Advancing Autism Awareness · April 4–5, 2026
Bridging Autism:
Science & Community
A science-forward, bilingual knowledge platform for autism understanding, research, support, and community. Hosted at BIDMC, Harvard Medical School.
April 4–5, 2026
BIDMC, Boston, MA
22+ Speakers
Parents & FamiliesEducatorsCliniciansAutistic AdultsResearchersEmployers
KEY FACTS
Understanding Autism by the Numbers
Source: CDC ADDM Network (2025), NIMH
1 in 31
children in the U.S. identified with ASD
5.4M
estimated U.S. adults on the spectrum
3–4×
more common in boys than girls
Age 2
reliably diagnosable
FEATURED EXPERTS
Meet Our Speakers
World-class researchers, clinicians, educators, and advocates from Harvard, BIDMC, BCH, and beyond.
Margaret Bauman, MD
Boston University / ICCD
Keynote Speaker
Autism — Research and Clinical Challenges across the Lifespan
LifespanClinicalResearch
Xue-Jun (June) Kong, MD
BCH / MGH / Harvard Medical School
Conference Co-Chair & Speaker
From Awareness to Action: Precision Science and Strength-Based Futures in Autism
Precision MedicineBiomarkersMicrobiome
Bai Pan, MS, BCBA
Queens College, City University of New York
Speaker
Preparing Neurodivergent Learners to Develop Executive Functioning Skills
Executive FunctionEducationABA
William Stone, PhD
BIDMC / Harvard Medical School
Speaker
Updates on Autism and Cognition: Effects of Neurodevelopmental Conditions on Comorbidities
CognitionDifferential DiagnosisComorbidities
Walid Yassin, DMSc, MMSc
BIDMC / MGH / Harvard Medical School
Conference Co-Chair & Speaker
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
NeurodiversityWorkplaceNeuroimaging
Xin Tang, PhD
BCH / Harvard Medical School
Speaker
Gene Modulation Therapies for Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Gene TherapyNeurodevelopmentResearch
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHT
Bridging Autism: Science & Community
A two-day symposium at Sherman Auditorium, BIDMC, Boston. Featuring keynotes, panel discussions, parent-child duos, film screenings, and art exhibitions.
Bridging Autism: Science & Community
April 4–5, 2026
Sherman Auditorium, BIDMC, Boston, MA
Day 1: Scientific Frontiers & Professional PerspectivesDay 2: Family Stories & Lived Experience