Podcasts / Spectrum

Spectrum Stories: The role of genetics in autism

We know that genes play a role in the condition; however, finding genes, and then knowing what they do is a challenge.

By Lisa Cantrell
27 June 2017 | 1 min read
Spectrum stories podcast logo.
Illustration by John Hersey
Illustration by John Hersey

This article is more than five years old.

Neuroscience—and science in general—is constantly evolving, so older articles may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.

Sign up for the weekly Spectrum newsletter.

Stay current with the latest advancements in autism research.

Recommended reading

Spectrum Microphone

Autism-linked copy number variants always boost autism likelihood

By Natalia Mesa
4 September 2025 | 7 min listen
Research image of auditory processing in people with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.
Spectrum

New findings on Phelan-McDermid syndrome; and more

By Jill Adams
2 September 2025 | 2 min read
Research image of microglia in organoids.
Spectrum

Microglia nurture young interneurons

By Lauren Schenkman
28 August 2025 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

The big picture Microphone

Emotion research has a communication conundrum

By Nicole Rust
5 September 2025 | 37 min listen
Decision-making

Everything everywhere all at once: Decision-making signals engage entire brain

By Claudia López Lloreda
3 September 2025 | 5 min read
Astrocytes Microphone

Astrocyte networks span large swaths of brain

By Calli McMurray
3 September 2025 | 5 min listen

privacy consent banner

Privacy Preference

We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. By clicking “Accept All,” you help us understand how our site is used and enhance its performance. You can change your choice at any time. To learn more, please visit our Privacy Policy.