Liz Pellicano is professor of autism at University College London in the United Kingdom
Liz Pellicano
Director, Centre for Research in Autism and Education
University College London
From this contributor
We need better strategies to support autistic people as the COVID-19 crisis continues
Interviews with autistic people reveal that many miss their friends and opportunities for social connection, in stark contrast to orthodox views that they have little social motivation and prefer a life of self-isolation.
We need better strategies to support autistic people as the COVID-19 crisis continues
By
Liz Pellicano
8 September 2020 | 6 min read
General practitioners urgently need autism training
Many general practitioners in the United Kingdom do not receive autism training, and report having little confidence in caring for patients on the spectrum.
General practitioners urgently need autism training
By
Laura Crane, Liz Pellicano, The Conversation
17 May 2017 | 5 min read
Friendships pose unique challenges for women on the spectrum
Women with autism value friendships as much as their neurotypical peers do, but they often have difficulty forming and maintaining them.
Friendships pose unique challenges for women on the spectrum
By
Liz Pellicano, Felicity Sedgewick
16 May 2017 | 6 min read
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Genetic profiles separate early, late autism diagnoses
Age at diagnosis reflects underlying differences in common genetic variants and developmental trajectories among people with autism.
Genetic profiles separate early, late autism diagnoses
Age at diagnosis reflects underlying differences in common genetic variants and developmental trajectories among people with autism.
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Natalia Mesa
27 November 2025 | 5 min read
To persist, memories surf molecular waves from thalamus to cortex
During the later stages of learning, the mouse brain progressively activates transcriptional regulators that drive memory consolidation.
To persist, memories surf molecular waves from thalamus to cortex
During the later stages of learning, the mouse brain progressively activates transcriptional regulators that drive memory consolidation.
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Claudia López Lloreda
26 November 2025 | 4 min read
Sex hormone boosts female rats’ sensitivity to unexpected rewards
During the high-estradiol stages of their estrus cycle, female rats learn faster than they do during other stages—and than male rats overall—thanks to a boost in their dopaminergic response to reward, a new study suggests.
Sex hormone boosts female rats’ sensitivity to unexpected rewards
During the high-estradiol stages of their estrus cycle, female rats learn faster than they do during other stages—and than male rats overall—thanks to a boost in their dopaminergic response to reward, a new study suggests.
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Angie Voyles Askham
26 November 2025 | 5 min read