For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 8:45 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Evelyn Mantegani, +1 240-833-2014, [email protected]
Rockville, Md. – Genetic discoveries are rapidly reshaping scientists’ understanding of autism, but translating those findings into meaningful benefits requires researchers to navigate autism’s extraordinary complexity and the variation of perspectives within the Autistic community.
A panel of leaders in autism genetics, clinical testing, and community engagement will explore how research findings can translate into meaningful, ethically responsible benefits. The session is moderated by Heini Natri of Translational Genomics Research Institute and Alycia Halladay of Autism Science Foundation. The moderators and speakers have a range of personal connections to autism, including lived experience.
Autism is highly heterogeneous in both its characteristics and its underlying genetics. Researchers have identified numerous common and rare genetic variants associated with autism, including inherited variants and those that arise spontaneously. Genetic and environmental factors also interact in complex ways, contributing to substantial variation in individuals’ experiences, support needs, health considerations, and priorities.
The symposium will examine factors shaping community perspectives on autism genetics and testing, as well as approaches for creating and sharing accessible genetics education resources with the Autistic community.
Session Presentations Include:
- Autism genetic testing: Stakeholder perspectives in an era of expanding genomics by Tielle Gallion, University of Virginia
- Deciphering phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in autism: Examples from co-occurring neuropsychiatric conditions and quantitative symptoms by Taylor Thomas, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Personalized medicine and ethical intervention targets: A trait-centric approach to autism genomics research by Tara Eicher, University of Chicago
- Co-creating genetics education resources matched to autism community contexts, Susan Kuo, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the leading global organization advancing the science of human genetics and genomics. Representing nearly 8,000 researchers, clinicians, genetic counselors, educators, and other professionals, ASHG drives progress in understanding the human genome and its role in health and disease. The Society fosters innovation and collaboration through its flagship events and publications—including the ASHG Annual Meeting and its peer-reviewed journals The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances. ASHG also champions science advocacy, supports the next generation of genetics professionals, and promotes responsible policies and public engagement in genetics. Learn more at www.ashg.org.
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