Laura Arnstein Carpenter

Laura Arnstein Carpenter, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), affiliated with the College of Medicine. Her academic focus includes Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities. She specializes in behavioral interventions, neurodevelopmental assessment, and healthcare access for neurodivergent populations. Dr. Carpenter leads research initiatives such as the SPARK Cohort study and has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles.

Her research emphasizes improving diagnostic accuracy, understanding gender differences in autism presentation, and evaluating telehealth interventions for pediatric populations. Notable contributions include studies on parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) for autism and the impact of comorbid conditions like ADHD and anxiety in autistic youth.

Dr. Carpenter collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across MUSC and national networks, focusing on translational research to bridge clinical practice and scientific discovery. Her work addresses gaps in healthcare equity for autistic individuals across the lifespan, including aging populations and underrepresented groups.

Grants and funding support her studies on autism prevalence, genetic risk factors, and behavioral interventions. She serves as a principal investigator for studies examining dynamic tobacco use patterns and their cessation strategies in adults, though her primary focus remains pediatric neurodevelopmental research.