Behavior is a well-coordinated complex process involving sensory perception, central nervous system (CNS) processing and refined motor output. Some behaviors are genetically hardwired and crucial for survival, while others are acquired through life experiences. Changes or mutations in genes can lead to alterations in these behaviors, whether they are innate or learned. Autism is a condition characterized by noticeable behavioral differences, and with advancements in genetic manipulation techniques, we are now having access to create such conditions in an animal model such as rodents. I am interested in exploring these behavioral differences and underlying mechanisms in rat models using methods that analyze both behavioral and cellular properties.