"It’s time for researchers and technologists to rethink their methodologies and technologies, and explore other innovative approaches to give all members of the autistic community the care we need."
-Hari Srinivasan, Time
Vanderbilt Brain Institute Travel Grant
I got awarded the Vanderbilt Brain Institute Travel Grant
Funds towards travel expenses for the SfN Conference in October
Congratulations, Hari, from the entire Frist Center Family. We are excited to see the results of your research!
FCAI Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has been awarded the 2024 Autistic and Neurodivergent Scholars Working for Equity in Research (ANSWER) Scholars Program Award for his project “Navigating the Near: Virtual Reality Investigations of Peripersonal Space in Autism.” Srinivasan will receive a $10,000 award next academic year to work toward this research.
Hari’s continued outstanding achievements never fail to impress us! Congratulations, Hari, from the entire Frist Center Family. We are excited to see the results of your research!
Backyard Visitors
A deer family (mom and 2 baby deer) frequenting our backyard this summer. The young deer frolicking, chasing each other and running around is a delight to watch.
Here is a children's short story I wrote sometime ago.
Poster at CAN 2024
Yeah, I have another Poster Acceptance for the College Autism Network Summit 2024 in Oct.
================From: College Autism Network
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 2:41 PM
To: Srinivasan, Hari
Subject: College Autism Summit Submission Accepted - Poster
Dear Poster Participant:
We are pleased to inform you that your College Autism Summit submission titled 'Navigating the Near: Virtual Reality Investigations of Peripersonal Space in Autism' has been accepted.
………..
Best,
Amy Radochonski and Cherie Fishbaugh, Program Co-Chairs
Exploring Short-Term Synaptic Plasticity and Its Implications in Autism
Short-term synaptic plasticity, a temporary change in synaptic strength lasting from seconds to minutes, is a crucial mechanism for neural communication and information processing. Two key types of short-term plasticity are paired pulse facilitation (PPF) and paired pulse depression (PPD). Understanding these mechanisms can provide insight into the molecular & genetic underpinnings of autism.
Paired Pulse Facilitation (PPF) occurs when two signals (pulses) arrive in quick succession at a synapse, with the second pulse producing a stronger response than the first. This is due to residual calcium (Ca2+) remaining in the presynaptic terminal after the first pulse, which enhances neurotransmitter release upon the arrival of the second pulse. This phenomenon is particularly significant at synapses with low initial release probability, ensuring that enough neurotransmitters are available for subsequent release.
Paired Pulse Depression (PPD), on the other hand, is characterized by a diminished response to the second pulse. This occurs at synapses with high initial release probability, where the first pulse depletes the readily releasable pool of neurotransmitters, leaving insufficient resources for the second pulse. The timing between the pulses is critical; if the interval is too long, Ca2+ dissipates, and vesicles are replenished, mitigating these effects.
In the context of autism, alterations in short-term plasticity have been linked to the disorder's characteristic neural and behavioral features. Research has shown that mutations in synaptic genes such as SYN1 and SYN2, which regulate synaptic vesicle dynamics, can disrupt short-term plasticity. These mutations result in increased PPF at excitatory synapses and enhanced synaptic depression at inhibitory synapses, leading to an excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance that contributes to network hyperexcitability and altered neuronal communication (Frontiers, 2015) (Frontiers).
Furthermore, neuroligin-3 mutations, associated with autism, have been found to differentially alter synaptic function in the hippocampus and cortex. These mutations can increase inhibitory synaptic transmission and disrupt endocannabinoid signaling, further impacting short-term plasticity and neural circuitry (Molecular Psychiatry, 2015) (Nature). These findings underscore the significant role of short-term plasticity in maintaining neural circuit function and how its disruption can contribute to pathogenesis.
2 versions of this post
For the Academic/Scientific Audience
PlainSpeak in plain language for the lay reader
Transcription Bloopers
Actual Audio: You want to go into superior colliculus a bit more?
Transcription Software: You want to go into the spiritual leaders a bit more.
Audio: So the input is converging.
Software: So the imprint is converging
Disability and Poverty is a tough cycle
In PlainSpeak for Lay Audience
Disability and Poverty: A Tough Cycle
Disability and poverty are closely connected. This makes life harder for disabled people. Here’s why.
Education: Many disabled people don’t get a good education. This makes it hard for them to learn skills needed for good jobs.
Jobs: Disabled people often face problems finding jobs. There aren’t enough job opportunities, and some employers discriminate against them. Without good jobs, it’s hard to earn enough money.
Healthcare: Poor people often can’t afford good healthcare. This can lead to untreated health problems that cause or worsen disabilities.
Support Services: Disabled people need special support, like assistive devices or home modifications, but these can be expensive. Without money, they can’t get the help they need.
The National Council on Disability says that these problems make more disabled people live in poverty. The World Health Organization also says that we need to solve both poverty and disability issues together.
To break this cycle, we need to:
- Provide better education for disabled people.
- Create more job opportunities and stop workplace discrimination.
- Offer better social support services.
- Make healthcare and housing affordable and accessible for everyone.
When we invest in these areas, we help disabled people live better lives. This also helps reduce poverty and builds a stronger, fairer society for everyone.
2 versions of this post
UCLA-AIRP Answer Scholars Award
Congratulations! On behalf of the Autistic and Neurodivergent Scholars Working for Equity in Research (ANSWER) of the AIR-P, we are pleased to inform you that your project... has been selected for the 2024 ANSWER Scholars Program for the project period September 1st, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Your application, achievements, and qualifications truly impressed our review committee.
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