Subsets of neurons lacking a gene called RAI1 contribute to Smith-Magenis syndrome, a rare condition related to autism.

Mutations in one of the strongest autism candidate genes may block the proliferation of neurons during development.

Mice lacking one copy of CHD8, a key autism gene, show signs of social deficits and broad changes in gene expression.

A gene that has strong ties to autism controls the expression of many other autism candidates.

On Cayo Santiago island, scientists track the alliances and power struggles of a colony of feral monkeys — collecting data to generate new insights into the social challenges that people with autism face.

Researchers are beginning to understand how mutations in a cancer-linked pathway called WNT contribute to autism.

A comprehensive catalog of the genes that show ties to both autism and cancer highlights the role of cell growth in both conditions.

Mice with a mutation in CHD8, the top autism gene, show no signs of any of the condition’s core features.

The brain enlargement seen in many children with autism may reveal hints about the condition’s causes.

Our top 10 papers for this year, based on input from autism researchers, capture the full spectrum of findings — from molecular biology to large-scale epidemiology.