Family ties

Recent articles

How ordinary people influence autism research

MIND Institute

The builders: How parents shaped autism research

A group of savvy parents jump-started autism research in California, but they also set the research agenda.

By Jocelyn Wiener
5 October 2016 | 21 min read
Someone writes descriptions on gridded paper, the paper is in the shape of a child's silhouette.

The innovators: How families launch their own autism studies

Some parents are starting ‘N-of-1’ studies for autism, but their efforts don’t always get taken seriously.

By Carrie Arnold
28 September 2016 | 20 min read
Two parents look at a frame held by a mysterious salesman-like hand. Within the frame, the picture of a glorious horizon. The tone suggests that not everything is as it seems.

The seekers: Why parents try fringe therapies for autism

Many parents resort to unproven — even dangerous — alternative treatments for their children’s autism. What drives them?

By Alisa Opar
21 September 2016 | 23 min read
Image of pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. This is meant to be a visual pun, because marijuana is also known as 'pot'.

The pioneers: How parents are experimenting with marijuana for autism

Meet the backyard marijuana growers and home chemists who are rushing in where scientists fear to tread.

By Jessica Wright
14 September 2016 | 20 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Ground squirrel.

How thirteen-lined ground squirrels illuminate retinal development

In most mammalian retinas, rods outnumber cones. But that ratio is flipped in ground squirrels, a quirk that helps Seth Blackshaw explore how retinal cells develop their identities.

By Sarah Thau
31 July 2026 | 5 min read
Research image of the association cortex.

Cortical territories compete in developmental space race

Sensory and association regions are established through a reciprocal process, according to a new model of cortical development.

By Holly Barker
30 July 2026 | 5 min read