Elissa Ball is a former data analysis intern for Spectrum. Prior to coming here, she worked in the Yonkers Public Library and as a tutor for Kaplan Test Prep. She earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, with a minor in mechanical engineering, from the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia.
Elissa Ball
From this contributor
Why autism training for police isn’t enough
Inconsistent and underfunded training programs may hurt more than they help, experts say.
Why autism training for police isn’t enough
By
Elissa Ball, Jaclyn Jeffrey-Wilensky
26 November 2020 | 16 min read
Autistic and non-autistic youth get different healthcare as they age
Young people with autism receive more mental health services, more consistent primary care and less gynecological or urgent care than their neurotypical peers.
Autistic and non-autistic youth get different healthcare as they age
By
Elissa Ball
23 September 2020 | 3 min read
Almost one-third of autistic children in the United States live in poverty
Children younger than age 5 and Black and Hispanic children on the spectrum experience the most financial hardships.
Almost one-third of autistic children in the United States live in poverty
By
Elissa Ball
19 August 2020 | 1 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
How basic neuroscientists can connect with autistic people and their communities
A first-of-its-kind workshop offers a template for autism researchers who want to incorporate community perspectives into their work.
How basic neuroscientists can connect with autistic people and their communities
A first-of-its-kind workshop offers a template for autism researchers who want to incorporate community perspectives into their work.
By
Juliana Chase, Hannah R. Monday, Lea Witkowsky
14 May 2026 | 6 min read
Long-sought walking circuit found in fruit flies
The neuronal circuit controlling repetitive locomotion patterns in any animal has been a mystery until now.
Long-sought walking circuit found in fruit flies
The neuronal circuit controlling repetitive locomotion patterns in any animal has been a mystery until now.
By
Natalia Mesa
13 May 2026 | 0 min watch
Crisis de financiación en Argentina desata nueva ola de protestas
Dos años luego de que colapsara la financiación para investigación del país colapsara, los científicos están manifestando en contra del incumplimiento del gobierno para restaurar becas cortadas previamente y aumentar salarios como lo establece una del 2025.
Crisis de financiación en Argentina desata nueva ola de protestas
Dos años luego de que colapsara la financiación para investigación del país colapsara, los científicos están manifestando en contra del incumplimiento del gobierno para restaurar becas cortadas previamente y aumentar salarios como lo establece una del 2025.
By
Claudia López Lloreda, Natalia Mesa
12 May 2026 | 5 min read