Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• • Women with traits of autism get more emotional and practical support from their adult siblings than their male counterparts do. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
  • A subset of autistic children who show aggressive behaviors have additional conditions, such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
  • Men in general, and those who have little contact with the disabled, are the most biased against disabled people. Journal of Social Issues
  • Autistic children are more likely to bully, and be bullied by, their siblings than neurotypical children are. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
  • A neural network analysis shows that several brain areas work together to perceive emotions in others, and that this network matures around age 8. Journal of Neuroscience
  • Socially awkward and autistic people use similar strategies to compensate for their difficulties in group settings. The Lancet Psychiatry
  • Researchers found a heightened prevalence of autism in a small survey of transgender and nonbinary people. European Psychiatry

Science and society

• • Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital is one of the first clinics to offer personal genome sequencing to predict disease risk — with a heftier price tag than commercial at-home testing kits. Bloomberg
  • As the U.S. government puts Chinese scientists under escalating scrutiny, a Nature editorial reminds the research community of the value of diversity and cross-cultural collaboration. Nature
  • Some employers are adopting ‘mental wellness’ strategies so that their employees feel comfortable taking medical leave for mental health problems. Kaiser Health News
  • The forced-swim test, an established measure of depression in mouse models, is under scrutiny. Nature
  • Neurologist Huda Zoghbi has received the 2019 Victor A. McKusick Award from the American Society of Human Genetics. American Society of Human Genetics
  • A nonverbal autistic man has earned the designation of Eagle Scout using PowerPoint and multiple-choice tests in lieu of spoken presentations to earn some of his merit badges. CNN
  • When it comes to vaccine safety, ‘social trust’ can influence beliefs as much as logic and reason. NPR
  • The state of Connecticut lowered the age at which children with autism become eligible for transition services from 16 to 14 to better prepare students for life after high school. Autism Speaks
  • The 2019 Ohio State Fair will include a ‘sensory-friendly morning’ that banishes loud music and flashing lights and offers access to a quiet room. Mental Floss

Autism and the arts

• • Autistic artist Brittney Coutts is scheduled to present a solo exhibition of her paintings in Claremont, Australia, next month. Wanneroo Times
  • Singer and pianist Kodi Lee, who is autistic and blind — and who wowed the TV show “America’s Got Talent” — is attending a specialized music program at Michigan State University. WILX