Liz Pellicano is professor of autism at University College London in the United Kingdom
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_4007-1.jpg)
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.
![People reaching out to touch hands through screen.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200915-Pellicano-844.jpg)
We need better strategies to support autistic people as the COVID-19 crisis continues
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_625742759.jpg)
General practitioners urgently need autism training
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/Spectrum-8-Friendship-v1.1120.jpg)
Friendships pose unique challenges for women on the spectrum
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Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
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In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
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![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
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![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.