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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
October 2018
An illustration shows a mosaic-like view of viruses delivering genes to the brain.

Angelman syndrome: Bellwether for genetic therapy in autism

by ,  /  16 October 2018

It is not a matter of whether there will be clinical trials of genetic therapy for Angelman syndrome, but when.

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Illustration of human brain in brackets suggesting circuit alterations that is associated with certain genetic mutations.

Brain scans of sleeping mice hint at subtypes of autism

by  /  9 October 2018

Mapping the effects of autism mutations on mouse brain circuits may reveal subtypes of the condition in people.

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Illustration shows two people communicating, word bubble above head show that one person is getting less information.

Separate thinking skills underlie autism, attention deficit

by  /  2 October 2018

Theory of mind difficulties are likely to be more central to autism than to attention deficit hyperactive disorder, whereas executive function problems are more often associated with the latter.

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September 2018
Illustration shows white doctor's hands holding up a male figure cut in paper over a young African-American girl.

Quashing sex bias in autism research calls for participant rainbow

by  /  25 September 2018

Autism researchers must attend to the need for sex and gender diversity in study design as a rule rather than as an exception.

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Drawing shows woman at desk looking away into the light as her coworkers gossip in the darkness.

Disclosure of autism at work holds risks and benefits

by  /  18 September 2018

Telling coworkers you are autistic can bring acceptance, but it may also hinder advancement.

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Gate keepers with long documents and spears in front of fortress full of marijuana leaves.

Federal chokehold on marijuana stymies studies on epilepsy, autism

by  /  11 September 2018

Scientists’ desire for evidence-based medical inquiry runs headlong into an apparently immovable obstacle: the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

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Artwork shows a flock of birds flying inside the head of a boy.

How a ‘pacemaker’ for the brain could ease autism traits

by  /  4 September 2018

Looking at the brain as a whole suggests that nudging flawed sets of neurons to collaborate better might alleviate autism traits.

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August 2018

Internal recordings of human brain may offer insight into autism

by ,  /  14 August 2018

A technique called intracranial electroencephalography can reveal brain functions with great sensitivity and may ultimately unearth the underpinnings of autism.

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How to help young adults with autism transition to adulthood

by  /  7 August 2018

A novel group intervention helps young adults with autism develop independent-living skills and access social support in times of stress.

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July 2018
Toddlers on an uneven zone of color blocks.

Faulty use of data threatens early intervention for autism

by ,  /  31 July 2018

A flawed evaluation process may put programs serving a high proportion of children with autism at risk of funding cuts.

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