute to the construction developmental model of sensory-motor function of autistic people. Please check our webpage https://sites.google.com/view/autismwaseda/home to learn more.

The University of Aukland, New Zealand

The small team of researchers from the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand works collaboratively to study auditory processing and speech and language development in autistic individuals. Dr Joan Leung and Professor Suzanne Purdy are involved in researching auditory processing challenges experienced by autistic people, and potential amelioration via remote-microphone hearing aid technology. They work closely with SoundSkills Auditory Processing Clinic in Auckland, and Joan is an autism specialist advisor to the practicing audiologists. They also work closely with Elizabeth Fairgray, senior speech-language therapist and professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland, investigating the effects of atypical auditory processing on speech and language development. Dr Bianca Jackson is involved in research looking at communication between adults and children, and how sensory regulation influences communication skills. She works with families to develop communication and eating skills for enjoyable mealtimes. This team is embedded within a larger initiative called the Minds for Minds Autism Research Network based at the University of Auckland. Minds for Minds is focused on getting a better understanding of autism in order to help with diagnosis and contribute to the development of management options. The network encompasses a wide range of research activities (genetics, microbiology, psychology, physiology, immunology, audiology, speech language therapy) and is set to expand its research efforts further.