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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
September 2018
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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For children with autism, tablet app may deliver life skills

by  /  24 July 2018

Software may complement traditional behavioral therapy for autism, but making programs engaging and effective is a challenge.

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Two doctors look at a brain scan with a 'fingerprint' pattern over the grey matter area.

Unique brain ‘fingerprints’ may narrow search for autism subtypes

by ,  /  10 July 2018

Grouping people with autism based on their unique brain-activity ‘fingerprints’ may help to identify subtypes of the condition.

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How the new U.S. ‘Right to Try’ law could harm people with autism

by  /  3 July 2018

People with autism already have access to experimental treatments; the new law could make that access more dangerous.

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June 2018
Illustration of scientists on ladder shining flashlight into a human brain with a raincloud inside.

Why we need screens for depression in people with autism

by ,  /  26 June 2018

The instruments clinicians use to diagnose depression in people with autism cannot capture its unique presentation in this group.

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How separating children from parents causes irreparable harm

by  /  26 June 2018

Science teaches us that housing children in institution-like settings is likely to cause severe and permanent damage to their minds and bodies.

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