Bio

Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D.

Prior to becoming Autism Speaks’ first Chief Science Officer in January 2008, Geri was Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Washington and Founding Director of the University of Washington Autism Center, which has been designated an NIH Center of Excellence since 1996. While at the University, Geri led a multi-disciplinary autism research program focusing on genetics, neuroimaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Geri’s own research has been in the areas of early detection and treatment of autism, early patterns of brain dysfunction (electrophysiology), and more recently, development of endophenotypes for autism genetic studies. Geri has co-edited or authored a number of books about autism spectrum disorder and brain development, including Autism Spectrum Disorders; Human Behavior, Learning, and the Developing Brain; and A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. She has been widely published in academic journals. From 2000-07, Geri founded and directed University of Washington Autism Center’s multi-disciplinary clinical services program, which is the largest of its kind in the northwestern United States. A strong advocate for families, Geri has testified before the U.S. Senate on behalf of individuals with autism and played a key role on the Washington State Autism Task Force.