Somer Bishop is a clinical psychologist and professor in residence of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.
![Headshot of Somer Bishop.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/170-somer-bishop.png)
Somer Bishop
Assistant professor
University of California, San Francisco
From this contributor
Rethinking autism assessments in the time of COVID-19: Q&A with Bishop, Zwaigenbaum
Moving most clinical assessments online during the coronavirus pandemic has created a digital divide while closing some geographical ones, say Somer Bishop and Lonnie Zwaigenbaum.
![An illustration shows mother and child facing a grey monolithic shape that breaks apart to reveal a bright monitor that signifies remote assessments.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RemoteAsessment-844.jpg)
Rethinking autism assessments in the time of COVID-19: Q&A with Bishop, Zwaigenbaum
Questions for Bishop, Havdahl: Tantrums trick autism tests
Children with low intelligence or behavioral issues — but not autism — may meet the criteria for autism on standard diagnostic tests.
![female child crying](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161101mulitdimensionalsymptom2-1120.jpg)
Questions for Bishop, Havdahl: Tantrums trick autism tests
Seeking precise portraits of girls with autism
Researchers need to consider new ways of capturing how autism manifests in girls, who may find clever ways of camouflaging their symptoms.
Gauging intelligence in autism over time
Adapting traditional tests of intelligence for people with intellectual disability can deflate their scores over time. Somer Bishop calls for tests that more accurately assess intelligence in this group.
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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.
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.