2017: Year in review

Recent articles

Notable papers in autism research in 2017

This year’s list of top papers highlights nuances in the genetics of autism and new leads on early treatment.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 4 min read

For autism research pioneers, early work paved path to success

We asked three distinguished autism researchers to reflect on their first studies in the field.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 5 min read

From people with autism, lessons for scientists on love, compassion

People with autism teach researchers about compassion, honesty, love — and the joys of the holidays.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 5 min read

2017’s spectrum of autism stories

2017 was the year we at Spectrum committed to being open — to new ideas, new types of stories, new ways of telling them and new ways to reach you, our audience.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 4 min read

2017 in pictures: Spectrum’s picks for best images

We asked autism researchers to enter the Spectrum science image contest. Here are the top pics.

By Claire Cameron
22 December 2017 | 2 min read

Inside Scoop From the Autism Anchors: Year in review

Our autism anchors, Raphael Bernier and James Mancini, nominate candidates for the hottest topic in autism research in 2017.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 1 min read
Illustration of two people speaking into a speech bubble.

Quotes of the year

Our favorite quotes from articles we published this year cover James Bond, mean girls and scientific breakthroughs.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 3 min read

Five hot topics in autism research in 2017

We waded through the sea of autism studies published in 2017 and spotted several themes.

By Spectrum
22 December 2017 | 6 min read
students in subway taking notes

New York program transports children with autism to their passion

In a New York City after-school program, children with autism build social skills through a shared interest in trains.

By Abigail Fagan
22 December 2017 | 5 min read
Woman at a protest holds a sign that says "Grab 'em by the data"

2017: The year in tweets

In 2017, autism scientists took to Twitter to express their thoughts on immigration, healthcare policy, education leadership, proposed funding cuts and Brexit.

By Claire Cameron
22 December 2017 | 6 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of DNA with genetic code.

Autism-linked variants converge on two molecular patterns in mouse brains

Gene activity across 17 autism mouse models occurs in either of two opposing transcriptomic states, supporting the idea that diverse genetic changes may converge on a few recurring biological patterns.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
1 October 2026 | 4 min read
Illustration of pipa frog showing nerves in fingertips.

How the pipa frog hunts prey by touch

Each of the frog’s eight fingers branches into 16 ultra-sensitive tips, which together function as a fovea—potentially the first demonstration of this type of sensory structure outside of mammals.

By Calli McMurray
30 September 2026 | 7 min read
scaled

Response to ‘Finally, a new route for the magnetic-sense field’

Magnetoreception in Drosophila has much to offer those with an interest in neuroscience.

By Denis Henshaw
30 September 2026 | 3 min read