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 | 24 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

ABCD Study omits gender-identity data from latest release

The removal counteracts the goals of the longitudinal study by “pretending that some aspects of adolescent brain development don’t exist,” says sex differences researcher Nicola Grissom.

By Calli McMurray
11 July 2025 | 4 min read
Leafcutter ants carrying leaves.

Neuropeptides reprogram social roles in leafcutter ants

The mechanisms that control the labor roles of ants may also be conserved in naked mole rats, a new study shows.

By Shaena Montanari
11 July 2025 | 7 min listen
Illustration of overlapping, multi-colored human head silhouettes.

Perspectives from the field: Opinions in autism research

This collection of Spectrum articles from the past 12 months highlights expert perspectives on autism’s heritability and its link to biological sex, the value of transdiagnostic frameworks, and the field’s future, among other topics.

By Daisy Yuhas
10 July 2025 | 3 min read