Our lab’s recent publication in PNAS showcases how C. elegans can be used to systematically study the function of genes linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing 135 worm strains carrying mutations in ASD-associated gene orthologs, we uncovered hundreds of behavioral and developmental phenotypes, including changes in movement, sensory responses, and learning. This large-scale approach revealed two parallel genetic networks, centered on CHD8/chd-7 and NLGN3/nlg-1, that underlie habituation deficits. Excitingly, we also demonstrated that some of these phenotypes are reversible even in adulthood, offering new insights into the potential for interventions later in life. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1912049116.