Fred Volkmar is professor of child psychiatry, pediatrics and psychology at the Yale Child Study Center.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/F_Volkmar_MG_7044-Pref-1.jpg)
Fred Volkmar
Professor
Yale Child Study Center
From this contributor
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-01-at-12.17.07-PM-copy-copy.jpg)
Narrowing of ‘autism’ in DSM-5 runs counter to idea of broad spectrum
Fred Volkmar: A decades-long perspective on autism research
Over the past 30 years, autism research pioneer Fred Volkmar says he has learned that researchers should be humble when assigning meaning to autism behavior, and seek to translate their findings into useful applications.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/viewpoint/VolkmarLessonsArticle.jpg)
Fred Volkmar: A decades-long perspective on autism research
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.