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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Q&A

Conversations with experts about noteworthy topics in autism.

Previous articles
December 2017

How family perspectives could improve clinical trials

by  /  12 December 2017

Asking people with autism and their families about the challenges they face could help researchers test treatments for the condition.

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October 2017
Ilustration of scientists balancing precariously on a ladder and painting.

‘Tone’ of phrase may differ in autism, but meaning is clear

by  /  3 October 2017

Adults who have autism speak with unusual emphases and tone, but their speech still conveys the intended emotions.

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September 2017

‘Antisocial’ bees point to ancient roots for some autism genes

by ,  /  19 September 2017

Honey bees that fail certain social tests have genetic profiles similar to those of people with autism.

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August 2017
Illustration of baby with an EEG cap.

Can an epilepsy drug prevent autism features?

by  /  29 August 2017

An epilepsy drug may prevent seizures in infants with tuberous sclerosis and alleviate their autism features, says Martina Bebin.

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February 2017

Questions for Gahan Pandina: New tool may aid autism trials

by  /  14 February 2017

A new ‘knowledge engine’ collects reams of behavioral and sensory data to create highly sensitive outcome measures for autism drugs.

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Questions for Daniel Geschwind: Making autism studies diverse

by  /  7 February 2017

A team of researchers is stepping out of the lab and into the community to recruit African-Americans for studies on the genetics of autism.

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January 2017

Questions for Pua, Seal: What’s wrong with brain imaging work?

by  /  17 January 2017

Despite the completion of hundreds of imaging studies in people with autism, researchers have yet to find features that distinguish people with the condition.

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Questions for Daphna Joel: Brain sex differences may be mirage

by  /  3 January 2017

Instead of simply listing sex differences in the brain, researchers should consider how sex interacts with other factors to affect the brain, Joel says.

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December 2016

Questions for Joshua Gordon: Circuit solutions for autism

by  /  13 December 2016

The new director of the National Institute of Mental Health says work on brain circuits may yield treatments for autism.

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November 2016

Questions for Yael Niv: How to fight sexism in science

by  /  14 November 2016

Male scientists typically dominate speaker lineups at conferences. The skewed gender ratio stunts women’s careers — and progress in science.

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