Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• In children with tuberous sclerosis complex, epilepsy and language delays can both predict an autism diagnosis. Epilepsy & Behavior
• Enhanced cannabinoid signaling in the brain may reverse social-avoidance behavior in mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation
• Genetic differences in people with fragile X syndrome correspond to disparities in intellectual functioning. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Stem-cell-derived neurons may reveal how rare gene mutations interact. Molecular Autism
• Oman’s government has started identifying students with learning problems in school, but autism awareness, diagnosis and treatment are lacking. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Parents, siblings and children of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder have elevated odds of having autism. Psychological Medicine
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends evidence-based approaches for  diagnosing and treating Williams syndrome. Pediatrics
• Women with autism are more likely to experience postpartum depression than typical women. Molecular Autism

Science and society

• China has brought criminal charges against He Jiankui, the scientist who raised controversy when he gene-edited human embryos; many in the scientific community hope this action will serve as a deterrent. Nature
• Fred Gage, president of the Salk Institute in San Diego, California, is slated to receive the first achievement award given by the International Society for Stem Cell Research. International Society for Stem Cell Research
• The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has planned a webinar about career pathways for young autistic adults, set to air on 27 January. National Institute of Mental Health
• Two Wisconsin organizations — one in Madison, the other in Milwaukee — offer support and resources for young adults and college students with autism. The Badger Herald
• A Nebraska woman has advocated for her state to offer handicapped parking permits to families with autistic children. Lincoln Journal Star
• A clinical trial to test a new drug for extreme eating behavior associated with Prader-Willi syndrome is recruiting participants. Foundation for Prader-Willi Research
• Children with autism may have more cavities than typical children do, perhaps related to hygiene, diet and medication. The Conversation
• A woman in Cary, North Carolina, has challenged her local library’s policy requiring her to stay with her adult autistic son at all times. WTVD
• The U.S. National Center for Mobility Management has planned a webinar about transportation services for young autistic adults, set to air on 11 February. National Institute of Mental Health
• A specialist-care school in England offers virtual reality to help autistic students acclimate to real-world experiences, such as getting on an airplane. The New York Times

Autism and the arts

• A high school student with autism in Louisville, Kentucky, has self-published a comic-book series called “The Adventures of Fro-Man and Dubstep Boy.” Louisville Courier Journal
• A performance venue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosts a monthly open-mic event for autistic musicians of all ages and abilities. Next Pittsburgh