2017: Year in review

Recent articles

Notable papers in autism research in 2017

This year’s list of top papers highlights nuances in the genetics of autism and new leads on early treatment.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 4 min read

For autism research pioneers, early work paved path to success

We asked three distinguished autism researchers to reflect on their first studies in the field.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 5 min read

From people with autism, lessons for scientists on love, compassion

People with autism teach researchers about compassion, honesty, love — and the joys of the holidays.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 5 min read

2017’s spectrum of autism stories

2017 was the year we at Spectrum committed to being open — to new ideas, new types of stories, new ways of telling them and new ways to reach you, our audience.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 4 min read

2017 in pictures: Spectrum’s picks for best images

We asked autism researchers to enter the Spectrum science image contest. Here are the top pics.

By Claire Cameron
22 December 2017 | 2 min read

Inside Scoop From the Autism Anchors: Year in review

Our autism anchors, Raphael Bernier and James Mancini, nominate candidates for the hottest topic in autism research in 2017.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 1 min read
Illustration of two people speaking into a speech bubble.

Quotes of the year

Our favorite quotes from articles we published this year cover James Bond, mean girls and scientific breakthroughs.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 3 min read

Five hot topics in autism research in 2017

We waded through the sea of autism studies published in 2017 and spotted several themes.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 6 min read
students in subway taking notes

New York program transports children with autism to their passion

In a New York City after-school program, children with autism build social skills through a shared interest in trains.

By Abigail Fagan
22 December 2017 | 5 min read
Woman at a protest holds a sign that says "Grab 'em by the data"

2017: The year in tweets

In 2017, autism scientists took to Twitter to express their thoughts on immigration, healthcare policy, education leadership, proposed funding cuts and Brexit.

By Claire Cameron
22 December 2017 | 6 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of fibroblasts creating a seal that separates the blood vessels in the choroid plexus from the rest of the brain.

Newly identified barrier cells seal off choroid plexus from CSF, rest of brain

A long-overlooked layer of fibroblasts exists inside the choroid plexus of mice and humans, adding complexity to the area’s compartmentalization.

By Claudia López Lloreda
3 April 2026 | 4 min read
Digital model of a fly next to a digital model of a nematode.

‘Digital sphinx’ raises questions about connectome models

The sphinx, with a worm’s brain and a fly’s body, illustrates the potential pitfalls of using deep-learning techniques to model biological processes.

By Natalia Mesa
2 April 2026 | 5 min read
Astrocytes in a mouse brain.

Taking a closer look at astrocytes and autism

These glial cells are increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental conditions and the regulation of social behaviors and anxiety.

By The Transmitter
2 April 2026 | 2 min read