Autism Speaks welcomes Dr. Mayada Elsabbagh to our Medical and Science Advisory Committee

Autism Speaks is pleased to announce that Dr. Mayada Elsabbagh has joined our Medical and Science Advisory Committee (MSAC). The committee provides guidance to Autism Speaks leadership on achieving our mission of creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.

Dr. Elsabbagh is professor of neurology and neurosurgery at The Neuro of McGill University and research scientist at the McGill University Health Center, where she provides diagnosis and support services for people with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Her research focuses on understanding and tracing autism’s developmental pathways. Her approach combines innovative research with the mission of accelerating translation of scientific discoveries into community impact.

Dr. Elsabbagh’s contributions to the field of autism research include the discovery of very early brain markers for autism that appear prior to the onset of behavioral signs. She has supported the successful launch of several collaborative research and translational networks aimed at accelerating the pace of discovery in autism. Currently, she is the director of the Transforming Autism Care Consortium, a Quebec research network.

She is also active in local and international efforts to improve evidence-based practice and capacity building in the autism community. Recently, she collaborated with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Autism Speaks to pilot the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training (CST) program across Canada, including in first nation communities. The program is making evidence-based, parent-mediated early intervention accessible in underserved communities in Canada.

“Autism Speaks is thrilled to welcome Dr. Elsabbagh to our MSAC,” says Dr. Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks. “Dr. Elsabbagh’s wealth of expertise in public health will greatly enhance our efforts to achieve health equity in underserved regions around the world, particularly those facing natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. With her guidance, we plan to further expand programs like the CST into low resource communities and continue our work to advance care for autistic individuals and their families around the world.”