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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
October 2019

What Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can teach us about autism

by  /  21 October 2019

Not much is known about the connection between autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects collagen. But preliminary work provides tantalizing clues.

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Angelman syndrome’s silent gene points way forward for autism therapies

by  /  21 October 2019

Advances in research and help from families have brought scientists to the brink of an effective therapy for Angelman syndrome.

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Mouse shows friendliness to all mice, friends or strangers

What two rare ‘social’ syndromes reveal about autism

by  /  21 October 2019

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.

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Brain diagram shows areas where steroids may affect the brain

Extreme male brain theory of autism rests on shaky ground

by  /  1 October 2019

New data linking autism to steroid levels in pregnant women are inconsistent with basic facts about the biochemistry of steroids.

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September 2019
row of babies playing with toys that look like genome sequence

Studies of tuberous sclerosis may shed light on biology of autism

by  /  24 September 2019

Tuberous sclerosis provides a unique opportunity to understand autism because about half of people with that single-gene condition also have autism.

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synapse populations analysis--micrograph shows neurons in green in colorful network

How studying sleep in animals could unearth autism’s roots

by  /  3 September 2019

Sleep problems may contribute to autism’s underlying biology — a connection that scientists can study in animal models.

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August 2019
calendar showing busy ABA schedule with child's frustrated scribbles on top

How much behavioral therapy does an autistic child need?

by  /  27 August 2019

People tend to believe that, regardless of the treatment, more is always better. But is it?

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Woman with autism hears social noise, but is soothed by the sounds of a lullaby

Brain-body connection may ease autistic people’s social problems

by  /  20 August 2019

An auditory therapy may improve autistic people’s emotional control and help them feel safe enough to engage with the world.

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researchers, doctors and others work together to help a family and their autistic child. Family is at the center of a flower, and the researchers are moving the petals into place.

Medical ‘home’ programs offer coordinated care for autistic people

by ,  /  13 August 2019

A Utah program provides comprehensive care for autistic people across the lifespan and engages families in the decision-making.

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July 2019
Mobile with objects like earbuds, ears, eyes and black and white striped disk hanging

We need precise measurements of sensory traits related to autism

by  /  30 July 2019

Separating sensitivity to sensory stimuli from the response to the stimuli may help scientists understand the root cause of sensory traits in autistic people.

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