Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social behavior. Researchers at the McGovern Institute use a range of approaches to understand the biological and genetic basis of ASD.
![Neurons in mouse brain expressing SAPAP-4.](https://mcgovern-mit-edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/autism2_1920x1080.jpg)
![Neurons in the mouse brain expressing SAPAP-4.](https://mcgovern-mit-edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/autism_640x960.jpg)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
![Saxe portrait](https://mcgovern-mit-edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Saxe_1920x1080.jpg)
Featured Researcher
Rebecca Saxe
Rebecca Saxe studies the origin and structure of thought in the minds and brains of adults, children, and infants.
> 50%
Sleep disturbances are seen in more than half of US children diagnosed with autism.
SOURCE: Richdale et al.