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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: emotion processing

August 2020
Micrograph of neurons in mouse brain.

Inside scientists’ quest to map, modulate social circuits in autism

by  /  17 August 2020

A growing number of studies are revealing circuits that may underlie social challenges in autism — and how to fine-tune them.

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A plate with a slice of yellow cake sits on a blue plate on a light blue table cloth, surrounded by spoons and forks. This image places an emphasis on food and ritualized behaviors.

Autism and eating disorders may have an emotional connection

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any kinds of mental illness. They don’t discriminate, affecting people of all ethnicities, sexualities, gender identities, ages and backgrounds.

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July 2020
An illustration of the brain shows the amydala highlighted in green among botanical forms that look like neurons.

Amygdala, the brain’s threat detector, has broad roles in autism

by  /  14 July 2020

The amygdala has long been a focus of autism research. But its exact role in the condition has been unclear.

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May 2020

Social brain may differ between men and women

by  /  20 May 2020

Brain imaging data reveal sex differences in regions linked to social contact.

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Teenage girl sad and sitting by window.

Autistic girls may experience more emotional challenges than autistic boys do

by  /  8 May 2020

Emotion control eludes more girls than boys with autism, according to a new study of young people hospitalized for psychiatric issues.

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February 2020
Young boy biting his fingernails, looking anxiously out the window.

Long-term study tracks persistence of self-harm in autistic people

by  /  21 February 2020

Autistic people who are hyperactive or have difficulty controlling their own impulses are the most likely to show ongoing self-injury.

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January 2020
two layers of hands in motion overlap in red and blue

Repetitive behaviors and ‘stimming’ in autism, explained

by  /  31 January 2020

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors constitute one of two criteria that define autism in the diagnostic manual for psychiatry.

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November 2019

Rethinking repetitive behaviors in autism

by  /  25 November 2019

Autistic people have long maintained that repetitive behaviors are beneficial. Emerging evidence in support of this idea is shaping new therapies.

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October 2019
Monkey face with heatmap overlay

Monkey avatar may provide clues to face-processing problems in autism

by  /  22 October 2019

Researchers have created an animated monkey avatar that makes realistic facial expressions — and that may yield insight into how autistic people interpret facial expressions.

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July 2019
boy isolated from social crowd

For autistic children, emotional problems may hinder social success

by ,  /  16 July 2019

Although many children with autism want to engage with peers, their emotional difficulties often get in the way of their relationships.

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