We work collaboratively to design the most effective treatment plan for each patient. Our diverse set of specialties means that our research benefits from a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Joseph Buxbaum, PhD., Director
Dr. Joseph Buxbaum is a world-renowned molecular geneticist who has been intimately affiliated with the Seaver Autism Center since joining the faculty at Mount Sinai in 1997. Dr. Buxbaum was recruited in part to establish molecular genetics in autism spectrum conditions within Mount Sinai. As such, he was Director of Molecular Genetics in Seaver Autism Center for seven years and took over Directorship of the Seaver Autism Center itself in 2008. Dr. Buxbaum has focused on understanding the molecular and genetic basis of autism spectrum conditions, which will allow for a better understanding of etiology, and lead to the development of novel therapeutics for the negative aspects of these disorders.

Dr. Buxbaum heads the Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, which has taken the findings of the causes of autism and translated them into animal models where therapeutic approaches can be evaluated. In this context, Dr. Buxbaum has established the Autism Model Systems Initiative, which makes use of multiple experimental systems, to develop and evaluate novel therapeutics in autism spectrum conditions.

Dr. Buxbaum has taken a lead in collaborations with multiple independent sites to ensure that the best science in the service of the families is carried out. Dr. Buxbaum is a lead investigator in the Autism Genetics Consortium, the Autism Genome Project, and the Autism Case Control Cohort, and is a part of the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium. These large Consortia have the benefit of advancing the best science at the fastest pace and hence best serve the families.

Dr. Buxbaum has received numerous awards for his research. He is the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Professor, he has received recognition from the New York University Child Study Center for his "distinguished accomplishments and professional contributions to research in autism" (2004), from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology in the form of the Daniel H. Efron award for "excellence in research in neuropsychophamacology" (2005), as well as most recently, from the Eden Institute Foundation for his "commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life in individuals with autism" (2008). Dr. Buxbaum has published over 100 publications in esteemed journals and his work on autism and related conditions has been published in major journals including Nature, Nature Genetics, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Molecular Psychiatry, and Biological Psychiatry.