Shining a Light: Kaitlyn Letourneau’s Journey to Unlocking the Mysteries of Autism

For Kaitlyn Letourneau, it was at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience in Jupiter, Florida, where her deep personal connection to autism first merged with groundbreaking research, launching a journey that is every bit as inspiring as it is scientific.

Kaitlyn recently published an extraordinary paper, “PTEN in somatostatin neurons regulates fear and anxiety and is required for inhibitory synaptic connectivity within central amygdala,” diving deep into how genetic changes linked to autism affect the brain’s wiring and behavior. But beyond the technical brilliance, Kaitlyn’s work is deeply personal.

A Sister’s Mission

Kaitlyn’s passion for understanding the brain is rooted in family, especially in her little brother Sam.

“He’s my mini me, and I’ve made it my personal mission to become the expert on all things Sam and autism,” Kaitlyn shares. “Understanding what is going on in his brain helps me to better understand him and allows me to be his advocate.”

This fierce love and commitment to Sam have guided Kaitlyn’s path from the start. From an early interest in psychology and theories of consciousness, to a high school teacher who nudged her toward neuroscience, to enrolling in neuroscience classes at UC Berkeley while still in high school, Kaitlyn has never shied away from chasing answers.

She laughs, recalling the day that sealed her fate:

“My professor pulled out a big Tupperware container from her bag and, with no warning, pulled out a human brain and walked around the lecture hall. I was amazed. That’s what really sealed the deal.”

Research Driven by Family, Fueled by Love

Kaitlyn’s research has been shaped by experiences with family members who’ve faced neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases — from Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and, of course, autism.

“Experiencing the scientific uncertainty accompanying the diseases surrounding me galvanized a need to move past textbook fundamentals and get involved in a more hands-on way,” she says.

Her recent study looked at how a mutation in PTEN, a gene known to contribute to autism, affects the brain. In simple terms, losing a copy of this gene in specific neurons leads to increased fear and anxiety, and reduced neural connectivity in the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes emotions. These findings could help explain sensory hypersensitivity and behavioral rigidity often seen in autism.

But Kaitlyn’s vision reaches far beyond the lab bench.

“There is still so much we don’t know about autism and the brain in general. My hope is that the work I’m doing will help us more clearly understand the neural mechanisms behind autism so we can better approach potential therapies.”

Right now, most treatments only try to minimize behavioral symptoms without truly addressing what causes them. Kaitlyn hopes her research can change that.

Keeping the Heart in the Science

When the long days in the lab get tough, two things keep Kaitlyn going:

“First and probably most obviously is my brother Sam. For a child with such a uniquely different life, he is so happy. My smiley Sam. Hearing his little laugh, seeing that big smile, and watching the progress he makes every single day push me to continue doing everything I can.”

The second? Pure passion.

“Most people don’t get to do what they truly love as a career, and I do. I am so lucky. Science is all about trial and error — we learn from both the good and the bad, and I’ve learned to love all of it.”

Outside the lab, you’ll usually find Kaitlyn dancing at a concert or music festival, losing herself in the joy of the moment.

“There’s something so awe-inspiring about celebrating life with a bunch of strangers, all sharing the experience together. I find that really beautiful.”

Just the Beginning

Kaitlyn’s journey is far from over. She’s now entering her third year of a neuroscience PhD program at the University of Colorado, where her thesis focuses on investigating cerebellar mechanisms behind sensory processing deficits in autism.

“This project was directly inspired by my brother, and it means so much that I get to take ownership of something so personal. This is only the beginning for me, and I am truly excited for all the work I will accomplish in the field throughout my career.”

A Future Filled with Hope

At Spectrum 360 foundation, we see Kaitlyn not just as a brilliant scientist, but as family. Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every research paper and lab experiment is a heart, often one beating for someone they love on the spectrum.

Kaitlyn, thank you for showing all of us what it means to turn personal passion into groundbreaking science. We can’t wait to see how many lives you and your work will continue to touch.

About Kaitlyn Letourneau:

Based in Denver, CO, Kaitlyn is entering her third year of a neuroscience PhD program at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus. Her research explores how genetic mutations, specifically those linked to two of the most common syndromic forms of autism, Fragile X Syndrome and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, affect sensory processing and prediction mechanisms within the cerebellum. By examining how difficulties in anticipating sensory input contribute to the heightened sensitivity often experienced by autistic individuals, Kaitlyn aims to shed light on why the world can feel so overwhelming for those on the spectrum.