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How ordinary people influence autism research
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.
![MIND Institute](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/daniel_hertzberg_the_builders.jpg)
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.
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.
![Someone writes descriptions on gridded paper, the paper is in the shape of a child's silhouette.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Opener1.jpg)
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.
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?
![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.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/daniel_hertzberg_seekers_opener_final3.jpg)
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?
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.
![Image of pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. This is meant to be a visual pun, because marijuana is also known as 'pot'.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/marijuana_opener_image.jpg)
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.
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.