Asperger syndrome

Recent articles

DSM-5 revision tweaks autism entry for clarity

Two new words and a text swap in the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic “bible” are unlikely to affect clinical practice, experts say.

By Peter Hess
17 March 2022 | 4 min read
illustration shows isolated figure alone in the prison yard, watching other inmates exercise and socialize.

Autism behind bars

Prisons are often ill-equipped to handle autistic inmates, who are at risk for mental health problems and abuse.

By Peter Hess
11 November 2020 | 17 min listen

How the loss of Asperger syndrome has lasting repercussions

Some people who have lost the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome say they feel a loss of identity and worry about a loss of services.

By Sandra Jones
19 May 2020 | 6 min read
Illustration of profiles with brains of different colors.

In case you missed it: Five Spectrum stories from 2018

Spectrum's editors chose five stories from 2018 you may have missed the first time around.

By Spectrum
21 December 2018 | 3 min read
Woman looking into mirror sees words and fragmented reflection.

Why adults need an easier path to autism diagnosis

Getting an autism diagnosis can be difficult for many adults, due to the dearth of reliable tests, high costs and bureaucracy.

By Sara Luterman
18 December 2018 | 6 min read
A collage shows a black and white portrait of Russian doGrunya Efimovna Sukhareva on a colored background.

How history forgot the woman who defined autism

Grunya Sukhareva characterized autism nearly two decades before Austrian doctors Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger. So why did the latter get all the credit?

By Lina Zeldovich
7 November 2018 | 13 min read

Organoid assortment; transgenerational effect; baby translator and more

Researchers can enjoy a complete collection of organoid-related publications, transgenerational effects on the brain are tied to a powerful estrogen, and an app that translates infant cries might aid autism research.

By Emily Willingham
25 May 2018 | 5 min read

Narrowing of ‘autism’ in DSM-5 runs counter to idea of broad spectrum

The strict definition of autism in the latest version of the diagnostic manual is antithetical to the idea that autism comes in a wide variety of forms.

By Brian Reichow, Fred Volkmar
9 May 2018 | 5 min read
People standing with shapes around them

The evolution of ‘autism’ as a diagnosis, explained

From a form of childhood schizophrenia to a spectrum of conditions, the characterization of autism in diagnostic manuals has a complicated history.

By Lina Zeldovich
9 May 2018 | 7 min read

Few people mourn Asperger syndrome’s loss from diagnostic manuals

Our concept of autism has evolved over the past 20 years, rendering redundant the diagnostic labels of Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified.

By David Skuse
9 May 2018 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of an open journal featuring lines of text and small illustrations of eyes and mouths.

Anti-seizure medications in pregnancy; TBR1 gene; microglia

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 2 December.

By Jill Adams
3 December 2024 | 1 min read

Novel neurons upend ‘yin-yang’ model of hunger, satiety in brain

The new type of leptin-sensitive cells curb hunger quickly—adding to an increasingly complex picture of brain circuits that control feeding behaviors.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
3 December 2024 | 5 min read

Imagining the ultimate systems neuroscience paper

A growing body of papers on systems neuroscience and on giant simulations of neural circuits involves data beyond the point that anyone can reasonably understand end to end. Looking ahead, “paper-bots” could solve that problem.

By Mark Humphries
2 December 2024 | 8 min read