Advances in Autism 2026

On Friday, May 8, 2026, nationally renowned UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART) investigators and clinicians will present the current state of autism science across a range of fields—from basic research to intervention science—spanning the lifespan. These sessions provide an overview of current evidence in autism science and the emerging directions shaping the field. During this event, speakers will share key developments from the field and highlight how UCLA is helping to lead the way through research, clinical innovation, and community engagement.

In light of widespread misinformation about autism, maintaining an informed and ongoing dialogue with scientists, clinicians, families, community members, and all who seek to understand autism and stay informed is essential. It is more imperative than ever to ensure that accurate, evidence-based information from trustworthy sources remains readily accessible. We invite you to join the conversation, engage with our community, and participate in a dedicated day of learning and discussion. 

Registration Fees (In-Person and Virtual Attendance)

• $225 Physicians and Doctoral Level Professionals
• $205 Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
• $125 Non-Healthcare

UCLA CART has established the Opportunity Fund to help support under-resourced members of our community attend this event. For more information, contact UCLA CART at UCLACART@mednet.ucla.edu. Availability is limited.

UC Recharge Payment Information
Registration payment can be submitted via the Interdepartmental or Intercampus recharge system.
For more details, please refer to document here: Recharge Information

Refunds
Cancellations must be received via email to ccpd@mednet.ucla.edu by Sunday, April 19, 2026 and will be subject to a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be granted after that date. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA reserves the right to cancel or postpone this course if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs, such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties. 

Course Recording
All registrants will be provided the opportunity to review recorded sessions up to 3 weeks following the conference. The recorded sessions are not approved for Continuing Education (CE) credit.

Target Audience

Specialties - All

Professions - Advanced Practice Nurse, Behavioral Therapist, Fellow, Marriage & Family Therapist, Non-Physician, Nurse, Other, Psychologist, Resident, Scientist/ Researcher, Social Worker

Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:
 

1. Integrate current autism science, from genetics through treatment, into clinical reasoning and professional decision-making across the lifespan.
2. Apply current evidence on autism genetics and early brain development to inform understanding of autism pathophysiology, improve diagnostic understanding and patient or family communication.
3. Analyze objective phenotyping approaches and determine how these methods inform autism assessment and individualized care planning.
4. Frame emerging autism assessment approaches across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood to support appropriate diagnostic evaluation and referral.
5. Apply evidence-based principles of early intervention (JASPER) to guide clinical recommendations, referral decisions, and interdisciplinary collaboration for young children with autism.
6. Incorporate current evidence on employment outcomes for autistic adults into counseling, referral, or programmatic support strategies.

Accreditation

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The California State Board of Registered Nursing accepts courses approved by the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ as meeting the continuing education requirements for license renewal. Nurses from states other than California should inquire with their local State Board for specific continuing education policies.