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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.

March 2019

Sophisticated software makes sense of rodent squeaks

by  /  1 March 2019

New artificial-intelligence software detects and analyzes the ultrasonic squeaks and cries that constitute inaudible rodent language.

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February 2019

Scientists sound warning about use of autism speech detector

by  /  27 February 2019

A popular system used to detect speech may not identify most vocalizations produced by autistic children aged 5 and older.

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brain made of thread shows OCD loop in colored thread

Untangling the ties between autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder

by  /  27 February 2019

Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder frequently accompany each other; Scientists are studying both to understand how they differ.

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Close up of mouse shows whiskers

Four sets of mice call popular autism theory into question

by  /  25 February 2019

An analysis of four mouse models negates certain assumptions underlying the signaling imbalance theory of autism.

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expressionless woman in front of the word ANGER

For people with alexithymia, emotions are a mystery

by ,  /  22 February 2019

One in 10 people struggle to recognize their emotions. New research suggests a vital link between our ability to sense our physical bodies and knowing how we feel.

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A series of 3D mouse brains

Mouse models pinpoint effects of top autism gene

by  /  18 February 2019

Two independent sets of mice missing a copy of SETD5, a top autism gene, link the gene to the condition’s traits.

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Gabin and his father at home in Paris.

Europe’s race to ramp up genetic tests for autism

by  /  13 February 2019

Many countries in Europe are reckoning with the growing demand for genetic tests for autistic people — and the accompanying ethical and scientific considerations.

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Baby with sensors on it's chest for an EKG, or ECG

Nerves that control heart rate may contribute to autism

by  /  13 February 2019

The part of the nervous system that regulates heart rate and breathing may be involved in autism.

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girl in medical setting

Psychotropic drugs frequently prescribed for autistic people

by  /  11 February 2019

About one in three autistic people in the United Kingdom is prescribed drugs designed to alter brain function.

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Child walking with sensors on in motion capture test.

Walking in virtual environment may reveal unique autism gait

by  /  8 February 2019

A two-belt treadmill attached to a specialized display suggests that people with autism have a distinct walking style.

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