Diagnosing autism is an evolving science but a crucial first step to understanding the disorder.
Some scientists say an immune condition called PANDAS affects as many as 1 in 200 children who have traits similar to those of autism. But many experts contest that figure — and even the condition’s very existence.
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.
The first rigorous estimate of autism in Catalonia, Spain, has found a prevalence on par with that in the United States; an independent study in Iran, meanwhile, has found a prevalence that lags far behind.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has, for the first time in 12 years, overhauled its recommendations for identifying and supporting autistic children.
A new database cross-checks study participants to avoid double-counting variants linked to autism genes.
Understanding how gaze differs in autistic people may help improve their lives.
Many people go more than half of their lives before learning that they are autistic; one writer on the spectrum believes we can do better.
How well autistic children perform daily-living tasks tracks with their language skills and autism traits.
This is part 1 of the story of one boy’s long journey to an autism diagnosis and therapy. Part 2 will track Owen’s progress later this year.
