David Mandell is professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Center for Mental Health Policy and Services.
David Mandell
Professor
University of Pennsylvania
From this contributor
How to support Black scientists and clinicians in autism research
To address racial disparities in autism diagnosis and outcomes, we need more Black autism researchers and clinicians. Here are some tips to help recruit and train them.
How to support Black scientists and clinicians in autism research
By
Desiree Jones, David Mandell
3 November 2020 | 5 min read
Community delivery of autism therapies lags far behind evidence
Most community clinicians do not deliver care that is in line with the latest evidence — and they are not improving over time.
Community delivery of autism therapies lags far behind evidence
By
David Mandell
23 July 2019 | 5 min read
Why U.S. science may seriously suffer from a government shutdown
Even a brief shutdown of the government can dramatically affect the process of conducting science and the support for young scientists.
Why U.S. science may seriously suffer from a government shutdown
By
David Mandell
30 January 2018 | 1 min read
Why too many children with autism end up in foster care
The foster care system is becoming a critical component of care for children with autism.
Why too many children with autism end up in foster care
By
David Mandell
9 January 2018 | 5 min read
Smoke, mirrors and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine safety panel
Don’t let Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment distract us from fighting the policy changes that could have dire consequences for people with autism.
Smoke, mirrors and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine safety panel
By
David Mandell
12 January 2017 | 5 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
The genome offers a recipe, not a blueprint, for the brain
During brain development, genes set the rules and turn the knobs; self-organization does much of the rest.
The genome offers a recipe, not a blueprint, for the brain
During brain development, genes set the rules and turn the knobs; self-organization does much of the rest.
By
Ila Fiete
2 November 2026 | 8 min read
Autism research involving monkeys contends with uphill battle
Macaques and marmosets recapitulate the condition’s core traits better than mice can, but funding uncertainty and challenges at primate centers in the United States could make this work difficult to continue.
Autism research involving monkeys contends with uphill battle
Macaques and marmosets recapitulate the condition’s core traits better than mice can, but funding uncertainty and challenges at primate centers in the United States could make this work difficult to continue.
By
Diana Kwon
2 November 2026 | 8 min read
When is self-organization a mechanism in brain development?
Retinal waves offer a powerful example of a self-organizing system that can build structure without external guidance. The field would do well to embrace such phenomena more broadly as a type of mechanistic explanation.
When is self-organization a mechanism in brain development?
Retinal waves offer a powerful example of a self-organizing system that can build structure without external guidance. The field would do well to embrace such phenomena more broadly as a type of mechanistic explanation.
By
P. Robin Hiesinger
2 November 2026 | 6 min read