Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development

Children with autism are three times more likely to experience constipation than the general population and current treatments don’t always work well for them.

For Nova and her mom, finding answers wasn’t easy. Now, their story is helping bring attention to a hidden challenge many children like her face.

They are why Duke Health and UNC Health are teaming up on a $12.9M national study to find better treatment options. This research highlights the power of our NC Children's partnership to bring hope to families across North Carolina and beyond.

https://www.wral.com/lifestyles/health/gi-struggles-children-with-autism-unc-health-duke-study-may-2026/

Duke Children's | Duke University School of Medicine

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.

Duke autism experts are closing the gap in autism screening and care through interdisciplinary innovation. Read an update on the SenseToKnow app's next steps from the Duke Office of Interdisciplinary Programs: https://interdisciplinary.duke.edu/news/closing-gap-autism-screening-and-care-through-interdisciplinary-innovation/

Join us for the final presentation in our 2025-2026 Duke Autism Seminar Series. Jamie Pearson, PhD, Associate Professor of Special Education and Educational Equity at NC State University will present "FACES for Autism: A Psychoeducational Intervention for Black Families Supporting Autistic Children and Youth."

Wednesday, May 20 at 4pm ET
Register for this free webinar at https://duke.zoom.us/meeting/register/lEO82Xj9SyCK-QEUQq5tjA

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/

A Duke study shows AI models may identify a child’s risk of developing ADHD years before a typical diagnosis, potentially allowing support to start earlier. Study lead author Elliot Hill and colleagues found using AI models to analyze routine electronic health records can pick up patterns to flag children for evaluation and follow-up.

The research is published in Nature Mental Health and looked at the records of more than 140,000 children with and without ADHD.

More: https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/ai-tool-may-spot-adhd-years-children-are-diagnosed

Duke University School of Medicine | Duke Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences | Duke Children's |

AI Tool May Spot ADHD Years Before Children Are Diagnosed DURHAM, N.C. — Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children, yet many go years without a diagnosis, missing the chance for early support that can change long-term outcomes even when early signs are present.

See the full gallery and read what players and families had to say about last week's Soccer Spectacular with Duke Women's Soccer and Duke Men's Soccer: https://autismcenter.duke.edu/news/duke-athletes-share-smiles-2026-soccer-spectacular

"Disability is a life dynamic, and each individual has a right to full opportunities to thrive at every age and stage of their life. Our charge is under constant review to advance this work for our students." - Kristen Bell, EdD, Executive Director of the Exceptional Children's Programs at Durham Public Schools.

Dr. Bell is a member of our Community Engagement Advisory Board, and for Autism Acceptance Month, we asked what looks like in practice.