Helen Pearson

Freelance writer
Simons Foundation

Helen Pearson is a science writer based in New York City.

From this contributor

Spectrum

By Helen Pearson

25 February 2008

7 min read

Father’s advanced age feeds autism risk

Are older fathers more likely to have children with autism? A series of epidemiological studies is giving credence to the idea, suggesting that, with age, sperm may accumulate damage that increases risk in the next generation.

Spectrum

Father’s advanced age feeds autism risk

By Helen Pearson

25 February 2008 | 7 min read

Spectrum

By Helen Pearson

13 February 2008

4 min read

Sense of ‘self’ impaired in autism

People with autism struggle to see their own role in social situations. That's the conclusion from the first study to scan individualsʼ brains while they interact with another person - a technique that could lead to a diagnostic tool.

Spectrum

Sense of ‘self’ impaired in autism

By Helen Pearson

13 February 2008 | 4 min read

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12 August 2026

5 min read

Structural MRI scans of people with Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Neuropsychiatric MRI brain signatures fail reproducibility test

Small neuroimaging studies are unlikely to capture consistent anatomical changes related to conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and mood disorders, according to a new “wake-up call” study.

Spectrum

Neuropsychiatric MRI brain signatures fail reproducibility test

Small neuroimaging studies are unlikely to capture consistent anatomical changes related to conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and mood disorders, according to a new “wake-up call” study.

By Holly Barker

12 August 2026 | 5 min read

Spectrum

By Jill Adams

11 August 2026

2 min read