Viewpoint

The branch of the nervous system that regulates subconscious bodily processes such as breathing and digestion may play a key role in autism.

The question of autism’s heritability is compelling for researchers and laypeople alike, but many people in both groups misunderstand its definition.

No diet is likely to treat autistic people on a large scale, but diets based on a genetic profile may bring big benefits to a few.

Multiple independent studies are revealing evidence suggesting that sex steroids are important in autism.

Understanding how gaze differs in autistic people may help improve their lives.

Catherine Lord’s career has been defined by relationships: with mentors, protegees and, above all, with autistic people and their families.

Studies of the brain’s sensory system may provide unique insight into the brain mechanisms that underlie autism and could point to possible treatments.

Autism is unusually common among people with congenital blindness, in part because the ability to see drives much of brain development.

Misinformation about autistic women and sex is common in the scientific community. A study published this year is a case in point.

Studying Smith-Magenis and Potocki-Lupski syndromes — two single-gene conditions in which people have trouble reading social cues — may boost our understanding of autism.