Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• Children with genetic markers for neurodevelopmental conditions are also highly likely to have motor-coordination difficulties. Psychological Medicine
• One in three people with autism in the United Kingdom takes psychiatric medications. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are rising overall in adults in the United States, but the prevalence in white Americans is higher than in other racial and ethnic groups. JAMA Network Open
• Researchers have adapted the standard diagnostic test for autism to use with minimally verbal adolescents and adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Multiple brain areas are responsible for face recognition and may be organized in more than one network. Brain
• Adolescents with anxiety are at risk for additional psychiatric diagnoses as adults, according to a study. BMC Psychiatry
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia may be helpful for autistic children. Autism Research

Science and society

• A handful of European research institutions have their scientists’ papers independently vetted for image manipulations and statistical errors prior to submission. Nature
• A New Jersey startup offers prospective parents genetic report cards that it claims will help them choose the healthiest embryos for in vitro fertilization. MIT Technology Review
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication to treat partial-onset seizures in adults. fda.gov
• The pharmaceutical company Zynerba is testing a cannabidiol gel in children with fragile X syndrome. Philadelphia
• Schools trying to identify students who pose a threat to their classmates often end up targeting children in special-education classes, including those with autism. Searchlight New Mexico
• Autistic children can visit sensory-friendly Santas at dozens of shopping centers across Canada. Global News
• The International Society for Autism Research has selected the criminal justice system as the topic for its 2020 policy brief. International Society for Autism Research
• After failing to land a restaurant job, an autistic man opened his own coffee shop. WPRI

Autism and the arts

• Two nonprofit organizations have called for digital- and fine-art submissions to a contest for North Americans with autism. The Art of Autism
• Autistic artist Michael Richey White creates the drawings that serve as one mode of communication for the main character in the TV show “Atypical.” Chicago Tribune
• Volunteers with autism help design and paint murals in and around Los Angeles, California. Spectrum News 1