Petrus de Vries is founding director of the Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA) at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and current president of the International Society for Autism Research.
![Portrait of Petrus de Vries](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Prof-Petrus-de-Vriescc.jpg)
Petrus de Vries
Founding director
Centre for Autism Research in Africa, University of Cape Town
From this contributor
Autism research is becoming more diverse but not yet more global
Hosting the International Society for Autism Research annual meeting—which starts tomorrow—in Australia takes a step in that direction, making it easier for researchers, clinicians and advocates from the Western Pacific Region to participate.
![Picture of Melbourne, Australia at night.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1200-INSAR-melbourne-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Autism research is becoming more diverse but not yet more global
What kind of autism research should we do, and where should we do it?
Researchers at INSAR 2023 need to discuss these questions and remember that the purpose of research may be different for different communities.
![Three people stand on a staircase and contemplate a maze-like array of paths in the sky before them.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-what-kind-of-autism-research.jpg)
What kind of autism research should we do, and where should we do it?
How to offer support for young autistic children in South Africa
Coaching caregivers in early-intervention strategies may be the most effective way to help young autistic children in South Africa.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20190122-DeVries-844.jpg)
How to offer support for young autistic children in South Africa
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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.
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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
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