Screening

Recent articles

Research image of brain scans.

Impaired molecular ‘chaperone’ accompanies multiple brain changes, conditions

Rare genetic variants in a protein-folding complex contribute to a spectrum of phenotypes that encompass brain malformations, intellectual disability, autism and seizures, according to a new “hallmark” study.

By Holly Barker
12 December 2024 | 5 min read
Stock photograph of a women and her young child at a clinician’s office.

A genetics-first clinic for catching developmental conditions early: Q&A with Jacob Vorstman

A new clinic is assessing children who have a genetic predisposition for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—sometimes before traits appear.

By Lauren Schenkman
15 August 2024 | 7 min read
A child uses a tablet device

New tablet-based tools to spot autism draw excitement — and questions

Handheld devices promise to bring autism detection home, but many researchers urge caution.

By Charles Q. Choi
4 January 2024 | 8 min read
Photograph of a mother with her child in a hallway waiting for an appointment.

Average autism diagnosis delayed by more than two years

The findings may explain why the average age at diagnosis has plateaued at 4 years old.

By Calli McMurray
16 June 2023 | 4 min read
A photograph of an infant's foot.

Dietary changes ease traits in rare autism-linked condition

Early treatment with nutritional supplements and a high-protein diet forestalls some neurodevelopmental problems for children with BCKDK deficiency.

By Lauren Schenkman
21 February 2023 | 5 min read
An illustration of a questionnaire that is slightly visually distorted

Tempering tales of a new autism measure: A conversation with Thomas Frazier

The questionnaire, designed to screen children for autism, isn’t ready for clinical use without further validation, contrary to what some overblown newspaper headlines reported.

By Laura Dattaro
20 January 2023 | 6 min read

DNA unwinder tied to social behaviors in mice, zebrafish

Blocking the enzyme, called TOP2A, in embryos makes the animals less inclined to seek companionship later in life.

By Niko McCarty
16 December 2022 | 4 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of two researchers attempting to use a microscope that has been twisted into a knot.

International scientific collaboration is more necessary—yet more challenging—than ever

These partnerships accelerate neuroscience by enabling researchers to share resources and expertise, as well as generate more relevant and reproducible results. But new federal funding restrictions in the United States are putting such collaborations in jeopardy.

By Lucina Q. Uddin
15 September 2025 | 6 min listen
Mother mouse with pups.

Oxytocin shapes both mouse mom and pup behavior

Distressed pups emit distinct cries for help, which depend on oxytocin neurons in their hypothalamus.

By Claudia López Lloreda
11 September 2025 | 5 min read
Research image showing cell activity in a particular region of the mouse thalamus.

Sensory gatekeeper drives seizures, autism-like behaviors in mouse model

The new work, in mice missing the autism-linked gene CNTNAP2, suggests a mechanism to help explain the overlap between epilepsy and autism.

By Diana Kwon
11 September 2025 | 5 min listen

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