Baby Steps to Breakthroughs in Precision Health in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The lecture will review progress in precision health in NDDs, with focus on studies of early infant development, with improved precision in timing of diagnosis and intervention, and studies of clinical trial readiness in genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. The lecture also will discuss recent advocacy efforts in autism and child health, emphasizing the importance of messaging rigorous and evidence-based science and clinical care to the broader community. Dr. Shafali S. Jeste, MD is a behavioral child neurologist and Chair of Pediatrics at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Her research focuses on autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on identifying biomarkers and predictors of atypical brain development in infants and young children. Her work integrates neurophysiology, genetics, and behavioral assessments to enable earlier diagnosis and targeted interventions, particularly in genetic conditions associated with autism. Dr. Jeste has led multiple NIH-funded studies and clinical trials and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications advancing precision medicine approaches for neurodevelopmental disorders.