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Two researchers survey a landscape filled with autism research topics including neurons, DNA, drugs and animal models.

2022: The year in review

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.

From left to right, portraits of Grunya Sukhareva, Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner.

Special report: The new history of autism

For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.

Trends in autism research 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, Spectrum recaps some of the biggest trends in autism science this year: studies of sex differences, noncoding regions of the genome and points of convergence, as well as efforts to improve screening and participatory research.

Illustration of a network of blue neurons overlaid with marijuana leaves.

Special report: How cannabis could shape future autism therapies

Cannabis-derived drugs are approved to treat only a small number of autism-related conditions, but many autistic people and their families experiment with medical marijuana to ease autism traits. In this special report, Spectrum rounds up what the science says about cannabis and autism.