Obesity
Recent articles
Co-occurring conditions in autistic teens increase with age
The most prevalent conditions include obesity, neurological disorders, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
![Photograph of a doctor and nurse checking a patient’s temperature and taking notes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/co-occurring-conditions-autism-teens-811.png)
Co-occurring conditions in autistic teens increase with age
The most prevalent conditions include obesity, neurological disorders, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Cluster of traits tied to rare mutations in autism-linked gene
Developmental delay, intellectual disability and behavioral issues are common among people who have mutations in MYT1L, a gene with strong ties to autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/20211222-MYT1L-844.jpg)
Cluster of traits tied to rare mutations in autism-linked gene
Developmental delay, intellectual disability and behavioral issues are common among people who have mutations in MYT1L, a gene with strong ties to autism.
Immune markers in newborns show complex relationship with autism odds
Newborns with either above- or below-average levels of an immune-system marker, among other differences, have increased odds of being autistic.
![Collecting blood sample from bottom of newborn's foot for blood test.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201019-Neonatal844.jpg)
Immune markers in newborns show complex relationship with autism odds
Newborns with either above- or below-average levels of an immune-system marker, among other differences, have increased odds of being autistic.
Calling on primary care providers to help autistic children with weight issues
Pediatric primary care practitioners have a critical responsibility to provide guidance for autistic children struggling with weight gain, and to advocate for them at home and at school.
![Illustration shows the shadow of a child falling on a cafeteria tray of food.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200622-WeightManagement844.jpg)
Calling on primary care providers to help autistic children with weight issues
Pediatric primary care practitioners have a critical responsibility to provide guidance for autistic children struggling with weight gain, and to advocate for them at home and at school.
Long-term study charts trajectory of fragile X syndrome into adulthood
For people with fragile X syndrome, progress in daily living skills and behavior tends to stall later in life.
![Young teen boy is getting dressed, choosing clothes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200316-Trajectories844.jpg)
Long-term study charts trajectory of fragile X syndrome into adulthood
For people with fragile X syndrome, progress in daily living skills and behavior tends to stall later in life.
Diabetes drug delivers multiple benefits for people with fragile X syndrome
Researcher Randi Hagerman is a big proponent of metformin — a diabetes drug that she is testing in people with fragile X syndrome. In fact, Hagerman takes the drug herself as a preventive measure against cancer.
![Colorful figure with a circle shape (a pill) and an orange X in the background symbolizing Fragile X](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190917-McCarthy844.jpg)
Diabetes drug delivers multiple benefits for people with fragile X syndrome
Researcher Randi Hagerman is a big proponent of metformin — a diabetes drug that she is testing in people with fragile X syndrome. In fact, Hagerman takes the drug herself as a preventive measure against cancer.
Spectrum Stories: The benefits of genetic testing in autism
Finding a mutation linked to autism traits can have life-changing consequences for autistic individuals and their families.
![Spectrum stories podcast logo.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Podcast-art-844.jpg)
Spectrum Stories: The benefits of genetic testing in autism
Finding a mutation linked to autism traits can have life-changing consequences for autistic individuals and their families.
Why genetic tests matter for autistic people
Genetic tests for people with autism are far from routine and don't always yield results, but the information they offer can change lives.
![Portrait of boy with autism](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20190130-James844-cc.jpg)
Why genetic tests matter for autistic people
Genetic tests for people with autism are far from routine and don't always yield results, but the information they offer can change lives.
Notable papers in autism research in 2018
This year's list of top papers highlights new dimensions in our understanding of autism genetics and hints at novel treatments.
![whimsical machine takes in various data and spits out an organized version on the other end](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Notable8442.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research in 2018
This year's list of top papers highlights new dimensions in our understanding of autism genetics and hints at novel treatments.
Study links autism to high levels of fat hormone
Autism may be accompanied by high levels of the hormone leptin in early childhood.
![A premature baby in an incubator drinking from a bottle.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181203-Leptin844.jpg)
Study links autism to high levels of fat hormone
Autism may be accompanied by high levels of the hormone leptin in early childhood.
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.