Spectrum: Autism Research News
Tag: ethics
The controversy over autism’s most common therapy
Applied behavioral analysis is the most widely used therapy for autism, but some people say its drills and routines are cruel, and its aims misguided.
1st
Testosterone test; enhancement stance; retirement pan
A new study casts doubt on the ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism, Americans are worried about gene editing, and a Pasteur Institute clash raises questions about scientists’ age.
18th
Fake facilitation; third strike; Pokémon passion
An autism researcher retracts her third paper in as many years, scientists write fraudulent reviews of their own papers, and Pokémon Go boosts social skills in children with autism.
4th
Acetaminophen risks; imaging failures; autism on TV
A study links acetaminophen use to autism, scientists find a flaw in brain imaging software, and a television show about autism is set to premiere next week.
20th
CRISPR medicine; inclusive experiments; autism in Egypt
Scientists target human cancer with CRISPR, device trials may become more diverse, and autism awareness grows in Egypt.
30th
Care co-op; biased psychotherapists; funding failure
A training program leads physicians to screen more children for autism, psychotherapists may discriminate against the working class, and a lack of federal funding leaves children with autism underserved.
Scientists must curb tendency to try untested treatments
People may misconstrue basic research as ready remedies, so scientists must work to prevent misinterpretation of their findings.
Autism’s full spectrum
Minority families often miss out on treatment or get left out of research — an ethical failure. New projects are illuminating autism’s diverse shades.
Correcting the record: Leo Kanner and the broad autism phenotype
The specter of the ‘refrigerator mother’ theory continues to haunt the history of autism. New information puts Kanner’s observations of parents into context.