In the past two decades, some autism researchers have turned to simple animals, such as roundworms, fruit flies and zebrafish, for their investigations. Others have sought answers from experiments with frogs, birds and even octopuses.
Social difficulties. Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Sensory sensitivity. Autism has long been defined by its challenges But autism sometimes comes with advantages. This special report highlights those advantages and describes the research behind them.
This has been a year like no other. Our lives were upended in the first quarter as the novel coronavirus spread to every corner of the globe.
As many headlines attest, encounters between autistic people and first responders become fraught far too often, leading to violence and lasting trauma. In this special report, we explore what research tells us about these interactions and training to improve them, as well as the challenges autistic people experience in the criminal justice system.
The coronavirus pandemic is altering autism research in unprecedented ways. It also has had a huge impact on the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Take a look back at the year’s notable papers and hot topics in autism research, plus Spectrum’s standout stories and quotes.
Autism is a chameleon: What it looks like changes from one person to the next. Individual differences crop up both in its core features and in the conditions that often accompany it: depression, epilepsy, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
No one knows exactly what lies at the root of autism — but that hasn’t stopped scientists from speculating.
How clinical genetics is giving families long-sought answers and transforming autism care.
Take a look back at the year’s hot topics, notable papers and top Spectrum stories, plus innovative programs and artists changing how we view autism.