Associated primarily with its role in movement, the striatum may also influence the social difficulties of autistic people.

The mutation that causes Angelman syndrome makes neurons hyperexcitable, which may explain the frequent seizures that most people with the syndrome have.

The many genes implicated in Williams syndrome, a condition related to autism, may all work together to exert their effects on behavior.

A shortage of CUL3, a leading autism gene, may impair social behavior in mice by ramping up protein production in neurons.

Some cases of anxiety, which often accompanies autism, may stem from a faulty immune system, a new study suggests — but some experts are skeptical.

The drug popularly known as ecstasy may boost sociability through brain circuits distinct from that underlying its ‘high.’

Extra copies of a gene called BOLA2 predispose people to autism and may protect against iron deficiency.

A mix of two drugs eases hypersensitivity to noise in mice missing an autism gene — offering the promise of a similar treatment for autistic people.

Blocking one form of an enzyme implicated in autism eases unusual behaviors and seizures in mice missing a top autism gene.