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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Author

Rachel Nuwer

Contributing Writer, Spectrum

Rachel Nuwer is a freelance science journalist who contributes to outlets such as the New York Times, Scientific American and New Scientist. She writes news articles for Spectrum. She lives in Brooklyn.

Contact Info

[email protected]

March 2022

Lisa Croen: Autism’s first dedicated epidemiologist

by  /  28 March 2022

Inspired by watching her autistic nephew grow up, Croen has also been an advocate for bolstering research and services for autistic adults.

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May 2021
Humorous photograph shows a young man with plastic sunglasses on that match the patterns around him, surveys a tabletop scene of patterned objects.

Finding strengths in autism

by  /  12 May 2021

Autism comprises a set of difficulties, but growing evidence suggests that certain abilities also define the condition.

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June 2020

Meet the autistic scientists redefining autism research

by  /  10 June 2020

Growing ranks of researchers on the spectrum are overcoming barriers — from neurotypical bias to sensory sensitivities — to shape autism science.

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March 2020
Illustration shows older person in chair in messy house, looking out the window at a sunset.

Growing old with autism

by  /  18 March 2020

For many autistic adults, the golden years are tarnished by poor health, poverty and, in some cases, homelessness. Their plight reveals huge gaps in care.

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April 2016

Mouse study links gene to some autism symptoms

by  /  22 April 2016

Mice missing a gene called PTCHD1 in a deep-seated brain structure have autism-like symptoms that ease with treatment.

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Week of AprilApr
11th
2016

Deceitful DNA; grant gambit; autism glass

by  /  15 April 2016

A woman claims that a genetic test failed to flag her son’s deadly condition, a researcher wins a rare appeal of a rejected grant application, and a graduate student’s gadget could help people with autism to read emotions.

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March 2016

Autism’s history holds lessons for today’s researchers

by  /  14 March 2016

The authors of “Neurotribes” and “In a Different Key” urge scientists to question their biases and to translate their findings into tangible benefits for those on the spectrum.

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February 2016
Week of FebruaryFeb
1st
2016

Embryo editing; race debate; microbial makeover

by  /  5 February 2016

A scientist gets permission to edit the genomes of human embryos, and researchers argue that it’s time to leave race out of genetic studies.

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January 2016

‘In a Different Key’ presents symphony of autism’s history

by  /  19 January 2016

Journalists John Donvan and Caren Zucker detail autism’s transformation from a diagnosis shrouded in shame to an increasingly accepted, even celebrated, condition.

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October 2015

Attention deficit may mask autism, delay diagnosis

by  /  26 October 2015

Children who have both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism receive their autism diagnosis an average of four years later than those who have autism alone.

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