Spectrum (Autism Research News)

In the final chapter of “When autistic kids grow up,” a new U.S. government grant suggests rising awareness around the need to study the lives of autistic adults, and autistic researcher Tempest McDonald takes stock of her life after academia. Listen now: thetransmitter.org/when-autistic-…

Data from families in Africa have helped uncover emerging, novel links between more than 30 genes and neurodevelopmental conditions, according to new findings from the NeuroDev study. By @Brabbott42 thetransmitter.org/spectrum/neuro…

NEW! Explore @_thetransmitter’s newest tool, Neuro Funding Finder. Discover grants, fellowships and funding opportunities for neuroscience research at all career stages. Find your next funding source and apply, all in one place: thetransmitter.org/neuroscience-g…

With just a high school equivalency degree and struggling as a single mother, Tempest McDonald is forced to shift her priorities. Chapter 2 of "When autistic kids grow up" is out now: thetransmitter.org/when-autistic-…

Small deletions in an X-linked RNA are associated with autism in boys and alter social behavior in male mice, without affecting learning and memory, a new study reports. By @GiorgiaWithAnI thetransmitter.org/spectrum/nonco…

Across the brain, neurons repeatedly reuse the same pair of adhesion molecules to assemble distinct neural circuits, according to three new studies. By @holly_barker92 thetransmitter.org/spectrum/push-…

“When autistic kids grow up” is a five-part podcast exploring how Tempest McDonald’s lived experience fueled her research, and how she stumbled onto a problem with autism funding. Explore Chapter 1, out now, wherever you get your podcasts: thetransmitter.org/when-autistic-…

A systematic review into the validity of the rapid prompting method and spelling to communicate comes up empty. By @bborrell thetransmitter.org/spectrum/still…

“This year, we really wanted to bring back the interdisciplinary nature of [INSAR].” – Christine Wu Nordahl. By @DianaMKwon thetransmitter.org/spectrum/bring…

“I cried for all the years that our family and others have waited … for the sheer joy that soon some children may have options that many families were told would never come.” – @alisonsinger, president of the @AutismScienceFd thetransmitter.org/spectrum/advan…

The IACC pushed forward three policy proposals centered on profound autism, challenging medical comorbidities and the dangers of wandering and elopement, but did not develop or update the strategic plan for autism research. By @DaisyYuhas thetransmitter.org/spectrum/sligh…

For Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, advances treatments for rare gene variants—discussed at this year’s INSAR meeting—bring hope to families whose children have a genetic form of autism, and to those with idiopathic autism. thetransmitter.org/spectrum/advan…

An organoid model unpicks the effects of serotonin-producing cells in the brainstem, a region that is rich in diverse cell types, thanks in part to specialized sensors. By @DeWeerdt_Sarah thetransmitter.org/spectrum/novel…

This year’s @AutismINSAR meeting brought together more than 2,200 people from around the globe to share, learn and discuss the latest in autism research. By @DianaMKwon thetransmitter.org/spectrum/repor…

Autism Awareness Month and the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research both wrap up this week. Read reflections from @AutismINSAR president Brian Boyd on the field’s past successes and future directions. thetransmitter.org/spectrum/at-25…

Thank you to Jesse H. Neal Awards for naming @_TheTransmitter the winner in the best news coverage and profile categories. Explore our award-winning content at thetransmitter.org. Congrats to all of the winners!

INSAR turns 25; this “anniversary milestone challenges us to build on the foundation laid by those founding parents and researchers with renewed commitment, humility and collaboration.” – Brian Boyd, president of @AutismINSAR. #INSAR2026 thetransmitter.org/spectrum/at-25…

In June 2026, @_TheTransmitter welcomes Sarah Thau as an @aaas Mass Media Fellow. During this 10-week program, Thau will use their academic training to further their ability to communicate complex scientific issues to our readers. To learn more, visit: aaas.org/news/aaas-mass…

Astrocytes are the most abundant non-neuronal cell in the brain and a subject of fascination in autism research. thetransmitter.org/spectrum/takin…

“Based on astrocytic activity alone, you can tell whether a mouse is in its comfort zone,” a new study suggests. By @holly_barker92 thetransmitter.org/spectrum/astro…