The Transmitter offers a unique forum for researchers who study autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Our expert contributors have tackled questions about autism’s heritability and its link to biological sex, the usefulness of theory-of-mind tests and the value of transdiagnostic frameworks. They have also weighed in on the field’s future during uncertain political times, when U.S. federal funding and scientific priorities are in flux. Here we round up some of the notable viewpoints, opinion articles and Q&As from the past 12 months.
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- Sounding the alarm on pseudoreplication: Q&A with Constantinos Eleftheriou and Peter Kind
Most studies of neurological disorders in mice erroneously treat multiple samples from a single animal as independent replicates, according to a new analysis. But scientists and journals can take steps to curb this practice. - ‘These plans are simply not acceptable’: Q&A with Helen Tager-Flusberg
In April, Tager-Flusberg formed the Coalition of Autism Scientists to push back on the U.S. government’s plans for autism research, as described by Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. - CDC autism prevalence numbers warrant attention—but not in the way RFK Jr. proposes
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is ignoring decades of research findings. - Federal funding cuts imperil next generation of autism researchers
As the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting begins, its next president reflects on a brewing crisis. - 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. - Expediting clinical trials for profound autism: Q&A with Matthew State
Aligning Research to Impact Autism, a new initiative funded by the Sergey Brin Family Foundation, wants to bring basic science discoveries to the clinic faster. - My hope for displaced Ukrainian children with autism, an update
The largest ongoing refugee crisis in Europe has overwhelmed humanitarian agencies. Meeting the needs of families affected by autism has not been a priority. - The case for redefining ‘theory of mind’: Q&A with François Quesque
In a new commentary, Quesque and 44 experts in neuroscience and psychology propose a standardized lexicon for research on the attribution of mental states. - Autism is more heritable in boys than in girls
If boys have greater inherited liability for autism, the female protective effect may not fully explain the sex difference in prevalence. - A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman
A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear. - 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.
