Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• Autistic adults report that the ability to focus, attention to detail, good memory and creativity are the strengths that help them most in their daily lives. Autism in Adulthood
• When new neurons are born in the embryonic brain, they contain certain molecular ‘birthmarks,’ allowing a diversity of neuron types to develop. Science
• Lab-grown brain organoids can help reveal the effects of oxygen deprivation on the developing brain. Nature Medicine
• Two clinical trials show that drugs that affect vasopressin, a hormone involved in social behavior, lead to modest improvements in autistic individuals. Science Translational Medicine

Science and society

• Anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was denounced last week by his brother, sister and niece for spreading misinformation. The New York Times
• A national effort in the United States to study the genes and health records of 1 million Americans has recruited 143,000 people in its first year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Science
• The state of California plans to ban chlorpyrifos, a pesticide used on crops that has been linked to developmental problems in children. Kaiser Health News
• Access to vocational rehabilitation services for people with autism varies widely from one U.S. state to the next. Disability Scoop
• Companies in the U.S. and the European Union recognize the value of neurodiverse employees. Wired
• Autistic people speak out about hurtful myths and stereotypes. Bustle
• A new book chronicles the history of blaming mothers for their children’s neurodevelopmental conditions. Popular Science
• An ‘inclusion room’ at a soccer stadium in Falmer, England, allows young autistic fans to support their soccer club in a comfortable environment. BBC News
• A local ultra-Orthodox Jewish group held an anti-vaccine rally in Rockland County, New York, where measles has resurfaced. The New York Times
• A spending bill in the U.S. House of Representatives is designed to curb primate research in publicly funded laboratories. Nature
• A neuroscientist expresses his mixed feelings about animal research. Nautilus

Autism and the arts

• A music studio in Queens, New York, offers a music therapy program for autistic children. NationSwell

Publishing

• A highly cited 2016 paper that reported vitamin D supplements improve autism-related behaviors has been retracted. Retraction Watch

Funding news

• German researchers are likely to benefit from 3 percent increases in scientific funding through 2030. Science