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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Opinion /

Viewpoint

Expert opinions on trends and controversies in autism research.

Previous articles
September 2019
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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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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