Interviewer:  Could you briefly share with us your role at the Yale University Autism Center and what motivates your involvement in autism research?

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Professor:  I'm an associate professor at the Yale Child Study Center and also in the neuroscience department.  My work involves understanding the genes associated with autism and using our knowledge to develop new treatments.  As a child psychiatrist, I work clinically with patients, which motivated me to develop better treatments for autism. 

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Interviewer:  Could you give us a brief overview of the Autism Center and its fundamental mission?

Professor:  The Child Study Center has many components with different professors working in various areas.  My work is more on the basic side, focusing on the genetics and molecular biology of autism.  Other researchers work directly with individuals on the spectrum, looking at early biomarkers like eye tracking and conducting clinical trials.  

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Interviewer:  What are some primary areas of research currently happening at the center?  Are there any recent breakthroughs or advances?

Professor:  We aim to achieve a greater understanding of autism's biology.  In my lab, we study genes involved in autism using zebrafish to identify common biological pathways that these genes affect, which could inform new treatments.

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Interviewer:  Could you elaborate a bit more on the types of clinical services and support programs that the center offers for individuals on the spectrum?

Professor:  There are multiple levels of clinical services here, including comprehensive evaluations for young children who might not have an autism diagnosis yet, using tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule.  We also have programs for older children and adolescents.

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Interviewer:  How does the autism center engage with the community to promote awareness and acceptance?

Professor:  One example is Project Casey, which organizes community autism socials at Yale to foster a supportive community for individuals on the spectrum living locally.

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Interviewer:  Looking ahead, what are some possible future goals of the center that you're excited about, particularly in terms of advocacy or research?

Professor:  I'm excited about the potential to go from understanding biology to treatment.  We are exploring biomarkers and neuroimaging, investigating how certain genes impact brain development and how these findings might translate into more transformative treatments for autism.

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Interviewer:  Is there any message or information you'd like to share with young students and possibly future researchers in this area?

Professor:  There are many opportunities in this field, particularly with an increasing appreciation for neurodiversity.  For students interested in research, there are internship opportunities, especially in the summer, where they can gain a better understanding of autism biology.