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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
July 2019
drawing shows organized lab on left, and the disorder of daily life and community services on the right.

Community delivery of autism therapies lags far behind evidence

by  /  23 July 2019

Most community clinicians do not deliver care that is in line with the latest evidence — and they are not improving over time.

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boy isolated from social crowd

For autistic children, emotional problems may hinder social success

by ,  /  16 July 2019

Although many children with autism want to engage with peers, their emotional difficulties often get in the way of their relationships.

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How the social hormone vasopressin might help autistic people

by  /  9 July 2019

A drug that mimics the hormone vasopressin improves social skills in autistic people — but so does one that blocks vasopressin’s effects. How can seemingly opposing manipulations produce similar results?

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June 2019
Illustration shows variety of stimming behaviors: hand flapping, muttering, rocking, doodling.

Stimming, therapeutic for autistic people, deserves acceptance

by  /  25 June 2019

Repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping and spinning may give autistic people a sense of control; instead of discouraging these behaviors, therapists should address triggers upsetting to autistic people.

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primordial soup of ancient genes and single celled organisms

Evolution of autism genes hints at their fundamental roles in body

by  /  4 June 2019

Genes associated with autism are ancient, and mutations in them have wide-ranging effects on the body, indicating their importance.

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May 2019
Illustration showing artist interpretation of experiencing psychosis

Signs of psychosis in people with autism warrant serious concern

by ,  /  28 May 2019

Many young autistic people with signs of emerging psychosis go without appropriate care.

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Autistic people with intellectual disability often excluded in studies

by  /  21 May 2019

The lack of people with intellectual disability in studies of autism has a profound effect on our understanding of the condition.

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Rising prevalence in Northern Ireland

Rise in autism diagnoses in Northern Ireland highlights lack of support

by  /  14 May 2019

Autism’s prevalence in Northern Ireland is climbing, but government policies leave families unable to access the treatments they need.

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Clinicians should consider off-label treatments for autism

by  /  7 May 2019

Clinicians need a more consistent and evidence-based approach to prescribing antipsychotics to children and adolescents with autism.

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April 2019
Illustration of scientists trying to piece together a female head in marble

Dutch project aims to raise awareness of autism in women

by  /  30 April 2019

A new network in the Netherlands is focused on problems and solutions specific to autistic girls and women.

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