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Perspectives from the field: Opinions in autism research
This collection of Spectrum articles from the past 12 months highlights expert perspectives on autism’s heritability and its link to biological sex, the value of transdiagnostic frameworks, and the field’s future, among other topics.

Perspectives from the field: Opinions in autism research
This collection of Spectrum articles from the past 12 months highlights expert perspectives on autism’s heritability and its link to biological sex, the value of transdiagnostic frameworks, and the field’s future, among other topics.
To accelerate the study of neurodevelopment, we need a transdiagnostic framework
Our tendency to focus on one condition at a time likely silos expertise and services—and obscures critical connections across diagnostic categories.

To accelerate the study of neurodevelopment, we need a transdiagnostic framework
Our tendency to focus on one condition at a time likely silos expertise and services—and obscures critical connections across diagnostic categories.
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.

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.
Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes
Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.

Leveraging the power of community to strengthen clinical trials for rare genetic syndromes
Families can become not only participants but champions of these research efforts.
Pinning down ‘profound autism’ for reliable research: Q&A with Matthew Siegel
A clear and actionable definition for the term could enhance research and improve care, Matthew Siegel says.

Pinning down ‘profound autism’ for reliable research: Q&A with Matthew Siegel
A clear and actionable definition for the term could enhance research and improve care, Matthew Siegel says.
The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.

The perils of parachute research
Scientists who study autism in lower-income countries are working to end practices that exploit or ignore collaborators and communities on the ground.
Year in Review: Spectrum’s best in 2023
Here are five must-reads from our coverage of autism research over the past 12 months.

Year in Review: Spectrum’s best in 2023
Here are five must-reads from our coverage of autism research over the past 12 months.
Head of company that accredits autism service providers resigns after article retraction
The resignation follows reporting by Spectrum and Retraction Watch in October about nonexistent references in the retracted article.

Head of company that accredits autism service providers resigns after article retraction
The resignation follows reporting by Spectrum and Retraction Watch in October about nonexistent references in the retracted article.
Article defending private-equity involvement in autism services retracted
Nearly two-thirds of the article’s references appear to not exist.

Article defending private-equity involvement in autism services retracted
Nearly two-thirds of the article’s references appear to not exist.
Scammers threaten quality of research survey data
Jammed online surveys and invaded video calls are forcing researchers to rethink their outreach methods.

Scammers threaten quality of research survey data
Jammed online surveys and invaded video calls are forcing researchers to rethink their outreach methods.
Explore more from The Transmitter
The challenge of defining a neural population
Our current approach is largely arbitrary. We need new methods for grouping cells, ideally by their dynamics.

The challenge of defining a neural population
Our current approach is largely arbitrary. We need new methods for grouping cells, ideally by their dynamics.
Oxytocin prompts prairie voles to oust outsiders, fortifying their friendships
The “love hormone” drives the neurobiology behind platonic bonds in animals usually studied for their romantic attachments.

Oxytocin prompts prairie voles to oust outsiders, fortifying their friendships
The “love hormone” drives the neurobiology behind platonic bonds in animals usually studied for their romantic attachments.
Contested paper on vaccines, autism in rats retracted by journal
The editor-in-chief cited “inconsistencies in the number of subjects” as the reason for the retraction.

Contested paper on vaccines, autism in rats retracted by journal
The editor-in-chief cited “inconsistencies in the number of subjects” as the reason for the retraction.