INSAR 2019
Early life experiences may shift severity of autism
A child’s environment exerts a strong influence on the severity of her autism, a study of identical twins suggests.
![Two twin girls wearing blue kneeling down on the ground.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TwinDiverge844.jpg)
Early life experiences may shift severity of autism
A child’s environment exerts a strong influence on the severity of her autism, a study of identical twins suggests.
Reactions from INSAR 2019
The autism research community is gathering in Montreal, Canada, this week for the meeting of the International Society for Autism Research.
![View of downtown Montreal](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/20190429-BlogView844.jpg)
Reactions from INSAR 2019
The autism research community is gathering in Montreal, Canada, this week for the meeting of the International Society for Autism Research.
U.S. autism prevalence in black children based on few families
A national survey that estimates autism prevalence includes too few black families to yield accurate data for that demographic.
![Teacher reading a book with a class of children](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-38families844.jpg)
U.S. autism prevalence in black children based on few families
A national survey that estimates autism prevalence includes too few black families to yield accurate data for that demographic.
Brains of minimally verbal autistic children respond slowly to sound
Several of the brain’s responses to sound are sluggish in autistic children who speak few or no words, compared with those who are verbal.
![Child in magnetoencephalograph (MEG) scanner](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-MEG-844.jpg)
Brains of minimally verbal autistic children respond slowly to sound
Several of the brain’s responses to sound are sluggish in autistic children who speak few or no words, compared with those who are verbal.
Signs of autism may be heard early in infancy
Autistic infants as young as 4 months may have fewer verbal exchanges with their caregivers than their peers do.
![mother talking to a baby on bed](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-LENA-844.jpg)
Signs of autism may be heard early in infancy
Autistic infants as young as 4 months may have fewer verbal exchanges with their caregivers than their peers do.
Many autistic children contemplate suicide, screens suggest
About 10 percent of autistic children have suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
![Child in sad posture, seen from through a textured glass window](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-Suicide-844.jpg)
Many autistic children contemplate suicide, screens suggest
About 10 percent of autistic children have suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Landmark summit on autism health care kicks off
A panel of autism scientists and advocates is charged with a tall order: making recommendations for the care of autistic people worldwide.
![African american woman alone in medical setting](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-Lancet-844.jpg)
Landmark summit on autism health care kicks off
A panel of autism scientists and advocates is charged with a tall order: making recommendations for the care of autistic people worldwide.
Genetic background may alter effect of autism mutations
A person’s genetic makeup can ease or worsen the effect of mutations linked to autism.
![A mother taking her two children to school](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-Polygenic-844.jpg)
Genetic background may alter effect of autism mutations
A person’s genetic makeup can ease or worsen the effect of mutations linked to autism.
First estimate of autism prevalence in Qatar finds high numbers
The prevalence of autism among school-aged children in Qatar is higher than the worldwide average.
![Arab family walking on the autumn beach](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190504-qatar-844.jpg)
First estimate of autism prevalence in Qatar finds high numbers
The prevalence of autism among school-aged children in Qatar is higher than the worldwide average.
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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.