INSAR 2018
Recent articles
Analysis of sequences pegs 102 top autism genes
The number of top autism genes has risen from 65 to 102, based on an analysis of more than 35,000 sequences. And researchers are seeing the first hints of autism risk variants in the regions between genes.
![Research data visualization.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Genetics844.jpg)
Analysis of sequences pegs 102 top autism genes
The number of top autism genes has risen from 65 to 102, based on an analysis of more than 35,000 sequences. And researchers are seeing the first hints of autism risk variants in the regions between genes.
Vitamin D linked to lowered autism risk in large study
Children born with high blood levels of vitamin D have 25 percent decreased odds of autism compared with those born with low levels.
![Woman doing yoga on grass field](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018VitaminD844.jpg)
Vitamin D linked to lowered autism risk in large study
Children born with high blood levels of vitamin D have 25 percent decreased odds of autism compared with those born with low levels.
Motor difficulties forecast language troubles in autism
Children with autism who speak few words and have trouble manipulating objects tend to remain minimally verbal as they reach adulthood.
![Boy pointing out moving train window](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/201805NonVerbal844.jpg)
Motor difficulties forecast language troubles in autism
Children with autism who speak few words and have trouble manipulating objects tend to remain minimally verbal as they reach adulthood.
Children with severe autism increasingly overlooked in research
The proportion of studies that include people with a severe form of autism has fallen over the past three decades.
![Boy in hospital bed](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017805SevereAutism844.jpg)
Children with severe autism increasingly overlooked in research
The proportion of studies that include people with a severe form of autism has fallen over the past three decades.
Children with autism have muted fear response
Toddlers with autism show less fear when confronted with something scary than do typical children or those with developmental delay.
![Plastic dinosaur, trex and a ghoul](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018-05-fearResponseClean.png)
Children with autism have muted fear response
Toddlers with autism show less fear when confronted with something scary than do typical children or those with developmental delay.
Takeaways from INSAR 2018
Adults on the spectrum, gender issues, and the search for autism biomarkers were among the key themes at this year's International Society for Autism Research annual meeting.
![Rotterdam night landscape](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/insar-844.jpg)
Takeaways from INSAR 2018
Adults on the spectrum, gender issues, and the search for autism biomarkers were among the key themes at this year's International Society for Autism Research annual meeting.
Reactions from INSAR 2018
Europe’s largest port is about to get a little busier this week as members of the autism research community pour into Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for the 17th annual International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) meeting.
![Rotterdam cityscape](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Insar20188441.jpg)
Reactions from INSAR 2018
Europe’s largest port is about to get a little busier this week as members of the autism research community pour into Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for the 17th annual International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) meeting.
Rise in U.S. autism prevalence stems mainly from ‘mild’ cases
The bulk of the increase in autism prevalence in the United States between 2000 and 2012 can be attributed to children on the mild end of the spectrum.
![Birdseye view of large crowd](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/201805-EuroPrevalence844.jpg)
Rise in U.S. autism prevalence stems mainly from ‘mild’ cases
The bulk of the increase in autism prevalence in the United States between 2000 and 2012 can be attributed to children on the mild end of the spectrum.
Special interests hinder self-control in children with autism
Children with autism show much less restraint when confronted with one of their interests, compared with their typical peers.
![hand holding ipad with images](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/201805Sameness8441.jpg)
Special interests hinder self-control in children with autism
Children with autism show much less restraint when confronted with one of their interests, compared with their typical peers.
Who’s ‘minimally verbal’? Depends whom you ask
The proportion of children with autism considered to be minimally verbal in a study depends on the criteria researchers use to identify them.
![Child with doctor in office](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/201805NonVerbalclass844.jpg)
Who’s ‘minimally verbal’? Depends whom you ask
The proportion of children with autism considered to be minimally verbal in a study depends on the criteria researchers use to identify them.
Explore more from The Transmitter
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.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
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.