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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: audio research news

February 2019
baby in utero, with placenta and antibodies and molecules

What the placenta could reveal about autism

by  /  19 February 2019

Understanding the interactions between the placenta and the uterine lining could explain how maternal immune activation leads to autism.

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'crystal ball' of genetic prediction

Genetic risk ‘scores’ may help forecast autism diagnosis

by  /  5 February 2019

A count of genetic variants may help predict a person’s risk of various conditions — but its clinical use prompts ethical questions.

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January 2019
Researchers and doctors interacting with family with genetic syndrome

Reaching out to families can inspire new autism research

by  /  29 January 2019

For students and early-career investigators, opportunities to meet and talk with the people they are trying to help underscores why the work matters.

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December 2018
Woman looking into mirror sees words and fragmented reflection.

Why adults need an easier path to autism diagnosis

by  /  18 December 2018

Getting an autism diagnosis can be difficult for many adults, due to the dearth of reliable tests, high costs and bureaucracy.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder may mimic autism in some children

by  /  11 December 2018

Clinicians need to be able to distinguish autism from post-traumatic stress disorder so they can provide the right support.

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November 2018
Illustration shows a maze of elements: human brain, medicine, chromosome, factory, clouds and lightning bolts

Environmental risk for autism, explained

by  /  5 November 2018

Autism results from an interplay between genetics and the environment, but it has been tough to nail down the environmental factors involved.

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A drawing shows the word 'autism' formed of loose letters under a magnifying glass.

Autism diagnosis, explained

by  /  5 November 2018

New and improved autism screens and diagnostic tools promise to streamline the long path to an autism diagnosis.

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October 2018
Illustration of research mice forming the letter 'X'.

Fragile X syndrome’s link to autism, explained

by  /  10 October 2018

Fragile X syndrome is a leading genetic cause of autism. People who have either condition often share certain traits, such as difficulties in social situations.

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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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August 2018
Drawing shows scientists measuring three identical sets of objects, each arranged in a different way.

Inconsistent prevalence estimates highlight studies’ flaws

by  /  28 August 2018

How researchers design autism prevalence studies has a significant impact on the results, says Eric Fombonne.

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