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Spectrum: Autism Research News

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Signs & Symptoms

Autism’s core symptoms accompany a constellation of subtle signs that scientists are just beginning to unmask.

January 2020
Illustration shows a large red floating blob that says "PANDAS" while smaller, blue blobs float around it with phrases "autism," "OCD," "ADHD" and "TOURETTE SYNDROME"

How a controversial condition called PANDAS is gaining ground on autism

by  /  8 January 2020

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.

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Small child with fever has his temperature checked

Fever’s immune effect on brain may ease autism traits

by  /  8 January 2020

An immune molecule produced during a fever improves sociability in three mouse models of autism.

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New data establishes norms for developmental milestones

by  /  3 January 2020

A new resource that details the ages at which children attain milestones such as speaking and walking could help clinicians spot autism sooner.

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A young teen woman sits on stairs with her head hanging down, her face hidden by her hair.

Adolescent anxiety predicts later psychiatric diagnoses in autistic people

by  /  2 January 2020

People with autism are at increased odds of having other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, but the links can be counterintuitive.

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December 2019
Mother mouse with pups on white

Multiple genes may conspire to lead to autism traits

by  /  23 December 2019

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

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Magnified view of mitochondria in mice

Immune cells may underlie anxiety in autistic people

by  /  16 December 2019

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

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a young girl has her height measured by a woman

Top autism gene tied to unusual skull, skeletal growth

by  /  12 December 2019

People with mutations in CHD8, a top autism gene, tend to be tall and have large heads.

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unsafe behavior in autistic young people

Many young autistic people harm themselves, others

by  /  11 December 2019

Nearly one-third of autistic young people put themselves or others in danger in any given three-month period.

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A woman's eye is scattered with light, tracking eye movement

Studies of gaze could improve diagnosis, treatment of autism

by  /  10 December 2019

Understanding how gaze differs in autistic people may help improve their lives.

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red blood cells

Gene repeats tied to autism may prevent anemia

by  /  9 December 2019

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

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