Spectrum: Autism Research News

Research roundup

• Autism can accurately be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months old. JAMA Pediatrics
• An enzyme called SETD2 may play an important role in embryonic development by regulating chemical modifications to DNA in immature egg cells. Nature Genetics
• Genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may affect multiple brain circuits and cognitive traits in children. The Lancet Psychiatry
• Many autistic teenagers receive fewer support services with each passing year in high school, leading to a “post‐high school service cliff.” Autism Research
• Male prairie voles exposed to oxytocin at birth are unusually social as adults, suggesting that the hormone, commonly used to induce labor in people, has long-term developmental effects. Science Advances
• Musicians with perfect pitch — the ability to identify or create a specific musical note without a reference tone — have brain connectivity patterns like those of autistic individuals. Molecular Autism

Science and society

• An online public school in Colorado is helping autistic children learn at home, where they are most comfortable. KSAT 12
• Neuron-sized electrodes may soon record from animal brains for long periods of time without causing tissue damage. Science
• Scientists are on the hunt for anti-CRISPR proteins and chemicals that turn off the gene-editing tool. MIT Technology Review
• Scientists have highlighted an investigational drug to treat Angelman syndrome as a breakthrough, but investors have doubts. STAT
• The social interactions, constant email and chat notifications and other distractions of a typical office can make it difficult for ‘neurodivergent’ individuals to thrive in a traditional work environment. Vice
• Ultra Testing, a New York-based software testing company, actively hires people on the spectrum and fosters their talents, which may include the ability to focus and to recognize patterns. Fast Company
• Rapid advances in genomic technology may put clinicians at risk of lawsuits. Science

Autism and the arts

• Helen Hoang’s novels feature autistic individuals — like herself — who live full lives, fall in love and find happiness. NPR