Treatments

An experimental drug that muffles the activity of neurons in the skin moderates heightened reactions to touch in six mouse models of autism.

An experimental behavioral therapy delivered by parents does not improve autism traits in babies who screen positive for the condition.

The more words autistic children hear as infants — and the more verbal interactions they have with their caregivers — the better their language skills at age 2.

Results from a new trial suggest that it’s safe to treat autistic children with umbilical cord stem cells. But parents must pay for the pricey infusions, and no one knows how or if the cells work.

At 10 months of age, infants later diagnosed with autism show key differences in joint attention, a behavior in which two people focus on the same object or event.

Families of children with mutations in a gene called SYNGAP1 have spurred research into the effects of the mutations on people — and how to treat them.

A compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, might limit the impact of certain mutations in an autism gene.