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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Author

Angie Voyles Askham

Senior reporter

Angie Voyles Askham is Senior Reporter for Spectrum, where she covers neural circuits and gene therapy, among other topics. She proposed and writes Spectrum Launch, a monthly newsletter for early-career researchers. Before joining Spectrum in 2020, she worked in radio journalism and academic publishing. Voyles Askham has a Ph.D. in neuroscience from NYU and a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. You can email her at [email protected] or find her on Twitter @avaskham.

Contact Info

[email protected]

October 2021

Backlash from autistic community pauses research, exposes communication gaps

by ,  /  18 October 2021

Fallout over two recent studies highlights the potential power of social media to shape science, and the shifting dynamics between researchers and the autistic community.

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Photo: A nasal spray bottle sprays upwards.

Intranasal oxytocin ineffective for autism in large trial

by  /  13 October 2021

The hormone is no better than placebo at boosting social behavior in autistic children, according to a new study, but it may still benefit a subset of people with the condition.

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Empty conference hall in blue light.

Society for Neuroscience cancels in-person meeting

The decision comes after a Spectrum survey found that most autism researchers did not plan to attend in person.

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Photo of empty conference room with empty stage and podium in distance.

Few autism researchers plan to attend conferences in person this year: Survey

by ,  /  4 October 2021

As academic conferences resume the option to attend in person, alongside virtual sessions, many autism researchers say they face a difficult choice.

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September 2021
Week of SeptemberSep
20th
2021

Spotted around the web: Parental age, autism-schizophrenia overlap, bumetanide trials

by , , ,  /  24 September 2021

Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 20 September.

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Empty conference room with closeup of microphone in foreground.

Spectrum survey: Attending scientific conferences and meetings

by  /  16 September 2021

Help Spectrum report on the pandemic’s effect on conference plans by participating in a brief survey.

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Placental hormone loss spurs autism-like traits in mice

by  /  2 September 2021

Mice exposed to unusually low levels of the placental hormone allopregnanolone in the womb show atypical brain development and autism-like behaviors.

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August 2021
Week of AugustAug
23rd
2021

Spotted around the web: Mislabeled ‘autism traits,’ cerebellum in autism, medicinal cannabis

Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 23 August.

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Young patient speaking to counselor.

Q&A with Brenda Finucane: Building pipelines for genetic tests for autism

by  /  17 August 2021

Most autistic people do not receive the medically recommended genetic tests for autism. Brenda Finucane and her colleagues want to change that.

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Week of AugustAug
2nd
2021

Spotted around the web: Roundworm connectome, NRXN1 rats, MRI headphones

Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 2 August

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