Helen Pearson is a science writer based in New York City.
Helen Pearson
Freelance writer
Simons Foundation
From this contributor
Father’s advanced age feeds autism risk
Are older fathers more likely to have children with autism? A series of epidemiological studies is giving credence to the idea, suggesting that, with age, sperm may accumulate damage that increases risk in the next generation.
Sense of ‘self’ impaired in autism
People with autism struggle to see their own role in social situations. That's the conclusion from the first study to scan individualsʼ brains while they interact with another person - a technique that could lead to a diagnostic tool.
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He explains how “perceptual dualism” can account for the way we communicate via digital symbols and perceive the world via analog brain processes.
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Microglia in hypothalamus help kick-start puberty
In a “surprise” role, the cells regulate the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
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In a “surprise” role, the cells regulate the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
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Advances in genetic medicine took center stage at INSAR
The president of the Autism Science Foundation and parent of a child with profound autism reflects on how advances in the treatment of rare gene variants bring hope to many families.
Advances in genetic medicine took center stage at INSAR
The president of the Autism Science Foundation and parent of a child with profound autism reflects on how advances in the treatment of rare gene variants bring hope to many families.
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Alison Singer
5 May 2026 | 4 min read