Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development

The 2026 International Society for Autism Research, INSAR meeting, held in Prague, provided an opportunity for Early Start Denver Model trainers from across the globe to connect in person.

Highlights from Duke included presentations by Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH; and Vikram Aikat.

Dr. Franz is the interim director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. Aikat is a PhD candidate in computer science and works on the SenseToKnow project.

Up to 65% of autistic children experience constipation at three times the rate of other kids, and standard treatments often don't work for them. Duke and UNC researchers are teaming up to change that.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute awarded $12.9 million to Duke for the clinical trial to compare treatment options and find clearer, safer pathways for autistic children and their families.

“We see firsthand that standard treatments don’t always work well for autistic children, where sensory sensitivities, diet, and medication tolerance can complicate care. This study is designed to generate clear, evidence-based guidance that clinicians and families can use,” Bruno Chumpitazi, M.D., Duke Pediatrics.

This research also reflects the growing strength of the NC Children's partnership between Duke Health and UNC Health.

More: https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/duke-unc-researchers-co-lead-129m-study-improve-care-autistic-children

NC Children's | UNC Health | Duke Children's | Duke University School of Medicine | UNC School of Medicine | Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute - PCORI |

You're invited to the final show in this season's Sensory Friendly Film Series at The Carolina Theatre of Durham!
WALL-E
Next Saturday, May 9 at 11 am
Get your FREE tickets at https://carolinatheatre.org/events/film/wall-e/