IQ
Recent articles
A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman
A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear.
![Stock photograph of a women and her young child at a clinician’s office.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/evaluation-1200-1024x692.webp)
A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman
A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear.
Brain organoid size matches intensity of social problems in autistic people
Overgrown organoids could point to mechanisms underlying profound autism.
![Black-and-white research image of brain organoids.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ctrl-ASD-1200-1024x692.webp)
Brain organoid size matches intensity of social problems in autistic people
Overgrown organoids could point to mechanisms underlying profound autism.
‘Polygenic risk scores’ for autism, explained
These scores — composite measures of a person’s autism-linked common genetic variants — cannot predict an autism diagnosis but could help researchers better understand the condition’s underlying biology.
![Illustration of DNA methylation.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-polygenic-risk-scores-autism-explained.jpg)
‘Polygenic risk scores’ for autism, explained
These scores — composite measures of a person’s autism-linked common genetic variants — cannot predict an autism diagnosis but could help researchers better understand the condition’s underlying biology.
Autism’s genetic heterogeneity evident in brain connectivity patterns
The results highlight the importance of subgrouping study participants based on their underlying genetics, the researchers say.
![Conceptual illustration of a door leading from one area of the brain to another area of the brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/brain-connectivity-patterns-autism-genetic-heterogeneity-844.jpg)
Autism’s genetic heterogeneity evident in brain connectivity patterns
The results highlight the importance of subgrouping study participants based on their underlying genetics, the researchers say.
New program offers $35K grants to study ‘profound autism’
People who have ‘profound autism’ — those with severe intellectual disability, limited communication abilities or both — tend to be excluded from research. The Autism Science Foundation seeks to change that.
![An abstract "funding mechanism" featuring dollar bills alongside tubes, beakers and wires](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Funding-mechanism-asf-autism-844.jpg)
New program offers $35K grants to study ‘profound autism’
People who have ‘profound autism’ — those with severe intellectual disability, limited communication abilities or both — tend to be excluded from research. The Autism Science Foundation seeks to change that.
Autism without intellectual impairments more common than previously reported
Almost 60 percent of autistic people may have an average or above-average intelligence quotient, according to a new longitudinal study.
![Child with colorful tactile puzzle and clinician or therapist.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IQinAutism-844.jpg)
Autism without intellectual impairments more common than previously reported
Almost 60 percent of autistic people may have an average or above-average intelligence quotient, according to a new longitudinal study.
Repetitive behaviors wax and wane among autistic youth
Some types of restricted and repetitive behaviors become more prevalent among autistic children and teenagers over time, depending on their age and intellectual ability, whereas others decrease.
![Photograph of a child arranging a row of flowers on the ground.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NonVerbalIQ844.jpg)
Repetitive behaviors wax and wane among autistic youth
Some types of restricted and repetitive behaviors become more prevalent among autistic children and teenagers over time, depending on their age and intellectual ability, whereas others decrease.
Mapping the futures of autistic children
Researchers can roughly project what autistic children's lives will look like years down the road. But how good is their crystal ball — and what are its benefits?
![Illustration shows yellow landscape with blue sections and a lot of trains on paths with kids on the trains, going different directions.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lead-844.jpg)
Mapping the futures of autistic children
Researchers can roughly project what autistic children's lives will look like years down the road. But how good is their crystal ball — and what are its benefits?
Evolutionary approach reveals impact of missense variants in autism
Cross-species comparisons can help make sense of subtle genetic variants in people with autism and identify hundreds of new genes that may contribute to the condition.
![researchers analyzing a big change in a DNA helix](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/20210708-Missense844.jpg)
Evolutionary approach reveals impact of missense variants in autism
Cross-species comparisons can help make sense of subtle genetic variants in people with autism and identify hundreds of new genes that may contribute to the condition.
Making neuroimaging accessible for more autistic children
A new protocol aims to help researchers include more autistic people — especially those who are minimally verbal or have intellectual disability — in imaging studies.
![Child in an MEG machine](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210406-MEG-Plan844.jpg)
Making neuroimaging accessible for more autistic children
A new protocol aims to help researchers include more autistic people — especially those who are minimally verbal or have intellectual disability — in imaging studies.
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.