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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quotes of the year
Our favorite quotes from articles we published this year cover James Bond, mean girls and scientific breakthroughs.
Quotes of the year
Our favorite quotes from articles we published this year cover James Bond, mean girls and scientific breakthroughs.
Five hot topics in autism research in 2017
We waded through the sea of autism studies published in 2017 and spotted several themes.
Five hot topics in autism research in 2017
We waded through the sea of autism studies published in 2017 and spotted several themes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Emotion research has a communication conundrum
In 2025, the words we use to describe emotions matter, but their definitions are controversial. Here, I unpack the different positions in this space and the rationales behind them—and I invite 13 experts to chime in.
Emotion research has a communication conundrum
In 2025, the words we use to describe emotions matter, but their definitions are controversial. Here, I unpack the different positions in this space and the rationales behind them—and I invite 13 experts to chime in.
Autism-linked copy number variants always boost autism likelihood
By contrast, varied doses of the same genes decrease or increase the odds of five other conditions, with distinct biological consequences, two new preprints show.
Autism-linked copy number variants always boost autism likelihood
By contrast, varied doses of the same genes decrease or increase the odds of five other conditions, with distinct biological consequences, two new preprints show.
Everything everywhere all at once: Decision-making signals engage entire brain
The findings, gleaned from the most comprehensive map yet of brain activity during decision-making in mice, show that the process is even more distributed than previously thought.
Everything everywhere all at once: Decision-making signals engage entire brain
The findings, gleaned from the most comprehensive map yet of brain activity during decision-making in mice, show that the process is even more distributed than previously thought.