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Autism research hits the road
Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.
Autism research hits the road
Some scientists are thinking creatively about how to collect data in flexible environments and meet communities where they’re at.
Children with autism and ADHD often have additional mental health conditions
The dual diagnosis frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression and developmental and language delays.
![A young girl sits on the couch biting her thumb.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-autism-adhd-prevalence-mental-health-conditions.jpg)
Children with autism and ADHD often have additional mental health conditions
The dual diagnosis frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression and developmental and language delays.
Null and Noteworthy: Autism and aging, anorexia overlaps, pregnancy effects
In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, researchers replicate encouraging findings on autism and aging and shoot down a host of potential links between pregnancy complications and having a child with autism.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210325-NullBlog-2-844.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Autism and aging, anorexia overlaps, pregnancy effects
In this edition of Null and Noteworthy, researchers replicate encouraging findings on autism and aging and shoot down a host of potential links between pregnancy complications and having a child with autism.
Myelin loss may explain how autism-linked DNA deletion affects cognition
Deleting a copy of the gene TBX1 depletes the fatty myelin insulation that surrounds neurons and reduces cognitive speed in mice.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/tbx1-844-1.jpg)
Myelin loss may explain how autism-linked DNA deletion affects cognition
Deleting a copy of the gene TBX1 depletes the fatty myelin insulation that surrounds neurons and reduces cognitive speed in mice.
Brain’s sensory switchboard has complex connections to autism
An atypical thalamus may underlie not only sensory issues in autism but also difficulties with social skills, attention and memory.
![Illustration shows a cartoon-like simple figure made out of a switchboard, with colorful cables converging on an area deep in the brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211115_thalamus844.jpg)
Brain’s sensory switchboard has complex connections to autism
An atypical thalamus may underlie not only sensory issues in autism but also difficulties with social skills, attention and memory.
Web app tracks pupil size in people, mice
The app relies on artificial intelligence and could help researchers standardize studies of pupil differences in autistic people and in mouse models of autism.
![Annimation of eye tracking application following the pupil in a man's eye.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pupil_2_4.gif)
Web app tracks pupil size in people, mice
The app relies on artificial intelligence and could help researchers standardize studies of pupil differences in autistic people and in mouse models of autism.
Social attention shows sex difference in autism
Autistic boys and men are less attuned to social stimuli than autistic girls and women are, according to new unpublished work.
![Two women making eye contact while talking with each other.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AIMS-LEAP-844.jpg)
Social attention shows sex difference in autism
Autistic boys and men are less attuned to social stimuli than autistic girls and women are, according to new unpublished work.
The benefits of special interests in autism
Researchers are studying how the intense passions of autistic people shape the brain, improve well-being and enhance learning.
![Boy in front of colorful constellation or universe, studying the realms of outer space.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SpecialInterestsLead844.jpg)
The benefits of special interests in autism
Researchers are studying how the intense passions of autistic people shape the brain, improve well-being and enhance learning.
Infant siblings of autistic children miss language-learning clues
So-called ‘baby sibs’ watch adults’ faces just as much as children without autistic siblings do, but they don’t understand spoken language as well.
![Baby in mother's lap watching her mouth move as she talks.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MouthAttention-844.jpg)
Infant siblings of autistic children miss language-learning clues
So-called ‘baby sibs’ watch adults’ faces just as much as children without autistic siblings do, but they don’t understand spoken language as well.
Virtual-reality system tracks eye gaze in real-world settings
A new eye-tracking program for VR headsets captures nuanced aspects of social attention in autistic people.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/NaturalisticAttentionNoBordr-844.jpg)
Virtual-reality system tracks eye gaze in real-world settings
A new eye-tracking program for VR headsets captures nuanced aspects of social attention in autistic people.
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.