The located within the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the Â鶹ӳ» School of Medicine (UNR Med), and working in partnership with the Â鶹ӳ» Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (NvLEND) and the Â鶹ӳ» Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED), has long been a leader in providing diagnostic evaluations and support for children and adolescents with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
With a commitment to improving differential diagnosis and ensuring access to comprehensive assessments, UCAN's multidisciplinary team consists of pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists dedicated to serving children and families throughout Northern Â鶹ӳ».
Now, UCAN is taking a significant step forward in autism research with the addition of a dedicated researcher, a position made possible by a generous gift from Jan Marson, OTD, a founding member of the UCAN Assessment Team. This new role is set to analyze nearly 20 years of data to further the understanding of autism and its various characteristics, ultimately informing more effective interventions and therapies.
"Through UCAN, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many children and families, and I see firsthand the impact that early diagnosis and intervention can have,” Marson said. “By funding this research position, I hope to ensure that we continue improving and refining the services we offer."
A commitment to research and community impact
Autism researchers play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their work contributes to the development of more personalized therapies and support systems, helping individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives.
“This research can play a pivotal role by providing a deeper understanding of the characteristics of autism in children and adolescents and provide insight in shaping therapeutic practices,” Stephanie King, Ph.D., UCAN Clinic Director, said. “Each individual with autism is different, and research can help guide therapies for subgroups of people. Understanding how different types of autism manifest in terms of symptoms, as well as their needs and strengths, enables the development of more personalized therapies and their effectiveness.”
UNR Med’s new autism researcher, Girija Kadlaskar, Ph.D., assistant professor, will leverage UCAN’s extensive clinical dataset to analyze how cognitive abilities, adaptive skills and demographic factors influence language development in autistic individuals.
“A key challenge in autism care is ensuring that individuals with autism are able to access the services they need following a diagnosis,” Kadlaskar explained. “By analyzing developmental trajectories, we may identify early predictors of language delays, allowing for earlier and more effective interventions. Additionally, by examining demographic and cultural factors, we can identify disparities in access to care and work toward more equitable service delivery.”
Kadlaskar noted that another pressing challenge in autism research is the considerable variability in how autism presents across individuals. Differences in communication, behavior and sensory processing vary widely in nature and severity.
“The richness and diversity of UCAN’s dataset makes it an exceptional resource for advancing our understanding of these conditions,” Kadlaskar said. “By examining various factors such as cognitive abilities, adaptive skills, and sensory processing, we may better understand how they mediate developmental outcomes in autistic individuals. Ultimately, this research can inform more inclusive and personalized approaches to care.”
Looking ahead: A future of innovation and inclusion
In addition to refining therapeutic approaches, the new autism research will directly benefit students in the Speech Pathology and Audiology program. Graduate students will have the opportunity to participate in research, gaining hands-on experience that will contribute to their education and future careers in the field.
By integrating research opportunities into student training, UCAN is not only advancing autism studies but also shaping the next generation of professionals in the field. This initiative strengthens UCAN’s commitment to providing valuable insights that enhance student education, support families and inform medical provider training.
"This is about more than research—it’s about ensuring that families in our community and beyond have access to the best possible care and support," Marson said. "If we can use this data to guide future interventions and help even one more family, then this work will have been worth it."
Support UCAN on Giving Day – April 10
On April 10, 2025, UNR Med will participate in Giving Day, a university-wide fundraising event dedicated to supporting impactful initiatives. This year, UCAN is one of UNR Med’s key funding priorities. Donations made during Giving Day will directly support UCAN’s mission to enhance autism research, improve diagnostic and therapeutic services, and provide resources for families in Northern Â鶹ӳ».
"I encourage everyone to give what they can," Marson said. "Even the smallest contributions can make a difference. Supporting UCAN means supporting children, families, and future professionals who rely on this program. It’s a chance to be part of something that truly changes lives."
