The investigational drug arbaclofen may right an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory signaling in the animals’ brains.

Autistic children with sensory issues show more intense physiological reactions to unpleasant sounds and other sensations than their non-autistic peers do, a new study shows.

People and mice with only one working copy of the autism gene SYNGAP1 may have trouble processing sights and sounds.

Spectrum is covering the 2020 International SYNGAP1 Scientific Conference, which took place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here we’re highlighting researchers’ reactions to noteworthy presentations.

Autistic men show a greater imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain than autistic women do, which could explain sex differences in ‘camouflaging.’

A new viral tool can selectively control different types of neurons that dampen brain activity in rodents, monkeys and people.

A growing number of studies are revealing circuits that may underlie social challenges in autism — and how to fine-tune them.

A new, minimally invasive technique allows researchers to activate neurons in the brains of mice and monkeys by using a light source located outside of the head.

This year’s hot topics in autism research center around brain organoids, heart rate, the gut microbiome, treatment timing and early detection.

Here are seven Spectrum stories from this year that deserve a close look.