Illustration shows woman connecting digitally with other parents
Illustration by Marina Munn
Podcasts / Spectrum

Spectrum Stories: How social media aids discovery and diagnosis of autism-linked conditions

Social media is connecting families with researchers who study rare conditions related to autism — to the benefit of both.

By Kaitlyn Schwalje
6 May 2019 | 1 min read

This article is more than five years old.

Neuroscience—and science in general—is constantly evolving, so older articles may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date.

Social media is connecting families with researchers who study rare conditions related to autism — to the benefit of both. Host Kaitlyn Schwalje explains. Read the related story here.

Recommended reading

Research image of toxoplasma gondii showing cysts it creates as well as the MECP2 protein that it can deliver to neurons.
Spectrum

Parasite-based tool delivers MECP2 and other proteins to neurons

By Giorgia Guglielmi
12 September 2024 | 4 min read
World map displaying an analysis of years of life lost to suicide among autistic people in 2021.
Spectrum

PPP2R5D gene; social-communication intervention in infants; autism and suicide

By Jill Adams
10 September 2024 | 2 min read
Photo of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Spectrum Microphone

In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope

By Rachel Zamzow
5 September 2024 | 5 min listen

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of brain scans showing the structural integrity of white-matter tracts.
Brain imaging

Repeat scans reveal brain changes that precede childbirth

By Shaena Montanari
16 September 2024 | 8 min read
Illustration of cranes attempting to assemble a structure out of very small black squares.
Dopamine

Reconstructing dopamine’s link to reward

By Angie Voyles Askham
13 September 2024 | 18 min read
Illustration of cranes attempting to assemble a structure out of very small black squares.
Dopamine

Dopamine and the need for alternative theories

By Vijay Mohan K. Namboodiri
13 September 2024 | 7 min read