2018: Year in Review
Five hot topics in autism research in 2018
This year, researchers made big headway on autism’s most perplexing questions.
![DNA helix shows blue spots as mutations.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181221-Hottopics844.jpg)
Five hot topics in autism research in 2018
This year, researchers made big headway on autism’s most perplexing questions.
Quotes of the year
In our favorite quotes from stories we published this year, researchers talk about where to store your marijuana for research, the significance of mouse-butt sniffing and the secret to productivity.
![Illustration of empty text bubbles.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/201812-YearEndQuotes844.jpg)
Quotes of the year
In our favorite quotes from stories we published this year, researchers talk about where to store your marijuana for research, the significance of mouse-butt sniffing and the secret to productivity.
A decade of Spectrum
It’s been 10 years since Spectrum — well, one version of Spectrum — launched. Fittingly, in this anniversary year, we made forays into new territory.
![A drawing shows the word 'autism' formed of loose letters under a magnifying glass.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DiagnosisExplainer844.jpg)
A decade of Spectrum
It’s been 10 years since Spectrum — well, one version of Spectrum — launched. Fittingly, in this anniversary year, we made forays into new territory.
In case you missed it: Five Spectrum stories from 2018
Spectrum's editors chose five stories from 2018 you may have missed the first time around.
![Illustration of profiles with brains of different colors.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ExplainersLanding844.jpg)
In case you missed it: Five Spectrum stories from 2018
Spectrum's editors chose five stories from 2018 you may have missed the first time around.
Notable papers in autism research in 2018
This year's list of top papers highlights new dimensions in our understanding of autism genetics and hints at novel treatments.
![whimsical machine takes in various data and spits out an organized version on the other end](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Notable8442.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research in 2018
This year's list of top papers highlights new dimensions in our understanding of autism genetics and hints at novel treatments.
Science serves up inspiration for Katie Carey’s whimsical artwork
Katie Carey, who has illustrated several Spectrum articles, reveals her creative process and her strategies for pushing past mental blocks.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Spectrum_SpecialReport_Mice_LandingPage_FINAL_3-1_844x570_acf_cropped.jpg)
Science serves up inspiration for Katie Carey’s whimsical artwork
Katie Carey, who has illustrated several Spectrum articles, reveals her creative process and her strategies for pushing past mental blocks.
In Peru, novel program paves the way for autistic people’s employment
At a center in Lima, Peru, people with autism learn to identify their strengths and find jobs that play to those strengths.
![A man walks up a decrepit staircase in his neighborhood in Lima, Peru.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SMG_Ronald05.jpg)
In Peru, novel program paves the way for autistic people’s employment
At a center in Lima, Peru, people with autism learn to identify their strengths and find jobs that play to those strengths.
Pitch your thesis: Big questions drive autism research
Early-career autism researchers record 'elevator pitches' of their projects.
Pitch your thesis: Big questions drive autism research
Early-career autism researchers record 'elevator pitches' of their projects.
Why adults need an easier path to autism diagnosis
Getting an autism diagnosis can be difficult for many adults, due to the dearth of reliable tests, high costs and bureaucracy.
![Woman looking into mirror sees words and fragmented reflection.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181221-Luterman844.jpg)
Why adults need an easier path to autism diagnosis
Getting an autism diagnosis can be difficult for many adults, due to the dearth of reliable tests, high costs and bureaucracy.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.