Carolina Autism & Neurodevelopment Research Center

CAN researchers recently attended the International Congress of Infant Studies Biennial Meeting in Panama City, Panama, where this year’s theme was “Infancy in Context.”

Our CAN and USC-affiliated researchers shared posters and talks on topics including infant attention, early autism markers, preterm development, Down syndrome, EEG/ERP methods, sleep, vocabulary, and social and nonsocial attention.

The meeting offered an exciting opportunity to share recent findings, strengthen collaborations, and connect with researchers studying the broader science of infant development. Conferences like ICIS help us think deeply about how typical and atypical development unfold in context, and how that knowledge can inform autism research.

We were also thrilled to celebrate John Richards, who received a Distinguished Contribution Award for his impact on the field. The moment was especially meaningful as Jessie Bradshaw, a close collaborator, presented the awards at the conference.

Congratulations to all of our CAN researchers and collaborators who presented at ICIS 2026.

CAN is proud to recognize our latest grant recipients and celebrate their contributions to autism and neurodevelopmental research.

Congratulations to ASPIRE recipients Margaret Janse van Rensburg, Yuki Ogawa, and Zhiqiang “Zack” Sha. The 2026 ASPIRE Program supports USC faculty pursuing innovative scholarly projects, with an emphasis on early-career researchers and future extramural funding.

Congratulations to ASPIRE AI recipient Dezhi Wu. The ASPIRE AI Program supports research focused on artificial intelligence, especially interdisciplinary projects that combine AI expertise with domain knowledge.

We look forward to seeing the impact of their work across our research community.

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate disabled people, honor disability culture, and recognize the importance of accessibility, equity, and inclusion.

At CAN, we believe accessibility is more than a goal. It is a commitment. This month and every month, we celebrate disability pride, amplify disabled voices, and continue working to create spaces where everyone can participate, belong, and thrive.

CAN is proud to celebrate Taylor Bryant, whose research on language, literacy, and emotion regulation reflects the interdisciplinary collaboration at the heart of our network.

Read more about her USC journey and work supporting children with developmental language disorders and dyslexia below.

https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/about/news/2026/iampublichealth_bryant_comd.php

SC Governor Henry McMaster declared July 22 Fragile X Awareness Day. Join parents, families, self-advocates, state officials and researchers on July 22 at 10:30 - 12:00 as we bring awareness to Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X Associated Disorders in the South Carolina Statehouse Lobby.

For more information about the statehouse ceremony, contact Roger Kuperman at [email protected] and at 803-572-1559.

Join us for the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research Center Fall Retreat on Tuesday, August 11th at the University of South Carolina’s Pastides Alumni Center.

This event will feature trainee and faculty science talks, community discussions, and networking opportunities focused on advancing autism and neurodevelopment research, education, and community engagement.

Make sure to Register by July 31, 2026.

Scan the QR code for more information and to register.

Spring 2026 was a semester of growth, connection, and meaningful engagement for CAN.

This semester, CAN participated in and supported several impactful events, including the SCAND Conference, Autism Connect 2026, Discover USC, and Research Roundup. These opportunities allowed us to share research, strengthen community partnerships, and contribute to important conversations surrounding autism, neurodiversity, advocacy, and support.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful semester. We are proud of the work accomplished this spring and look forward to continuing CAN’s mission in the semesters ahead.

Today is the last day to register for Rooster Tales!

Rooster Tales is an inclusive summer drama camp for students ages 7-14 on the autism spectrum, offered through a collaboration between the USC Department of Theatre and Dance and the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center.

Through theatre games, improv, role-play, movement, music, and imagination, campers will build confidence, practice social-emotional skills, and celebrate creativity in a supportive environment.

June 8–12 (ages 10-14)
June 15-19 (ages 7-10)
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Free thanks to support from the SC Arts Commission
Registration Deadline: Today, June 2

Spots are limited so register today by scanning the QR code!

Calling all young actors!

Rooster Tales is an inclusive summer drama camp for students ages 7-14 on the autism spectrum, offered through a collaboration between the USC Department of Theatre and Dance and the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center.

Through theatre games, improv, role-play, movement, music, and imagination, campers will build confidence, practice social-emotional skills, and celebrate creativity in a supportive environment.

Registration Deadline: June 2
June 8–12 (ages 10-14)
June 15-19 (ages 7-10)
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Free thanks to support from the SC Arts Commission

Spots are limited so register today by scanning the QR code!

Applications have launched for the New Ideas Award, which provides early-stage support for exploratory projects that test novel hypotheses and open new conceptual or experimental directions in the study of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

This opportunity is open to researchers with a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree and who hold a faculty position (or an equivalent role) at a college, university, medical school or other research facility.

Scan the QR code for more information and to apply.