Call for Abstracts 2027

The INSAR Scientific Program Committee invites proposals for Panels, Posters, and Oral Presentations at the INSAR 2027 Annual Meeting, to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, May 18 - May 21, 2027. This meeting is planned as an in-person event, and accepted abstracts must be presented in person.

All abstracts must be submitted online. Submitters should indicate whether the submission is part of a Panel or an Individual submission. Submitters will also select the 1-3 Topic Areas that best match the submission.  View the full list of Topic Areas here to determine which is the best fit for your submission.

Select the "Panel submission" or "Individual submission" button directly under that specific Topic Area. We particularly encourage Panel submissions that take an integrative, cross-discipline, and/or translational approach, that connect basic sciences with clinical interventions and educational/social supports, and that bring together multiples levels of analyses (e.g., genetics, neurobiology, cognition and behaviour). With this annual meeting being the first on the African continent, we also encourage panels that make explicit its relevance for the African context.

Abstract submission deadline Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Abstract notifications Scheduled to be sent by January 28, 2027
Annual Meeting May 18 - 21, 2027 | Cape Town, South Africa


Special Programs

Science Development Advisory Program (SDAP) for research in under-represented regions of the world including low-and middle-income countries as well as under-resourced settings within high-income countries
View eligibility, pre-submission dates, and program details.

Expedited Initial Review Program for visa-related conference travel
This program will continue in exceptional circumstances for eligible presenting authors who require a visa to enter South Africa and expect the in-person or paper visa application to take much longer (>2.5 months) than anticipated for the vast majority of INSAR attendants. View eligibility and expedited review details.

IMPORTANT: Participation in the expedited initial review program will not affect the final presentation format. The expedited review provides only an early decision on whether an abstract is accepted or rejected. Final decisions regarding oral or poster presentation format will be made after the full review process is complete. Therefore, abstracts submitted by authors who are only willing to present orally will not be eligible for expedited initial review.

Visa Requirements for INSAR 2027 - Click Here

General Instructions for Abstract Submissions

  • New, unpublished work: Submissions should focus on new, unpublished results. Abstracts and panels that do not include unpublished results at the time of submission will not be considered.  While it is expected that some preliminary results will be described in the abstract submission, abstracts that demonstrate the strong likelihood that analyses will be completed by the time of presentation also may be considered.
  • Presentation format: For Individual submissions, submitters may select Oral only, Poster only, or Oral or Poster. There are fewer oral presentation slots than poster slots. If Oral only is selected and the abstract is not chosen for an Oral Presentation, the abstract will be withdrawn from consideration.
  • In-person presentation: All presenting authors for accepted panel, oral, and poster presentations are expected to present in person at the meeting. It is requested that invited speakers please contact INSAR immediately if unexpected changes occur after acceptance and prior to the meeting that would impact the speaker’s ability to present in-person.
  • No Late Breaking Abstracts: There will not be a Late Breaking Abstract submission for the 2027 Annual Meeting.
  • Scheduling accommodation: If you require a religious, health or disability accommodation related to the date or time of your presentation, please indicate this during abstract submission using the dedicated field: Scheduling Accommodations and Special Requests.
  • Due to the complexity of the program schedule and thematic ordering of presentations, late requests for changes may not be accommodated.
  • Technical support: Due to heavy submission volumes near the deadline, delayed support response times are unavoidable. We recommend starting your submission at least two weeks before the deadline so staff can assist with login or technical questions if needed. It is the submitter's responsibility to complete the submission by the stated deadline.

Types of Presentations

Panel Submissions

The aim of panels is to present lectures around a common scientific theme of high relevance to autism research. Panel submissions should consist of four linked presentations submitted as a group by a Panel Chair. A Discussant may be included but is optional. The role of the discussant will be to provide context for the panel, including for non-experts, and/or a discussion integrating concepts raised in the presentations rather than to serve as a 5th presentation.

Panel sessions are two hours. Each talk may be 20 minutes long, with an additional five minutes for questions after each presentation and 10 minutes allotted for the Discussant. If there is no Discussant, the Panel Chair may determine the best use of that time for presentations and/or questions.

We expect diversity in all proposed panels in viewpoints and approaches, as well as diversity in other domains, including: gender, race, tenure, countries, institutions and disciplines. Panels without significant diversity will not be considered. Priority will be given to panel submissions with interdisciplinary memberships, including those that connect basic sciences with clinical interventions and educational/social supports, those that integrate across research methodologies or levels of analysis (e.g., genetics, neurobiology, cognition and behaviour), or those that inform these foci with perspectives from autistic individuals and their families. We are especially looking for cross-cutting panels that challenge attendees with perspectives or methodologies that are new to them, but relevant to their interests in ways that they might not anticipate. With this annual meeting being the first on the African continent, we are also interested in panels that make explicit its relevance for the African context.

Papers submitted as part of a panel that is not accepted will automatically be considered as an individual submission. If the abstract is reviewed favorably and is determined to stand alone as an individual submission outside a panel, the Scientific Program Committee will select oral or poster format. Do not submit material more than once (e.g., as part of a panel and as an individual oral presentation). The submitter can indicate if they do not want the abstract considered for oral or poster presentation. If this option is selected, and the panel isn't accepted, the abstract will be withdrawn from consideration.

Oral Presentations

Oral Presentations should be data-driven, empirical reports of new findings that have not been previously published or presented elsewhere at the time of submission. Oral Presentations will be 10 minutes long with two additional minutes for questions. Please avoid using the Oral Presentation format to review the literature or describe published techniques. The Scientific Program Committee will evaluate abstracts requested for oral presentations based on their new research content.

The Scientific Program Committee will select the select the most thematically related and highest rated abstracts to be included in Oral Sessions. There are fewer slots for oral presentations than posters. If the submitter selects the "Oral only" format, and the Scientific Program Committee does not select the abstract for an Oral Presentation, the abstract will be withdrawn from consideration. Please indicate "Oral or Poster" format if there is no objection to the poster format as a default.

Poster Presentations

Poster submissions should be data-driven, empirical reports of new findings that have not been previously published or presented elsewhere at the time of submission.

Review Process and Criteria

Panel, poster, and oral submissions will be reviewed for scientific merit by independent reviewers. Reviewers are unaware of author identities. Submissions are rated using the following criteria:

  • Are the findings important?
  • Has there been sufficient progress to ensure that proposed hypotheses will be tested prior to the meeting?
  • Is the rationale for the research clearly presented?
  • Is there sufficient information about the methods (including participants, when relevant) and data analytic strategy to evaluate the science?
  • Is the sample size adequate to provide a reliable finding? (Please bear in mind that sample size requirements depend on study design, with qualitative studies typically requiring much smaller sample sizes than quantitative studies)
  • Has there been sufficient progress to ensure that proposed study and analyses will be completed in full prior to the meeting?
  • Are interpretations appropriate and justified by the data?
  • Is the topic of relevance to autism research and to INSAR’s mission?
To aid reviewers in assessing these criteria, we recommend that authors use the following checklist to ensure that their abstract includes the necessary information.

All abstracts should include:

  • A description of the study setting, including where the study was conducted, the type of study, and the population being studied.
  • An indication of the sample size for any groups included in the study.
  • An indication of sample characteristics or biological variables as appropriate, such as age, sex, gender, species, etc.
  • A clear description of the measures used.
  • A clear description of the statistical tests or analytical methods used.

Abstracts involving work that is in progress at the time of submission should include:

  • A clear indication of the study's current progress relative to the anticipated final target.
  • A clear indication of when the study is expected to be completed.

Submissions that do not conform to submission instructions will receive lower ratings. In particular,

  1. If the material is submitted more than once (e.g., same content in two different formats), this could result in the submission not being reviewed.
  2. If the abstract lacks sufficient data, for example, an oral presentation that lacks enough content to occupy the 10 minute talk. Avoid lengthy reviews of background literature and published methods.
  3. Abstracts should represent research that has already been carried out and has produced statistically reliable findings but which has not yet been published (at the time of submission). Abstracts that demonstrate the majority of data collection has been completed but not yet analyzed also will be considered. Abstracts providing promising notes of research that will be conducted in the future will receive lower scores even if the topic is of interest.
  4. If reviewers have significant ethical concerns.

Scores are averaged across the peer reviews. Acceptance is determined each year in accordance with INSAR's strategic initiative to promote and enhance the highest quality research, the number of submissions in a submission format and topic area and overall program structure.

For Panels Only: Proposed panels must be diverse in viewpoints and approaches, as well as diverse in other domains, including: gender, race, ethnicity, tenure, countries, institutions and disciplines. Panels with no diversity will not be considered.

Abstract Preparation

We recommend the authors use the following checklist when preparing their abstracts. All abstracts should:

  • Report original research.
  • All submissions should provide "new" information. Oral and Poster submissions should not have been published or presented previously at the time of submission. Panels may include previously published information, but it is expected that they will also provide new, unpublished data.
  • Provide Background, Objectives, Methods, Results, and Conclusions with enough information to allow the reviewer to assess the value of each of these categories. Indicate if the research is exploratory. Rationale, significance of results and general principles should be explained. Methods should be concise but contain sufficient information to understand the design of the study. 'Your abstracts should include results (at least preliminary) and description of the analytic approach. It is not satisfactory to say, "The results will be discussed."
  • Provide sufficient information about the study design and methodology to allow reviewers to assess the scientific merit of the research. All abstracts should include:
  • A description of the study setting, including where the study was conducted, the type of study, and the population being studied.
  • An indication of the sample size for any groups included in the study.
  • A clear description of the measures used.
  • A clear description of the statistical tests or analytical methods used.
  • Provide information about scientific rigor (e.g. sample sizes, replication, masking and comparison groups used).
  • Provide information about sample characteristics and biological variables as appropriate (age, sex, gender, species, etc.).
  • For abstracts involving work that is in progress at the time of submission, clearly indicate:
  • The study's current progress relative to the anticipated final target.
  • When the study is expected to be completed.
  • State units of measure using standard abbreviations.
  • When using other abbreviations, fully spell out once and indicate the abbreviation in parentheses that will be used going forward.

Submission Requirements

  1. Any work with human or animal subjects reported in the abstract complies with the guiding policies and principles for experimental procedures endorsed by the regulatory bodies of the jurisdiction (e.g. National Institutes of Health in the US) and/or the standards set by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH): Good Clinical Practice Requirements. Each author must consent to appear as an author. Each author will automatically receive notice of abstract submission.
  2. Presentation of research at the meeting must be substantively identical to what is summarized in the abstract. Including new data collected after submission is encouraged.
  3. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest - Any real or perceived financial conflict of interest (COI), such as royalties, pharmaceutical relationships, case litigation, etc., of each investigator must be reported. Any potential for financial gain that may be derived from reported work may constitute a potential conflict of interest. The final step in the process will be the requirement for each author to log into the site and sign the personal COI statement. This must be done by Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM  pacific time. Failure to declare a real or perceived COI, or COI statements from any co-authors that are incomplete at the disclosure deadline, will result in withdrawal of the abstract from meeting presentation, and the Program and Abstract books as well as a prohibition in submitting an abstract to the INSAR Annual Meeting for the following year. All COIs must be displayed in oral and poster presentations and they will be identified in the online program.
  4. All authors must accept and follow INSAR's embargo policy: Information submitted to the Annual Meeting as an abstract for oral or poster presentation is embargoed for the purpose of press releases until after the presentation. The Scientific Program Committee will select a small group of abstracts for inclusion in a press book and INSAR will arrange for information release and press conferences during the meeting. Press policies may be viewed on the INSAR website.
  5. Online submission is required.

Online Submission Instructions

  1. Submissions are accepted only through the online abstract system.
  2. A profile on the INSAR website is required to access the online submission system. INSAR members and recent Annual Meeting attendees should use the same email address associated with their INSAR membership or previous meeting registration. If you do not already have a profile, you may create one.
  3. An individual may submit as First Author once for each submission type (Oral only, Poster only, Oral or Poster, Panel). The Presenting Author defaults to the First Author but may be reassigned before the submission deadline.
  4. Presenting authors receive all communications and automatic emails from the abstract system. Additional authors cannot be added to abstracts after the submission deadline. Presenting authors will be automatically informed of the unique ID numbers and passwords assigned to their abstracts. Presenting authors will use their INSAR profile login to access the abstract system. They may view and modify their abstract at any time between submission and the deadline.
  5. Abstract submission does not include Annual Meeting registration. Presenting Authors must register and attend the Annual Meeting.
  6. The abstract submission fee is $50 and is non-refundable. For Individual submissions, the fee is waived if any author is a current INSAR member at the time of submission. For Panel submissions, the fee is waived if the Panel Chair is a current INSAR member at the time of submission. Fees will not be refunded if member authors are added after the payment step.
  7. Payment must be made by credit card. Purchase orders are not accepted.
  8. Select the submission type (Individual or Panel), then choose the Topic Area and Keywords that best fit the research. Up to three Topic Areas may be selected if the work spans multiple areas.
  9. ALL ABSTRACTS WILL BE PRINTED EXACTLY AS THEY ARE SUBMITTED. Therefore, we recommend that you compose the text of the abstract in a separate document before beginning the online submission process. Check the spelling and grammar of the text before submitting it.
  10. As soon as you have submitted the title of your presentation you will automatically receive an email (from insar@confex.com) that includes a password-protected hyperlink. If you must interrupt the submission process before finishing it, you can resume at any time by clicking on the hyperlink in that email.
  11. Disclosures must be complete to proceed to the Confirmation step. You will have a chance to look over the submission to make sure all is complete.

Submissions Categories - Click Here



Technical Support

Contact Technical Support for help in submitting an abstract online.


Submission Categories:

Choose the category below that is the best fit for your research. Click one of the links to begin your submission to that category. INSAR login is required to continue. If you do not have an INSAR profile, please visit the INSAR website: https://www.autism-insar.org to create a profile.

The login is a 2-step process before the redirect to the submission form: 1) Login using your INSAR Profile Username and Password (as in past years); and 2) Allow access to your INSAR full_profile (default will show the box already checked), you just need to click Submit to accept.

Begin a submission to the following

ADULT OUTCOME: MEDICAL, COGNITIVE, BEHAVIORAL

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

The focus is on the daily living experiences of autistic adults- from ages 18 to 80+ - and encompasses many different aspects of functioning, including social, psychological, physical, educational, cognitive and adaptive outcomes. Research strategies may include longitudinal or cross-sectional studies, descriptive accounts of the lived experiences of autistic people, and interventions designed to improve outcomes and quality of life throughout the lifespan.

BRAIN FUNCTION (FMRI, FCMRI, MRS, EEG, ERP, MEG)

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Focuses on abstracts in the area of neuroscience related to brain functioning and development in autism and related conditions. A range of methods are welcomed including MRI, EEG, NIRS, among others.

BRAIN STRUCTURE (MRI, NEUROPATHOLOGY)

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

The Brain Structure and Neuropathology topic area encompasses research on the macro- and microstructural organization of the autistic brain across the lifespan, including neuroimaging, post-mortem neuropathology, and multimodal approaches to studying brain anatomy. It includes studies of neuroanatomical heterogeneity, typical and atypical brain development, brain–behavior relationships, and the structural correlates of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

COEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND HEALTHCARE

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Focuses on the underlying biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, lived experiences, and medical, clinical, and community-based interventions and supports for coexisting medical and related conditions that impact on health, well-being, and/or functioning at any point in the lifespan. This also includes healthcare access, services, and systems and related treatment. We encourage panel submissions that bridge methodological and disciplinary boundaries.

COEXISTING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND NEEDS

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Focuses on understanding the experiences and presentation of mental health/psychiatric/behavioral conditions and needs, their myriad influences and associations (e.g., social, biological), and various approaches to improve mental health and well-being at any point in the lifespan. We encourage panel submissions that bridge methodological and disciplinary boundaries.

COGNITION: ATTENTION, LEARNING, MEMORY

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Focuses on cognitive processes, including attention, learning, memory, and related executive functions across the lifespan using behavioral, biological, or neuropsychological measures. We welcome submissions of basic and applied research on cognitive mechanisms and cognitive development including those on cognitive flexibility, processing speed, working memory, long-term memory, associative learning, reinforcement learning, habituation, and attentional processes. Studies focused on strengths in autism and/or on cognition in naturalistic, educational, clinical, or low-resource environments are especially encouraged.

COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Focuses on the assessment, development and characterization of language (including phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics) and communication (e.g., social communication, nonverbal communication, gestures) skills across the lifespan using behavioral, biological or neurological measures. This topic welcomes submissions on vocalizations (including speech) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Studies in the development of language and communication in low resource environments are also considered.

DIAGNOSTIC, BEHAVIORAL & INTELLECTUAL ASSESSMENT

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

This topic covers research and clinical work on assessing and measuring autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan, from new methods to validation studies to real-world implementation. We welcome submissions on developing, validating, adapting, or implementing diagnostic, behavioral, neuropsychological, and intellectual assessment tools for autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions, including DSM-aligned diagnostic processes, screening tools, parent interviews and questionnaires, social behavior and adaptive functioning assessment, cognitive and IQ profiles, symptom severity measures, and the psychometric properties of these instruments (reliability, validity, sensitivity, and measurement precision). We're especially interested in work that moves assessment toward being more culturally valid and accessible, that improves diagnostic equity in low- and middle-income countries and other low-resource settings, that tackles the challenges of assessing non-speaking individuals and people with complex clinical presentations, and that uses emerging technologies like digital assessments and wearables for screening, diagnosis, or clinical care.

DIGITAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Digital health research refers to the use of digital devices for measuring and quantifying behavior and physiology. Examples include eye tracking, speech analysis of audio recordings, movement analysis of video recordings, utilizing video games for research, measuring activity and sleep with wearable and nearable devices, etc. This topic focus aims to integrate research presentations utilizing such techniques for studying autism.

If submitters have a Technology Demonstration to present at the meeting, they will need to select the “Digital Health Research or Technology Demonstration” topic area and further select the “live demo” button on their submission and describe their demonstration. Technology demonstrations are intended to present new technologies that are useful for basic and/or clinical autism research. All demonstrations must be accompanied by associated research results demonstrating the validity and utility of the demonstrated technology for autism research. If the abstract describes a new tool or technology for intervention, it must include scientific research results regarding its utility and efficacy from a verified academic institution. Commercial demonstrations will not be accepted.

EARLY DEVELOPMENT (< 48 MONTHS)

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Submissions should involve autism in children under 48 months of age, with a clear focus on early development and the emergence of autism-related features. Studies should use rigorous methods to improve understanding of early autism development and inform clinical practice. Appropriate topics include cognition, developmental trajectories, brain structure and function, language, motor and sensory development, screening and early identification, social communication, repetitive behavior, autism onset or regression, and ethical issues, in research with young children, early diagnosis and intervention. Both basic and applied approaches are welcome, and studies involving low- and middle-income countries or low resource environments are encouraged.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Studies of the frequency and distribution of autism in populations, of factors associated with autism, of the frequency of co-occurring conditions, and of outcomes over the life course. Study designs may be longitudinal (cohort), cross-sectional, case-control, or other types of population-based studies.

FAMILY, CAREGIVER, AND PRACTITIONER EXPERIENCES

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

This topic area focuses on the well-being, mental health, and support needs of families and caregivers of Autistic individuals. It explores the dynamics of caregiving and the broader social systems that affect access to services and quality of life. This theme includes (but is not limited to):

  • Parental stress, burnout, and coping strategies
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other family-centered interventions
  • Navigating diagnosis and service systems
  • Parent-child relationships and culturally responsive parenting approaches
  • Cross-cultural and international comparisons of caregiver experiences
  • Community-based and participatory strategies to support families and reduce systemic barriers

FIRST-PERSON PERSPECTIVES OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

This topic area explores the nuanced, personal experiences of Autistic Individuals, including gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. This theme includes (but is not limited to):

  • Educational experiences across the lifespan
  • Workplace experiences and accommodations
  • Autistic women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and menopause
  • Experiences of Autistic LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Autistic identity development, masking, stigma, and camouflaging
  • Cultural perspectives from First Nations, Latino, South Asian, African, and other communities
  • Midlife and Aging
  • Mental health, including trauma, depression, and emotional regulation

GENETICS & GENOMICS (HUMAN)

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

We invite abstracts that use human participants or post-mortem tissues to investigate the underlying genetic/biological mechanisms of autism and other related neurodevelopmental disorders. Submissions should focus on how the work contributes to our understanding of autism etiology, mRNA sequencing at bulk and single cell levels, or any other aspect of autism and related disorders in human participants. This might also include phenotyping of specific genetic subsets of autism (specific rare genetic causes, polygenic risk, et al.). It may also include genetic/genomic responses to non-genetic causes of autism, including environment or others.

HIGH SUPPORT NEEDS OR PROFOUND AUTISM

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Studies on profound autism should include research focused on individuals with limited or no spoken language, co-occurring intellectual disability, and high support needs. Priority areas include genetics, neurology, and biomarker research, since these areas are often underrepresented.  We also seek studies of communication interventions, behavioral and educational strategies, medical comorbidities (such as self-injury, aggression, epilepsy or sleep disorders), and caregiver burden. Studies may also explore long-term outcomes, quality of life, and effective service delivery models. Culturally and linguistically diverse populations should be included.

INTERNATIONAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Encompasses all research that explicitly contrasts or compares some aspect of autism in more than a single culture, language, or country, and only such research. Studies that do not involve data from more than one culture, language, or country are not appropriate to this category. In particular, studies are not germane to this category solely by virtue of having been conducted in a country or context not currently common in autism research; each such study must be submitted to the category appropriate to its subject.

INTERVENTIONS - BIOMEDICAL

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Intervention research studying the effects of small molecule drugs, biological agents including immunologic and gene-targeting treatments, and nutritional interventions.

INTERVENTIONS - SOCIAL, COGNITIVE, BEHAVIORAL AND EDUCATIONAL - SCHOOL-AGE, ADOLESCENT, ADULT

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Interventions which use social, cognitive, behavioral and educational approaches to promote positive outcomes for autistic people. Includes direct therapist-delivered intervention, parent- or peer-mediated interventions and structural/environmental (e.g. school) interventions.

INTERVENTIONS - SOCIAL, COGNITIVE, BEHAVIORAL AND EDUCATIONAL – PRESCHOOL & INFANT

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Interventions which use social, cognitive, behavioral and educational approaches to promote positive outcomes for autistic people. Includes direct therapist-delivered intervention, parent- or peer-mediated interventions and structural/environmental (e.g. school) interventions.

METHODOLOGICAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN AUTISM RESEARCH

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

This topic area examines the various methods and approaches adopted within autism research, as well as the ethical, legal, and social issues they raise. It highlights the importance of accountability, representation, and alignment with the values of the Autistic community. This theme includes (but is not limited to):

  • Experiences of autism researchers
  • Participatory and community-led research methodologies
  • Ethical language, framing, and communication, especially in genetics and neuroscience
  • Representation and equity in research sampling and design
  • Addressing data integrity, research transparency, and fraud prevention
  • Operationalizing neurodiversity-affirming principles in research frameworks and dissemination

MODEL ORGANISMS AND IN VIVO MECHANISMS

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

We invite abstracts that use animal models to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms of autism and other related neurodevelopmental disorders. Submissions should focus on how these models contribute to our understanding of autism including, but not limited to, genetic, environmental, and neurodevelopmental approaches that may provide insights into diagnosis and/or potential therapeutic strategies. Innovative approaches that enhance the translational value of animal studies in autism research are encouraged.

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MECHANISMS

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

We invite abstracts that use molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches to define how autism risk factors alter the development and function of the nervous system and other body systems. Submissions may use human-derived systems (iPSC-derived neurons and glia, organoids and assembloids, patient-derived and immortalised lines, post-mortem tissue) or cells and tissue from model organisms, and may address gene and protein function, synapse formation and neurotransmission, differentiation, proliferation, migration and process outgrowth, cell survival, glial and immune cell biology, metabolic and gut-brain signalling, cellular electrophysiology, and multi-omic or systems-level analyses. We particularly welcome work that establishes mechanism downstream of an identified genetic or environmental risk factor, that tests target engagement for candidate molecular therapeutics, or that develops new cellular models and assays. Submissions that connect a molecular finding to a question examined elsewhere in the program are strongly encouraged, as are studies from low- and middle-income countries or low-resource environments.

SENSORY, MOTOR, AND REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS AND INTERESTS

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Topic encompasses multidisciplinary research focusing on distinct facets of restricted and repetitive behaviors (from body mannerisms to insistence on sameness, focused interests and obsessive and compulsive behaviours) and sensory features (broadly defined across the fields of neuroscience, psychophysics and occupational therapy). Relevant work spans animal models, neurobiological investigations, observational and longitudinal studies, as well as studies focused on taxonomy, measurement development/assessments and intervention-focused studies.

SERVICE DELIVERY/SYSTEMS OF CARE

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

This research area examines the implementation and evaluation of neurodiversity-affirming service models designed to improve participation, functioning, and continuity of care for autistic individuals through system-level change, workforce development, and integrated care pathways.

SOCIAL COGNITION AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Refers to the perception and interpretation of social information, while social behavior refers to the ways people interact and communicate with each other. This topic area focuses on the how social cognition and social behavior can differ in autism, and how these differences can interact with environmental demands to contribute to social disability.

TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026

Applies neuroscience research to translate or develop into clinical applications and novel therapies for ASD. Often related to studying the biological basis of nervous system processes or using models that allow study of mechanistic elements contributing to ASD related presentation and outcomes.