June 2025

Dr. Briana Brukilacchio, PhD, EdM, is a clinical psychologist at the Lurie Center for Autism. In this Q&A, she shares how her early experiences shaped her career and what inspires her most about working at the Lurie Center. Read the full article to learn more about Dr. Brukilacchio and information about her popular Autism 101 workshop series, a supportive group for parents and caregivers navigating a new diagnosis. Read the full interview.

Lurie Center researchers have been on the move this spring, engaging in events both locally and across the country. Can you guess where some of our colleagues visited from the photo on the right? (Hint: it’s an iconic West Coast landmark.) Click here to see highlights from our recent travels and collaborations within the research community.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Boston Marathon this past April! The Lurie Center is especially grateful to Mike Freni, who ran the 2025 Boston Marathon in support of the Center’s activities. Mike and Joey’s team raised over $11,000, surpassing their fundraising goal. Even more impressively, this marks Mike’s 18th year running the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Lurie Center. Reflecting on the day, Mike commented, “The weather was almost perfect—it was sunny but stayed in the low 50’s. The crowds were wonderful, and we [referring also to his brother] were able to finish happy and healthy!” Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Mike and Joey’s team for their inspiring dedication and continued support!

Photo: Mike Freni (right) and his brother Rob recover near the Boston Marathon finish line. 

Folate, a form of vitamin B9, is essential for early brain development, and its role in preventing serious birth defects like spina bifida is well known. But could it also influence the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Recent research has begun to explore this complex relationship, uncovering potential links between folate metabolism, immune factors, and brain health. In this article, we’ll explore what science currently tells us—and what it doesn’t—about folate, autism, and the emerging evidence connecting the two. Read the full article here.

We’re pleased to introduce these individuals and grateful to have them on the team. Meet our newest team members here.

The Lurie Center for Autism invites you to join Judith Ursitti, Cofounder and President of Profound Autism Alliance and Brett Mulder, PsyD, on Wednesday, June 18th, at 6:30pm, for a virtual discussion that delves into the often-misunderstood expressions of happiness in autistic individuals. Through insightful examples and practical strategies, attendees will learn to recognize the unique ways autistic individuals can experience and communicate happiness, fostering a deeper understanding and creating environments that not only accept but actively cultivate autistic joy. Registration is required.

Many people experience trauma, whether firsthand, as a witness, or through others. For autistic individuals, trauma can intensify challenges, making informed support essential. Trauma-Informed Care shifts the focus from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”—a crucial perspective for autistic individuals who are often misunderstood in care settings. By recognizing the intersection of trauma and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), caregivers, families, and professionals can offer more effective, compassionate support. Read the full article here.

Some parents report that their children with autism spectrum disorder show temporary improvement in autism-related behaviors during a fever, yet this observation remains a mystery. The Lurie Center for Autism is recruiting participants 3-22 years old with ASD for a research study exploring the “fever effect.” in autism. We hope to better understand the biological mechanisms behind this observation in order to develop new therapeutic approaches. Click here to learn more.

View currently enrolling Lurie Center research studies.