Principal Investigator: Florina Uzefovsky, PhD
I am a certified developmental psychologist, working in the field of autism spectrum conditions.
The prevalence of autism is rising, making it crucial to better understand this condition. My current research focuses on an important period of development - puberty, in youths diagnosed with autism. This developmental period is marked by hormonal, physical and behavioral (socio-emotional) changes, which make for a turbulent time for typically developing youths as well as youths with a diagnosis of autism. In our study, we are particularly interested in understanding the association between circulating sex-hormones and autism symptomology and social cognition. We hope to learn more about these aspects of autism in puberty so that in the future we will be better able to assist youths diagnosed with autism, and their families.