Research roundup
- A review of studies finds that alexithymia — difficulty recognizing and describing one’s own emotions — appears to be common in autistic children and adolescents, although assessment methods are problematic. A 2021 Spectrum story explored how alexithymia has confounded autism studies for years. Autism
- A developmental structure, the medial ganglionic eminence, known to produce inhibitory interneurons that migrate through the brain, functions until birth in people. Science
- Baby siblings of autistic children show different electroencephalographic responses to known versus unknown faces, similar to infants with non-autistic siblings. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Rats missing the autism-linked gene CNTNAP2 have altered neuronal activity in the auditory cortex. Cerebral Cortex
- A new study protocol assesses deep brain stimulation in autistic children who show self-injurious behaviors. Pilot and Feasibility Studies
- An expert panel has overhauled the developmental milestone checklists used by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pediatrics
- Genetic counseling for adolescents puts more focus on communicating risk and less on how adolescents adapt to learning about their genetic condition, according to a new review. JAMA Pediatrics
- A new method called sonogenetics enables researchers to activate certain neurons with ultrasound. In 2019, Spectrum reported on an ultrasound method to detect gene expression in cells. STAT
Sound trigger: Neurons engineered to carry an ultrasound-sensitive protein can be activated with ultrasound waves.
Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock
- Intensive outpatient, caregiver-assisted group therapy in children and adolescents with autism and emotional dysregulation may improve reactivity and flexibility, according to a small study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Science and society
- The Autism Society of America is offering virtual listening sessions on the continuing debate over applied behavior analysis; panelists include parents, clinicians and autistic people. Spectrum has covered the common but controversial therapy in depth. Disability Scoop
- Mental health specialists who have autism say their unique strengths help them in their work of helping others, even as they hide their diagnosis because of stigma. The Guardian
- A team of autism researchers reflects on the legacy of the late Michael Rutter. Spectrum published a remembrance of Rutter in November. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- A bill introduced in the Nebraska state legislature would require screening for autism when children enter kindergarten. Lincoln Journal Star
- The Australian government hires autistic people for careers in public service through its Aurora Neurodiversity Program, which substitutes a training and assessment phase in place of traditional job applications and interviews. The Mandarin
