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Life On the Spectrum

Spectrum Spotlight

A spectrum of voices united for autism awareness and acceptance

Meet Dr. Ryan Yuen

Disclaimer: Autism Speaks Canada utilizes both person-first (person with autism) and identity-first (autistic person) language and recommends respecting the choice of the autistic individual and or family for their preferred choice. Life on the Spectrum shares lived experiences and authentic stories of autistic Canadians from coast to coast to coast. The answers to the questions are provided by the autistic person and or family. We are thankful to the participants for trusting us. We strive to share their stories authentically and respectfully. Information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks Canada does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks Canada provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks Canada has not validated and is not responsible for any information, events, or services provided by third parties. 

Meet Dr. Ryan Yuen

Meet Dr. Ryan Yuen. He is a Scientist in the Genetics & Genome Biology program at The Hospital for Sick Children who has a long history of working on autism research.

In 2013, he was a recipient of an Autism Speaks postdoctoral fellowship to support him in his study of the Y chromosome with the goal of understanding why some boys have been more likely to develop autism.

Dr. Yuen was also part of the University of Toronto’s team of researchers working on MSSNG —the world’s largest autism genomics project. Researchers were able to identify 18 new genes which increase the possibility of autism for an individual.

In 2017, he began a new journey as an assistant professor at U of T; inspiring the next generation of students. Autism Speaks awarded him a 2nd grant in 2019 to investigate the regions of the genome to find additional genetic contributions to autism.

Dr. Yuen believes genetic research is important as it can lead to improved diagnosis and supports for people with autism. Help support life enhancing research breakthroughs by donating generously.

Disclaimer: Autism Speaks Canada utilizes both person-first (person with autism) and identity-first (autistic person) language and recommends respecting the choice of the autistic individual and or family for their preferred choice. Life on the Spectrum shares lived experiences and authentic stories of autistic Canadians from coast to coast to coast. The answers to the questions are provided by the autistic person and or family. We are thankful to the participants for trusting us. We strive to share their stories authentically and respectfully. Information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks Canada does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks Canada provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks Canada has not validated and is not responsible for any information, events, or services provided by third parties.