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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Author

Deborah Rudacille

Former News Editor, SFARI.org

Deborah Rudacille earned an M.A. in science writing from Johns Hopkins University in 1998. She worked as a research writer at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and as senior science writer at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Rudacille is the author of three books: The Scalpel and the Butterfly (2000), The Riddle of Gender (2004) and Roots of Steel (2010). She joined SFARI.org’s team as news editor in 2010.

March 2011

Machine-learning tool shows promise for autism diagnosis

by  /  14 March 2011

It’s too soon to call it a diagnostic test for autism, but an algorithm that detects patterns in brain waves shows promise as one component of a screening battery for the disorder, say researchers familiar with the work.

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Root strategy

by  /  11 March 2011

A new technique for creating stem cells from hair may help researchers understand how neurons and the junction between them form.

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Meeting brings unusual focus to Phelan-McDermid syndrome

by  /  10 March 2011

The first international meeting on Phelan-McDermid syndrome brought together researchers and family members of those affected by the disorder, sparking collaboration and some emotion.

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Active brains

by  /  1 March 2011

Studies of healthy infants may help identify early risk factors for autism by establishing new developmental milestones.

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February 2011

New diagnostic criteria for autism fuel debate

by  /  28 February 2011

The new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) won’t be published for another two years, but changes proposed to the diagnostic criteria for autism are already sparking heated debate.

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Matthew State: Bridging the gap between bench and bedside

by  /  24 February 2011

Matthew State is both a dedicated clinician and a world-class geneticist, but his diplomatic style is a relic of his former adventures in politics.

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Bad trip

by  /  22 February 2011

Hallucinogens like LSD and MDMA may help people with autism become more sociable, but negative side effects argue against their use.

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Genetic background alters behavior of fragile X mice

by  /  21 February 2011

Six strains of mice lacking a gene associated with fragile X syndrome show radically different behaviors though they share the same mutation, researchers reported in January in Autism Research.

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Left behind

by  /  18 February 2011

High school graduation marks the end of opportunities for social engagement and access to services for many young people with autism.

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‘Mind blindness’ affects moral reasoning in autism

by  /  17 February 2011

High-functioning adults with autism pass false belief tests with ease, but struggle with moral judgment in real-life situations.

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