Spectrum
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Spectrum is the go-to destination for the latest news and analysis about autism research and a springboard for scientists and clinicians to forge collaborations that deepen our understanding of autism.
Meet the Autism Data Science Initiative grantees
Exclusive: The 23 studies the FDA based its expanded leucovorin label on
Action potentials
”I believe thousands of families have gotten the wrong idea about the promise of stem cells for autism — PAUL KNOEPFLER, PROFESSOR OF CELL BIOLOGY AND HUMAN ANATOMY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
Why hype for autism stem cell therapies continues despite dead ends
Perspectives from the field: Opinions in autism research
Neuroscientist Gerry Fischbach, in his own words
Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Many autism-linked proteins influence hair-like cilia on human brain cells
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.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
CDC autism prevalence numbers warrant attention—but not in the way RFK Jr. proposes
Autism prevalence increasing in children, adults, according to electronic medical records
High prevalence of developmental delay strains Australia’s support systems
Brian Boyd, classroom-based interventions and the importance of representation
Evdokia Anagnostou and the concept of a good life
‘Emergent and transactional’: How Jonathan Green is rethinking autism and interventions
Sounding the alarm on pseudoreplication: Q&A with Constantinos Eleftheriou and Peter Kind
‘These plans are simply not acceptable’: Q&A with Helen Tager-Flusberg
Expediting clinical trials for profound autism: Q&A with Matthew State
Beyond the bench: At school with Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
Beyond the bench: Finding solitude with Jill Silverman
Beyond the bench: Finding balance with Gavin Rumbaugh
Decisional capacity and informed consent, explained
The link between maternal infection and autism, explained
Pathological demand avoidance in autism, explained
The connection between oxytocin and autism, explained
Spectrum books
Autism researchers ‘pleasantly surprised’ by list of NIH data project grantees, despite initial concerns
An atypical funding mechanism, truncated application timeline and opaque review process had generated concern over the quality of projects that would be selected for the Autism Data Science Initiative.
Autism researchers ‘pleasantly surprised’ by list of NIH data project grantees, despite initial concerns
An atypical funding mechanism, truncated application timeline and opaque review process had generated concern over the quality of projects that would be selected for the Autism Data Science Initiative.
Exclusive: Who is Richard Frye, the neurologist who researches and advocates for leucovorin as an autism treatment?
Frye has led two placebo-controlled trials of the folate supplement in autistic people; the first was suspended by regulators, and the other has yet to be published.
Exclusive: Who is Richard Frye, the neurologist who researches and advocates for leucovorin as an autism treatment?
Frye has led two placebo-controlled trials of the folate supplement in autistic people; the first was suspended by regulators, and the other has yet to be published.
In memoriam: Stephanie “Steve” Shirley, autism philanthropist
Fueled by business success and her son, she played an outsized role in British autism research.
In memoriam: Stephanie “Steve” Shirley, autism philanthropist
Fueled by business success and her son, she played an outsized role in British autism research.
Impaired sensory learning in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 22 September.
Impaired sensory learning in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome; and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 22 September.
Autism experts question HHS statements on Tylenol, leucovorin
Concerns include the administration’s reliance on weak, correlational evidence rather than established research.
Autism experts question HHS statements on Tylenol, leucovorin
Concerns include the administration’s reliance on weak, correlational evidence rather than established research.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Why we need basic science to better understand the neurobiology of psychedelics
Despite the many psychedelics clinical trials underway, there is still much we don’t know about how these drugs work. Preclinical studies represent our best viable avenue to answer these lingering questions.
Why we need basic science to better understand the neurobiology of psychedelics
Despite the many psychedelics clinical trials underway, there is still much we don’t know about how these drugs work. Preclinical studies represent our best viable avenue to answer these lingering questions.
Facial movements telegraph cognition in mice
If you give a mouse a decision, its thought process may show on its face.
Facial movements telegraph cognition in mice
If you give a mouse a decision, its thought process may show on its face.
NIH awarded 37 percent fewer neuroscience-related grants in 2025 than in past years
But the agency has spent nearly its entire budget for this fiscal year, which ends tomorrow.
NIH awarded 37 percent fewer neuroscience-related grants in 2025 than in past years
But the agency has spent nearly its entire budget for this fiscal year, which ends tomorrow.