Ashley de Marchena is assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on communication skills and related behaviors in autism.
Ashley de Marchena
Assistant professor
University of the Sciences
From this contributor
Motor skills in autism: A missed opportunity
Motor differences are more relevant than has historically been appreciated for understanding, assessing and supporting people on the spectrum.
Motor skills in autism: A missed opportunity
By
Ashley de Marchena, Casey Zampella
4 January 2022 | 7 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Sex hormone boosts female rats’ sensitivity to unexpected rewards
During the high-estradiol stages of their estrus cycle, female rats learn faster than they do during other stages—and than male rats overall—thanks to a boost in their dopaminergic response to reward, a new study suggests.
Sex hormone boosts female rats’ sensitivity to unexpected rewards
During the high-estradiol stages of their estrus cycle, female rats learn faster than they do during other stages—and than male rats overall—thanks to a boost in their dopaminergic response to reward, a new study suggests.
By
Angie Voyles Askham
26 November 2025 | 5 min read
SHANK3 deficiency and behavior in mice; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 24 November.
SHANK3 deficiency and behavior in mice; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 24 November.
By
Jill Adams
25 November 2025 | 2 min read
Remembering Mark Hallett, leader in transcranial magnetic stimulation
The long-time NINDS researcher, best known for studying movement disorders, has died at age 82.
Remembering Mark Hallett, leader in transcranial magnetic stimulation
The long-time NINDS researcher, best known for studying movement disorders, has died at age 82.
By
David Dobbs
25 November 2025 | 7 min read