Special Report: Lessons from other fields
The link between epilepsy and autism, explained
Autism and epileptic seizures often go hand in hand. What explains the overlap, and what does it reveal about autism’s origins?
![a human brain model made of springs is shaking on its spring base](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20190921Epilepsy844.jpg)
The link between epilepsy and autism, explained
Autism and epileptic seizures often go hand in hand. What explains the overlap, and what does it reveal about autism’s origins?
Rett syndrome’s link to autism, explained
Studies of Rett syndrome hint at genes, cells and brain circuits that may be involved in autism — and may pave the way to treatments for both conditions.
![linked hands in a pattern intertwined with DNA showing some broken parts, symbolizing mutations](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20190921-Rett844.jpg)
Rett syndrome’s link to autism, explained
Studies of Rett syndrome hint at genes, cells and brain circuits that may be involved in autism — and may pave the way to treatments for both conditions.
What two rare ‘social’ syndromes reveal about autism
Studying Smith-Magenis and Potocki-Lupski syndromes — two single-gene conditions in which people have trouble reading social cues — may boost our understanding of autism.
![Mouse shows friendliness to all mice, friends or strangers](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Walz844.jpg)
What two rare ‘social’ syndromes reveal about autism
Studying Smith-Magenis and Potocki-Lupski syndromes — two single-gene conditions in which people have trouble reading social cues — may boost our understanding of autism.
What Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can teach us about autism
Not much is known about the connection between autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects collagen. But preliminary work provides tantalizing clues.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/EhlersDanlos-Casanova844.jpg)
What Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can teach us about autism
Not much is known about the connection between autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects collagen. But preliminary work provides tantalizing clues.
Angelman syndrome’s silent gene points way forward for autism therapies
Advances in research and help from families have brought scientists to the brink of an effective therapy for Angelman syndrome.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20190921-Angelman1120.jpg)
Angelman syndrome’s silent gene points way forward for autism therapies
Advances in research and help from families have brought scientists to the brink of an effective therapy for Angelman syndrome.
Single molecule tracks with mutation’s path to autism, cancer
A molecule made by mitochondria, the energy factories of cells, might help doctors forecast the impact of mutations in a top autism gene.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/PTEN844.jpg)
Single molecule tracks with mutation’s path to autism, cancer
A molecule made by mitochondria, the energy factories of cells, might help doctors forecast the impact of mutations in a top autism gene.
Getting at the heart of autism
Cardiac activity could reveal autism's physiology and confirm a hunch many clinicians share: that people with autism experience great stress.
![red beating heart, in see-through person](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20191009Autonomic844.jpg)
Getting at the heart of autism
Cardiac activity could reveal autism's physiology and confirm a hunch many clinicians share: that people with autism experience great stress.
Studies of tuberous sclerosis may shed light on biology of autism
Tuberous sclerosis provides a unique opportunity to understand autism because about half of people with that single-gene condition also have autism.
![row of babies playing with toys that look like genome sequence](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190921-TSC-Sahin-844.jpg)
Studies of tuberous sclerosis may shed light on biology of autism
Tuberous sclerosis provides a unique opportunity to understand autism because about half of people with that single-gene condition also have autism.
Can preventing seizures alter the course of autism?
Experimental surgeries to prevent seizures may help scientists understand the link between autism and epilepsy.
![medical personnel in operating theater during brain surgery](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190918-844.jpg)
Can preventing seizures alter the course of autism?
Experimental surgeries to prevent seizures may help scientists understand the link between autism and epilepsy.
The deep emotional ties between depression and autism
Autistic people are four times as likely to experience depression over the course of their lives as their neurotypical peers. Yet researchers know little about why, or how best to help.
![Boy on bed is weighed down by pressures and troubles](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20190731-Depression844.jpg)
The deep emotional ties between depression and autism
Autistic people are four times as likely to experience depression over the course of their lives as their neurotypical peers. Yet researchers know little about why, or how best to help.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear
As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.
![Image of a crumpled dollar bill whose edges suggest a line graph trending downward.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Funding-1200-1024x692.webp)
Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear
As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
![Illustration of a fly with its life cycle represented on its left and a technological background on its right.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lede-Scott-1200-1024x692.webp)
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
FOXP1 gene; dose effect of neurodevelopmental conditions; transcriptomics in mouse model of autism
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 1 July.
![Research image showing the number of unique SHANK3 transcripts in mice.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fig6A-Transcriptome-1200-1024x692.webp)
FOXP1 gene; dose effect of neurodevelopmental conditions; transcriptomics in mouse model of autism
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 1 July.