Broad Autism Phenotype
Recent articles
Studies hint at effects of aging on autistic brains
People with autism or autism traits may be especially vulnerable to brain aging and cognitive decline, two studies suggest.
![Senior man lying down in scanning machine.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AgingBrain844.jpg)
Studies hint at effects of aging on autistic brains
People with autism or autism traits may be especially vulnerable to brain aging and cognitive decline, two studies suggest.
People with autism may smell songs or hear colors
One in five autistic people may have synesthesia, a crossing of the senses. Studying synesthesia in autism may deepen our understanding of both conditions.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200616-Synaesthesia-844.jpg)
People with autism may smell songs or hear colors
One in five autistic people may have synesthesia, a crossing of the senses. Studying synesthesia in autism may deepen our understanding of both conditions.
The link between parental age and autism, explained
Older men and women are more likely than young ones to have a child with autism, but this connection is not straightforward.
![stork flying with an alarm clock, dice and a crescent moon](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/parental-844.jpg)
The link between parental age and autism, explained
Older men and women are more likely than young ones to have a child with autism, but this connection is not straightforward.
Siblings of autistic children may have distinct facial features
Siblings of autistic children, like those with the condition, tend to have faces that are more masculine than average.
![3D image of a child's face with coordinates to measure distances between features.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FacialMorphology-844.jpg)
Siblings of autistic children may have distinct facial features
Siblings of autistic children, like those with the condition, tend to have faces that are more masculine than average.
Book review: ‘The Rosie Result’ crafts foolish caricatures of autism
In the final installment of Graeme Simsion’s bestselling Rosie trilogy, the protagonist's implied autism becomes explicit — and leaves our reviewer cold.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/RoseiBooks844cc.jpg)
Book review: ‘The Rosie Result’ crafts foolish caricatures of autism
In the final installment of Graeme Simsion’s bestselling Rosie trilogy, the protagonist's implied autism becomes explicit — and leaves our reviewer cold.
What the ‘broad spectrum’ can teach us about autism
The relatives of autistic people often have mild traits of the condition. Studying these family members could broaden our understanding of autism.
![Man and woman portraits on a 'family tree'](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190515-BAP844.jpg)
What the ‘broad spectrum’ can teach us about autism
The relatives of autistic people often have mild traits of the condition. Studying these family members could broaden our understanding of autism.
Siblings of children with autism have social, emotional problems
Even undiagnosed siblings of children with autism tend to struggle with anxiety, depression and social difficulties.
![Two female children playing with blocks, one is crying, the other is facing away.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181011-TDSibs844.jpg)
Siblings of children with autism have social, emotional problems
Even undiagnosed siblings of children with autism tend to struggle with anxiety, depression and social difficulties.
Heart rate may foretell autism features in infants
Babies with a family history of autism have heart rates that are unusually low and that respond aberrantly to speech sounds.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/20170628-EEG-Baby844.jpg)
Heart rate may foretell autism features in infants
Babies with a family history of autism have heart rates that are unusually low and that respond aberrantly to speech sounds.
Fathering geeks; GWAS weaknesses; Prozac protection and more
Paternal age drives ‘geek index’ scores, GWAS may have a big weakness, serotonin boosts mouse social behaviors, and what is science Tinder?
Fathering geeks; GWAS weaknesses; Prozac protection and more
Paternal age drives ‘geek index’ scores, GWAS may have a big weakness, serotonin boosts mouse social behaviors, and what is science Tinder?
Parents’ traits predict autism features in children
Children whose parents have a condition such as autism tend to have severe restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, even if they don’t have a diagnosis themselves.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/GettyImages-117456201.jpg)
Parents’ traits predict autism features in children
Children whose parents have a condition such as autism tend to have severe restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, even if they don’t have a diagnosis themselves.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.