Parental age
New estimate suggests most autistic adults in England lack a formal diagnosis
The finding underscores a need for adult autism diagnostic services.
![A man looks out the window](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-autism-prevalence-england.jpg)
New estimate suggests most autistic adults in England lack a formal diagnosis
The finding underscores a need for adult autism diagnostic services.
Mutations linked to autism may be detectable in men’s sperm
An advanced DNA-sequencing technique has identified gene-damaging mutations, some with ties to autism, in about 1 in 15 men.
![circuit board style lines in black and white suggest sperm approaching an egg.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210916-MosaicSperm844.jpg)
Mutations linked to autism may be detectable in men’s sperm
An advanced DNA-sequencing technique has identified gene-damaging mutations, some with ties to autism, in about 1 in 15 men.
Parental age plays small role in large mutations tied to autism
Most of the large, spontaneous genetic mutations tied to autism are passed down from fathers. But, unlike with smaller mutations, a parent's age is unlikely to up the rate at which they occur.
![Mature dad and his daughter plays with blocks](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20200928Parental844.jpg)
Parental age plays small role in large mutations tied to autism
Most of the large, spontaneous genetic mutations tied to autism are passed down from fathers. But, unlike with smaller mutations, a parent's age is unlikely to up the rate at which they occur.
How autism researchers are applying machine-learning techniques
Researchers are using machine learning to improve diagnostic predictions of autism, create interactive support robots, and more.
![Young boy is interacting with a small rubbery green colored robot through a touch screen.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200325-MachineLearnV2-8441.jpg)
How autism researchers are applying machine-learning techniques
Researchers are using machine learning to improve diagnostic predictions of autism, create interactive support robots, and more.
The link between parental age and autism, explained
Older men and women are more likely than young ones to have a child with autism, but this connection is not straightforward.
![stork flying with an alarm clock, dice and a crescent moon](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/parental-844.jpg)
The link between parental age and autism, explained
Older men and women are more likely than young ones to have a child with autism, but this connection is not straightforward.
Mutations in sperm may accrue too slowly to increase autism risk
A new analysis challenges the idea that mutations in the sperm of older fathers lead to higher rates of autism among their children.
![Older father carries son in reed baseball cap](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190905-PaternalAge844.jpg)
Mutations in sperm may accrue too slowly to increase autism risk
A new analysis challenges the idea that mutations in the sperm of older fathers lead to higher rates of autism among their children.
New maps plot hot spots of diversity across human genome
A pair of maps that depict variation in the human genome may help reveal the genetic roots of autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Recombo844.jpg)
New maps plot hot spots of diversity across human genome
A pair of maps that depict variation in the human genome may help reveal the genetic roots of autism.
Ultrasound exposure; maternal age; ‘special’ interests and more
Autism is not associated with ultrasound frequency or duration, maternal age and education affect autism odds, and people on the spectrum benefit from their ‘special interests.’
Ultrasound exposure; maternal age; ‘special’ interests and more
Autism is not associated with ultrasound frequency or duration, maternal age and education affect autism odds, and people on the spectrum benefit from their ‘special interests.’
Genetics do-over; iffy influences; high-tech education and more
A re-analysis of data yields an increased estimate for the genetic contribution to autism, how the environment might contribute to autism is hard to pin down, and students on the spectrum describe the benefits of using technology at school.
Genetics do-over; iffy influences; high-tech education and more
A re-analysis of data yields an increased estimate for the genetic contribution to autism, how the environment might contribute to autism is hard to pin down, and students on the spectrum describe the benefits of using technology at school.
Parental age ups rate of new mutations passed to children
Men and women both transmit an increasing number of new mutations to their children as they age.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170920-Breaking-iceland-DeNovo844.jpg)
Parental age ups rate of new mutations passed to children
Men and women both transmit an increasing number of new mutations to their children as they age.
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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.