Spectrum: Autism Research News

Explore the people, the science and the challenges in autism research.

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) accurately flags autistic toddlers, a new systematic review and meta-analysis suggests, contrary to past evidence that the tool’s validity varies depending on a child’s age and traits. Experts weigh in on the discrepancy.

In light of growing evidence that motor challenges are common among people with autism, we asked five researchers how these problems fit into the definition of the condition.

Do you read Spectrum regularly? See how well you’ve followed our coverage by taking our end-of-year quiz.

Track some of the major autism science meetings next year on our timeline, and tell us which ones you plan to attend.

In our favorite quotes from stories we published in 2022, researchers find salvation in octopuses, recall mouse bites, and challenge the autism field to do better.

In 2022, we asked our profile subjects and sources to flag rising stars in their labs or among their former students. The result is this list of 40 young researchers who are working on autism-related science across the globe.

Take a look back at the year’s top developments in autism research and read about the field’s rising stars. Plus: Test your knowledge with our year-end quiz, and see which conferences we’re looking forward to in 2023.

This year saw the debut of ever-more complex techniques to grow and analyze brain organoids and other 3D tissue cultures, among other advances.