Julia Bascom is executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Julia-Bascom-1024x1024.jpg)
Julia Bascom
Executive director
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
From this contributor
The DSM-5 has not improved services for autistic adults
Since the DSM-5’s debut, schoolchildren have gained stronger legal rights and better opportunities for accessing services; for adults, it’s a different story.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180509Bascom844.jpg)
The DSM-5 has not improved services for autistic adults
Why intelligence scores do not predict success for autistic adults
Measures of adaptive functioning may better assess the ability of autistic people to meet daily demands than do intelligence tests.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/wallacebascom844.jpg)
Why intelligence scores do not predict success for autistic adults
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Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
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![](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.