Welcome to the Center for Autism’s Research Page!

Please see the Join Our Team page for more information on open positions or volunteering.

Our Research Mission

The Center for Autism (formerly known as CASD) at Children’s National Hospital is dedicated to enhancing the lives of autistic people through autism-friendly research, training, clinical care, and community education. 

The Center for Autism research team aims to: 

  • Develop, provide, and share executive function interventions for people across the lifespan. 

  • Address disparities in access to care. 

  • Understand how autism is different across identities and demographics.

  • Collaborate with the autistic community, advocates, families, and educators.

  • Educate and mentor the next generation of researchers.

Questions regarding the Center for Autism clinical services should be addressed to Center for Autism at Children's National Hospital.

Make sure to follow us on social media for research updates, educational resources, participant opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work we're doing to support autistic individuals and their families.

Instagram: @autismresearchdmv

Facebook: @Autismresearchdmv

We aim to make our website accessible for all users. We present information in plain language to make it is easier to understand. Please see the Resource page to learn more about plain language.

Lab News

  • August 2026: Our team presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) conference in Washington, D.C.! Check out our presented research on the Publications page.

  • July 2026: We are on Instagram and Facebook! Check out our pages for research updates, educational resources, participant opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work we're doing to support autistic individuals and their families.

    Instagram: @autismresearchdmv

    Facebook: @Autismresearchdmv

  • April 2026: Our team presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) conference in Prague, Czech Republic. Check out our presented research on the Publications page.

  • July 2025: Andrea Lopez’s, CASD alumnus, abstract for the APA convention 2025 won the Division 33 2025 Student Research Award

  • May 2025: Kat Sharp’s poster is recognized as one of the Top Rated Abstracts at International Society for Autism Reseach conference 2025.