Hastings Center News

Public Conference Explores Genetics, Autism, and Identity

Decades of research into the genetics of autism have revealed a complex relationship. Not only is there no single gene for autism, numerous genetic changes can underlie the condition. With this intricate genetic story has come an increasingly nuanced picture of how people with autism and their families understand the condition and make sense of autism genetics research.          

“Autism, Genetics & Identity: Exploring the Complexities of Autism Genetics Research,” a public conference convened by the Center for Research on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic, & Behavioral Genetics and The Hastings Center, will examine the state of the science and how genetics research affects those who study autism and those who live with it.

Speakers include experts in social science, genetics, autism advocacy, and bioethics. Hastings Center director of research Josephine Johnston will deliver introductory remarks. Paul Appelbaum, the Elizabeth K. Dollard professor of psychiatry, medicine, and law and director of the Division of Psychiatry, Law, and Ethics at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University and a Hastings Center fellow, will serve as a panel moderator. Appelbaum is principal investigator and Johnston is an investigator in the Center for Research on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Psychiatric, Neurologic, and Behavioral Genetics, funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute. Learn more about the CEER here.

The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required as space is limited. It will take place on June 11 from 12:30 PM-5:30 PM at the Faculty House at Columbia University in New York City. Learn more and register here.