Common diagnostic tests for autism vary in their sensitivity, but one stands out as most sensitive in preschool children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
How are U.S. adolescents and young adults using online health information, and what effect does this use have on their mental health? A national survey yields some answers. Hopelab
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is more likely to occur in autistic women than in the general population, and women with PCOS are more likely to have both autism and an autistic first-born child. Translational Psychiatry
Children with neurodevelopmental conditions, especially if they have more than one, have a high rate of physical problems as well, including migraines, asthma and epilepsy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
The Lancet has published an entry all about autism spectrum disorder in its “Seminar” specialty collection. The Lancet
People who like patterns and rules tend also to be good at math, supporting a hypothesis that autism is a supercharged version of these abilities. Scientific Reports
Autistic people do just fine navigating social interactions with other autistic people, in part because of their mutual acceptance of unconventional approaches. Autism
When children are diagnosed with autism, their mothers feel less distressed if they already have good information about what autism is. PLOS One
Science and society
In addition to posing a threat to public health, the efforts of anti-vaccine activists are holding vaccine science hostage. The New York Times
A Japanese medical school rigged many women’s test scores to be too low for admission out of a concern that women would quit working if they became pregnant. Quartz
Science budget cuts in Brazil are threatening international cooperation and thousands of scholarships, all detailed on Twitter at #existepesquisanobr. Twitter
Make a note: The psychology department at Durham University in the United Kingdom is co-hosting a conference for U.K.-based William syndrome researchers in 2019. Twitter
When a Ph.D. student leaves academia, that’s not a failure, it’s just another option, an op-ed writer argues. Nature
Personal microbiome testing isn’t quite ready for prime time. STAT
The founder of a U.K. charity called Sibs explains why she thinks siblings of people with disabilities are important sources of “untapped expertise.” The Guardian
Two neuroscience associations have published statements decrying the treatment of a Max Planck Institute neuroscientist targeted by animal rights activists. Nature
Legal immigrants who have accepted U.S. government assistance — including Medicaid — could be stripped of their status if a Trump administration draft plan goes into effect. The New York Times
People who receive food assistance through the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would suffer harm to their health under the work requirements included in a U.S. House of Representatives bill. STAT
Autism and the arts
Fostering empathy in young viewers is the “heart and soul” of “Sesame Street,” and that includes treating an autistic character in ways that are free of stigma. TV Guide
An artist who found himself at a crossroads with a later-life diagnosis of autism made a shift from corporate to creative. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Publishing and politics
Here’s a place you don’t want to turn up: on preprint publisher bioRxiv’s “wall of shame.” Medium
Job moves
Craig Newschaffer, founding director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, is stepping into the role of dean of Pennsylvania State University’s College of Health and Human Development. Pennsylvania State University
Funding news
The March of Dimes has abruptly revoked grants to 37 researchers, one year into a three-year grant period, and made the cancellation retroactive. Nature
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