Spectrum: Autism Research News

Clinical trials for autism drugs have been plagued with problems: bad design, the wrong measures, too broad a range of participants. All that is finally starting to change.

Rural living can be wonderful: community, friendly faces, a slower pace of life. But when there’s autism in the family, it can be tough.

A surprising number of genes associated with autism also have links to cancer. Does that mean cancer drugs can treat autism?

People with autism — and their family members — are susceptible to powerful placebo effects. Some researchers are using the problem to better understand this mystifying phenomenon.

Women who have raised a child with autism may be well-positioned to spot subtle signs of the condition in their grandchildren. A new study puts their powers to good use.

Given its reputation, the most shocking thing about electroconvulsive therapy might be how beneficial — and banal — it actually is.

A group of savvy parents jump-started autism research in California, but they also set the research agenda.

Some parents are starting ‘N-of-1’ studies for autism, but their efforts don’t always get taken seriously.

Many parents resort to unproven — even dangerous — alternative treatments for their children’s autism. What drives them?

Meet the backyard marijuana growers and home chemists who are rushing in where scientists fear to tread.