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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.

May 2019

Gut woes common, but not unique, among children with autism

by  /  2 May 2019

Autistic children are more likely to have gastrointestinal problems than typical children are, but no more so than children with other brain conditions.

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Ready or not, two drugs for autism edge closer to clinic

by  /  1 May 2019

Two drugs that alter the activity of the hormone vasopressin seem to improve social communication in autistic people, but some experts question the findings.

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The female protective effect, explained

by  /  1 May 2019

One of the leading theories of autism posits that girls and women are biologically protected from the condition.

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Illustration of a strong man holding up a oversized brain

The extreme male brain, explained

by  /  1 May 2019

The ‘extreme male brain’ theory suggests that autism is an exaggeration of systematic sex differences in ways of thinking.

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Illustration of red figures on a big blue brain are serotonin signaling

Serotonin’s link to autism, explained

by  /  1 May 2019

Serotonin, the brain chemical best known for its link to depression, may also be involved in autism.

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Mother offers toys to toddler

Autistic children’s decline in development may begin at 9 months

by  /  1 May 2019

Some autistic children’s communication and motor skills begin to decelerate between 9 and 18 months — years before the average age of diagnosis.

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April 2019
Boy wearing his backpack, outside

Children who outgrow autism label end up with other diagnoses

by  /  25 April 2019

Nearly all children who lose their autism diagnosis have other conditions, such as anxiety and language and behavioral disorders.

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Man's face with eyes looking left.

People’s affinity for social cues is inherited, study suggests

by  /  22 April 2019

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

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Black and white photographic portrait of the scientist Evelina Fedorenko

Webinar: Evelina Fedorenko discusses language processing in autism

 /  17 April 2019

Watch the complete replay of Evelina Fedorenko discussing language processing and development in autism.

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Study identifies predictors of early death among autistic people

by  /  17 April 2019

People with autism who avoid social interactions or have troubles with daily living skills may be at increased risk of an early death.

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