Family ties

Recent articles

How ordinary people influence autism research

MIND Institute

The builders: How parents shaped autism research

A group of savvy parents jump-started autism research in California, but they also set the research agenda.

By Jocelyn Wiener
5 October 2016 | 21 min read
Someone writes descriptions on gridded paper, the paper is in the shape of a child's silhouette.

The innovators: How families launch their own autism studies

Some parents are starting ‘N-of-1’ studies for autism, but their efforts don’t always get taken seriously.

By Carrie Arnold
28 September 2016 | 20 min read
Two parents look at a frame held by a mysterious salesman-like hand. Within the frame, the picture of a glorious horizon. The tone suggests that not everything is as it seems.

The seekers: Why parents try fringe therapies for autism

Many parents resort to unproven — even dangerous — alternative treatments for their children’s autism. What drives them?

By Alisa Opar
21 September 2016 | 23 min read
Image of pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. This is meant to be a visual pun, because marijuana is also known as 'pot'.

The pioneers: How parents are experimenting with marijuana for autism

Meet the backyard marijuana growers and home chemists who are rushing in where scientists fear to tread.

By Jessica Wright
14 September 2016 | 20 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Billboard reads Protect Life-Saving Science.

Oregon primate center scientists fight proposed sanctuary transition

A group of employees have launched a series of campaigns to advocate for their work and argue against the center’s potential transition to an animal sanctuary.

By Calli McMurray
21 May 2026 | 6 min read
When Autistic Kids Grow Up.

When autistic kids grow up

An autistic researcher’s paper called attention to a huge disparity in autism funding research between children and adults. It nearly derailed her life.

By Brady Huggett
20 May 2026 | 2 min listen
Collage with a portrait of Suzanne Wood.

The ‘secretly awesome’ side of a teaching career

The freedom to do “wacky” research projects that interest you is a major perk of the teaching stream, says Suzanne Wood, a teaching professor at the University of Toronto.

By Katie Moisse
20 May 2026 | 7 min read