Metabolic pathways of intelectual disability and autism
Exploring how metabolic pathways shape brain development, cognition, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Metabolism and neurodevelopment: understanding intellectual disability and autism
This course provides an integrated overview of the metabolic mechanisms involved in intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through contributions from leading international experts, participants will explore how cellular metabolism, energy dynamics, and molecular pathways influence brain development, synaptic function, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Moving beyond the traditional emphasis on rare inborn errors of metabolism, the program presents metabolic dysfunction as a shared and convergent dimension across a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders. This integrative perspective helps bridge advances in basic science with everyday clinical practice, offering a coherent framework to better understand the biological basis of ID and ASD.
The topic addresses a pressing international need to understand the biological mechanisms of ID and ASD beyond traditional diagnostic silos. The symposium brings together leading experts from Spain, France, Austria, Argentina, Canada, and Hong Kong, reflecting a global effort to tackle this challenge. This international faculty ensures a diversity of perspectives and aligns the program with current global research trends in systems biology, single-cell genomics, and metabolic reprogramming.
After this training, you will be able to:
- To understand the role of metabolic pathways in brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- To explore the relationship between energy metabolism and cognitive function.
- To identify key molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in intellectual disability and autism.
- To bridge basic research and clinical practice through case-based and translational approaches.
Scientific vision and educational impact
Scientific Goals: The symposium will present and discuss the latest research on key metabolic processes in neurodevelopment, including developmental metabolic programming, the energetic constraints of cognition, amino acid and lipid signaling, lysosomal function, and immunometabolism. A central aim is to highlight the interconnectedness of these pathways and their collective impact on synaptic function and neural circuitry.
Educational Goals: Our educational objectives are:
- To Educate: To provide clinicians (pediatric neurologists, clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists) and early-career researchers (PhD students, postdocs) with a solid foundation in the key metabolic mechanisms underlying ID and ASD.
- To Connect: To facilitate a direct dialogue between basic scientists and clinicians, enabling a two-way transfer of knowledge. Clinicians will gain mechanistic insights, while scientists will learn about the phenotypic complexity and real-world challenges of patient care.
- To Train: To serve as a specialized training opportunity for the next generation of researchers, exposing them to interdisciplinary approaches and fostering collaborative networks
Improve your skills in:
Contents
Session 1:
Introductory Lectures
Syngap1, Spain.
Angeles Garcia-Cazorla, Spain.
Raúl Méndez, Spain.
Session 2:
Energy Metabolism of Cognition and Neurodevelopment
Stephanie Doovers, The Netherlands.
Juan Bolaños, Spain.
Session 3:
Convergent Metabolic Pathways in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Part 1:
Amino Acid Signaling and Synaptic Homeostasis
Gaia Novarino, Austria.
C. W. Fung & Sheila Wong, Hong Jong.
Part 2:
Lipid Dynamics, Immunometabolism and Lipid Metabolism
Fiona Francis, France.
Charlotte Madore, EE.UU.
Part 3:
Lysosomal Function and Cellular Recycling
Hernán Amartino, Argentina.
Session 5:
Synaptic Metabolism and Circuit Function
Michael Mailbach, the Netherlands.
Gabriella Horvath, Canada.
Session 6:
Conclusions
This course is especially aimed at:
This course is intended for a multidisciplinary audience interested in the biological basis of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. It is particularly relevant for clinicians and researchers seeking a deeper mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Neurologists (adult and pediatric)
- General pediatricians
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists and neuropsychologists
- Clinical geneticists and metabolic specialists
- Researchers in neuroscience, metabolism, and related biomedical fields
- PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and other early-career professionals
- And other professionals involved in the study, diagnosis, and management of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability, including both clinical and non-clinical profiles.
Learning experience
We have designed a complete program, carefully prepared with the participation of expert speakers to guarantee you a high-level training experience.
The course is available both in-person and online, offering you flexibility in how to participate.
Spaces are provided to share experiences and network among participants.
Gain insights from recognized leaders in the field, presenting current knowledge and perspectives in each session.
Sessions presenting the latest advances in biology, genomics, and metabolic regulation relevant to neurodevelopment.
Short live performances will create a stimulating atmosphere, encouraging reflection, creativity, and informal interaction among participants.
To obtain the certificate, you will be required to complete a satisfaction survey through the virtual learning platform.
Registration options:
Special fees apply to countries with special rates for the online course: Until June 16th, 2026: 130 €. From June 16th, 2026: 150 €
Direction
Accredited training
European EAACME (SEAFORMEC) accreditation has been requested
Do you need futher information?
Contact us, and we will answer your questions about the program.