A child’s environment exerts a strong influence on the severity of her autism, a study of identical twins suggests.

The relatives of autistic people often have mild traits of the condition. Studying these family members could broaden our understanding of autism.

Genetics may govern a person’s ability to pay attention to social cues.

This year’s list of top papers highlights new dimensions in our understanding of autism genetics and hints at novel treatments.

Autism is more heritable than anorexia, alcohol dependence, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to an analysis of data from nearly 4.5 million people.

Traits linked to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to co-occur even in adulthood.

Theory of mind develops surprisingly early, a book publisher doubles down in defense of a controversial author, and false vaccine news gets a correction.

Despite social media rumors, a British children’s television show does not cause autism; childhood anesthesia is not tied to autism risk; and an adult on the spectrum reaches a haunting milestone

Existing genome scans do not detect many of the DNA variants that underlie behavioral problems.

The heritable factors that underlie autism may overlap with those that influence unusual sensory responses.