David Dobbs

Contributing writer
The Transmitter

David Dobbs writes about science, music, sports, and other forms of culture, and is the author of Reef Madness: Alexander Agassiz, Charles Darwin, and The Meaning of Coral and other books.

From this contributor

Spectrum

By David Dobbs

11 November 2022

5 min listen

The new history of autism, part III

For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.

Spectrum

The new history of autism, part III

By David Dobbs

11 November 2022 | 5 min listen

Spectrum

By David Dobbs

9 November 2022

18 min listen

The new history of autism, part II

For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.

Spectrum

The new history of autism, part II

By David Dobbs

9 November 2022 | 18 min listen

Spectrum

By David Dobbs

7 November 2022

17 min listen

The new history of autism, part I

For decades, two figures have dominated the history of autism studies. Today, newly excavated documents are calling into question the primacy of these men as founders of the field.

Spectrum

The new history of autism, part I

By David Dobbs

7 November 2022 | 17 min listen

Spectrum

By David Dobbs

2 August 2017

18 min read

Rethinking regression in autism

The loss of abilities that besets some toddlers with autism is probably less sudden and more common than anyone thought.

Spectrum

Rethinking regression in autism

By David Dobbs

2 August 2017 | 18 min read

Spectrum

By David Dobbs

6 July 2016

24 min read

The most terrifying childhood condition you’ve never heard of

Childhood disintegrative disorder, a rare and severe condition, rapidly melts away a child's abilities. A new theory proposes that this little-known condition turns back the developmental clock.

Spectrum