Petrus de Vries is founding director of the Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA) at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and current president of the International Society for Autism Research.
Petrus de Vries
Founding director
Centre for Autism Research in Africa, University of Cape Town
From this contributor
Autism research is becoming more diverse but not yet more global
Hosting the International Society for Autism Research annual meeting—which starts tomorrow—in Australia takes a step in that direction, making it easier for researchers, clinicians and advocates from the Western Pacific Region to participate.
Autism research is becoming more diverse but not yet more global
By
Petrus de Vries
14 May 2024 | 5 min read
What kind of autism research should we do, and where should we do it?
Researchers at INSAR 2023 need to discuss these questions and remember that the purpose of research may be different for different communities.
What kind of autism research should we do, and where should we do it?
By
Petrus de Vries
3 May 2023 | 6 min read
How to offer support for young autistic children in South Africa
Coaching caregivers in early-intervention strategies may be the most effective way to help young autistic children in South Africa.
How to offer support for young autistic children in South Africa
By
Lauren Franz, Petrus de Vries
22 January 2019 | 6 min read
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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.
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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.
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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?
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P. Robin Hiesinger
2 November 2026 | 6 min read