Psychiatry and clinical research; opening remarks
Hadine Joffe, MD, MSc
Psychiatry and clinical research; opening remarks
Scientific symposiumInterest registration open
Autism & Neurodiversity Scientific Symposium
From Developmental Neuroscience to Precision Diagnosis, Treatment and Future Care
Bringing together experts in neuroscience, clinical medicine and education to share cutting-edge research and explore support and care across the lifespan.
- Date & time
- Tuesday, March 30, 20278:30 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Location
- Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School, BostonIn-person symposium
Event overview
What to expect
From Developmental Neuroscience to Precision Diagnosis, Treatment and Future Care Bringing together experts in neuroscience, clinical medicine and education to share cutting-edge research and explore support and care across the lifespan. Continuing medical education credit has not been confirmed; details will be published if credit is approved. Co-hosted by ACMES Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital)
Designed for
- Clinicians and allied health professionals
- Developmental neuroscientists and clinical researchers
- Educators and health professions faculty
- Trainees and professionals interested in autism and neurodiversity
Program highlights
- Early brain biology, inflammation and developmental trajectories
- Neural circuits, multimodal imaging and quantitative biomarkers
- Therapeutic development and the translation of trials into care
- A separate call for scientific posters welcomes emerging work
Agenda
A day connecting mechanisms and practice
All times are Eastern Time. The program moves from early development in the morning to translational research and education in the afternoon. Session arrangements may be updated.
8:30–8:40 AM
Opening remarks
Welcome to a day connecting developmental neuroscience with clinical and educational practice.
Hadine Joffe, MD, MSc
8:40–9:30 AM
Early brain development and neuroimaging
Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders viewed through fetal, neonatal and early-life imaging.
P. Ellen Grant, MD, MS
9:30–10:20 AM
Perinatal stress, inflammation and neurodevelopment
How early biological exposures shape developmental trajectories.
Brian Kalish, MD
10:20–10:35 AM
Coffee break
10:35–11:25 AM
Developmental trajectories and early brain development
Perspectives from developmental cognitive neuroscience and longitudinal research.
Charles A. Nelson III, PhD
11:25 AM–12:00 PM
Morning panel discussion
Connecting early brain biology, imaging and inflammation with autism research.
Grant, Kalish & Nelson · Moderator: Xue-Jun (June) Kong
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00–1:50 PM
Neural circuits, plasticity and neurodevelopment
Mechanisms of cortical development and their relevance to neurodevelopmental differences.
Mriganka Sur, PhD, FRS
1:50–2:40 PM
Advanced neuroimaging and precision neuroscience
Imaging approaches to understanding heterogeneity in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Bruce Rosen, MD, PhD
2:40–2:55 PM
Coffee break
2:55–3:35 PM
From autism clinical trials to clinical care
Therapeutic development, meaningful outcomes and the challenges of translating evidence into care.
Robyn Thom, MD
3:35–4:20 PM
Translational research and future directions
From developmental mechanisms and biomarkers to trials, precision care and implementation.
Sur, Rosen & Thom · Moderator: Xue-Jun (June) Kong
4:20–4:30 PM
Closing synthesis
Connect the day’s scientific discussions with the next steps for research, clinical practice and education.
Xue-Jun (June) Kong, MD
4:30–5:00 PM
Teaching neurodiversity in health professions education
How health professions education can prepare clinicians to understand and support neurodiverse people.
David A. Hirsh, MD, FACP
Speakers
Speakers and moderator
Scientific and educational perspectives spanning developmental medicine, neuroscience, psychiatry and health professions education.
Fetal and neonatal neuroimaging; early brain development
P. Ellen Grant, MD, MS
Fetal and neonatal neuroimaging; early brain development
Perinatal inflammation and neurodevelopment
Brian Kalish, MD
Perinatal inflammation and neurodevelopment
Developmental cognitive neuroscience and early experience
Charles A. Nelson III, PhD
Developmental cognitive neuroscience and early experience
Cortical circuits, plasticity and neurodevelopment
Mriganka Sur, PhD, FRS
Cortical circuits, plasticity and neurodevelopment
Advanced neuroimaging and precision neuroscience
Bruce Rosen, MD, PhD
Advanced neuroimaging and precision neuroscience
Autism clinical trials and co-occurring psychiatric conditions
Robyn Thom, MD
Autism clinical trials and co-occurring psychiatric conditions
Medical education and neurodiversity-informed teaching
David A. Hirsh, MD, FACP
Medical education and neurodiversity-informed teaching
Symposium moderator; precision medicine and integrated care
Xue-Jun (June) Kong, MD
Symposium moderator; precision medicine and integrated care
Affiliations identify each speaker's background. They do not mean the named institutions sponsor or endorse this event.
Sponsors & partners
Co-hosts
ACMES
Co-host
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)
Harvard Medical School teaching hospital · Co-host
Continuing medical education credit has not been confirmed. Details will be published if credit is approved.
Research exchange alongside March learning
The March 30 symposium connects developmental neuroscience, biomarkers, clinical trials and education. It complements the annual pathway’s March reading and case discussions. The March 22–29 Boston integrated-care training is a separate learning program with its own enrollment.
Explore Boston integrated-care trainingConnect with the people advancing care.
Put your organization in the conversation with clinicians, therapists, researchers and educators advancing neurodiversity care. Explore support for professional learning, research exchange and thoughtful visibility for your work.
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Saturday, September 26, 2026Neurodiversity Across the LifespanView eventAutism & Neurodiversity Scientific Symposium
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