Features / Special Reports / 2019: Year in review
In case you missed them: Spectrum’s standout stories from 2019
Here are seven Spectrum stories from this year that deserve a close look.
TOPIC
Treatments
Efforts to ease the symptoms of autism are beginning to ramp up, with promising candidates in various stages of testing.
News
Studies find thin evidence for early autism therapies
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Few of the most popular early treatments for autism are supported by strong evidence, according to two new studies.
Features / Deep Dive
How a controversial condition called PANDAS is gaining ground on autism
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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.
Features / Special Reports / 2019: Year in review
Five hot topics in autism research in 2019
This year’s hot topics in autism research center around brain organoids, heart rate, the gut microbiome, treatment timing and early detection.
December 2019
Features / Special Reports / 2019: Year in review
Notable papers in autism research in 2019
This year’s top papers deepen our understanding of autism’s genetics and reveal mixed results from trials of autism therapies.
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Opinion / Viewpoint
Diets may help autistic children with certain genetic profiles
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No diet is likely to treat autistic people on a large scale, but diets based on a genetic profile may bring big benefits to a few.
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News
U.S. agency warns company marketing ‘stem cells’ for autism
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Two agency letters put California-based Liveyon on warning and alert the public to the risks associated with stem-cell based therapies for autism.
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News
Distinct brain pathway underlies ecstasy’s social effects
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The drug popularly known as ecstasy may boost sociability through brain circuits distinct from that underlying its ‘high.’
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November 2019
Features / Deep Dive
Rethinking repetitive behaviors in autism
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Autistic people have long maintained that repetitive behaviors are beneficial. Emerging evidence in support of this idea is shaping new therapies.
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News
Drug combination mutes sensitivity to noise in autism mice
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A mix of two drugs eases hypersensitivity to noise in mice missing an autism gene — offering the promise of a similar treatment for autistic people.
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News
Mouse study reveals overlooked target for autism therapies
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Blocking one form of an enzyme implicated in autism eases unusual behaviors and seizures in mice missing a top autism gene.
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Opinion / Q&A
New family group pursues treatments for autism-linked syndrome
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After a decade of working with the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, Geraldine Bliss has co-founded a new organization to develop therapies for the condition.
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October 2019
News
Analysis finds little evidence to support dietary interventions for autism
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Special diets that eliminate certain foods or contain added supplements have minimal impact on autism traits, according to a review of 27 clinical trials.