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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
July 2018

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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Genetic testing, counseling crucial in people with developmental delay

by ,  /  19 June 2018

Referring children with developmental delay to a clinical geneticist for testing and counseling helps families and advances research.

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Big baby plays with two connected rings while two scientists with clipboards look on.

Traits of other conditions may spur autism

by ,  /  12 June 2018

Early features of other conditions may contribute to autism itself

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Abridged autism assessment speeds access to therapy

by  /  5 June 2018

A new strategy for diagnosing autism shortens the evaluation process — and the wait for answers.

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May 2018
An ambulance and a police car on a city street, lights on.

Training first responders to recognize autism may avert tragedies

by ,  /  29 May 2018

A lack of training for first responders, combined with the communication difficulties of people with autism, can create dangerous misunderstandings.

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Figures along the top of a cliff, reaching for the papers falling from the sky and circulating in the air currents.

How I learned to stop worrying and love preprints

by  /  22 May 2018

Preprints are gaining traction in biology, but some researchers have lingering concerns. Should they?

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