Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• Preventing cell death during brain development in fruit flies allows diverse neuronal circuits to form. Science Advances
• The most widely used autism screen is as reliable for black children as it is for white children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Children whose autism is a result of copy number variants in their DNA tend to have severe traits. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience
• Ethnic and racial minorities cite fear and distrust as reasons they do not participate in clinical research. Trials
• Strategies to increase employment for autistic people include providing early work experience, highlighting strengths and overcoming stigma. Autism Research
• People are mostly willing to share their genetic information, especially if they are compensated and have control over any reuse. PLOS ONE
• When faced with a frustrating task, autistic children may react with emotional outbursts; these tend to be bigger and last longer in those with minimal verbal and life skills. Autism

Science and society

• Coronavirus has prevented people from visiting their autistic family members who live in residential treatment facilities. Jewish Telegraphic Agency
• Design hacks to make homes sensory friendly for autistic children need not be expensive or complicated. The New York Times
• The television show “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay,” available on the streaming platform Freeform, features LGBTQ characters who have autism. The Advocate
• An autistic teenager shares her experiences and debunks misconceptions in short explainers on the video app TikTok. Yahoo Lifestyle
• Autistic author Charlotte Amelia Poe says embracing her otherness was key to moving forward in her life. The Guardian
• Because of the coronavirus, telehealth services may be expanded for people insured by Medicare, the national health plan for older people in the United States. STAT

Autism and the arts

• A Colorado orchestra and ballet company has won funding to create works that are appropriate for children who have autism or sensory sensitivities. The Gazette