A new spin on the classic CRISPR gene-editing tool can alter the genome’s chemical tags and suppress gene expression for months. Researchers could use the approach to adjust the activity of genes tied to autism. CRISPR systems typically use an enzyme called Cas9 to cut target DNA sequences and remov…

By Ron Sandison I love watching on Hulu the comedy television series Everything’s Gonna Be Okay created by Australian comedian Josh Thomas. My favorite actress on the show is Kayla Cromer who plays the autistic character Matilda. I was inspired by Kayla’s journey with autism and her unique sense of …

The post Webinar: Kate MacDuffie on the ethics of predicting autism appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

Eight people called 911 on the boy as he wandered through traffic on his way home. The post Family Searching for Answers After Boy with Autism Wandered Away from School Unnoticed appeared first on The Autism Site News. Source: The Autism Site

Interview by Jenny BristolIllustration by Rebecca Burgess Lauren Alex Hooper is an autistic musician living in the UK. She was diagnosed as autistic at age 20, just in time for adulthood but too late to be beneficial for her childhood. She was grateful to finally have some words to put to her exp…

When universities across the United States shut down in March 2020, Alycia Halladay, chief science officer of the Autism Science Foundation (ASF), started to check in with the researchers her organization funds — primarily postdoctoral fellows and new professors, as well as some undergraduate and gr…

The journal Molecular Autism has retracted a March paper because the authors failed to obtain permission to use and adapt a common psychology questionnaire that they relied on in their study. The questionnaire’s creators say their tool is copyrighted, and as such, other scientists must pay a small f…

Parents are saying the uncertainty is "soul-destroying." The post Students with Autism Left “High and Dry” Wondering Where They’ll Go to School in the Fall appeared first on The Autism Site News. Source: The Autism Site

"I couldn't believe it, as Zac normally relies on picture cards to communicate. It was so nice to see him coming out with words he had not spoken before." The post Sensory “Bubble Wall” Soothes Boy with Nonverbal Autism and Motivates Him to Start Speaking appeared first on The Autism Sit…

Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the United States, but most states have legalized it for medical use — including 14 states that have approved cannabis for autism. As prohibition slowly lifts, scientists and families in the autism community are increasingly turning to cannabis and it…

Investigational drugs that inhibit enzymes involved in protein production partially normalize the maturation of brain cells derived from boys and men with fragile X syndrome, according to a new study. The drugs could one day help treat problems linked with the syndrome, says Randi Hagerman, professo…

Back in October 2020, Cognoa, a company that makes digital therapeutics and diagnostic tools, submitted an Artificial Intelligence powered tool for FDA approval that aims to help diagnose Autism in children. Just last week, Cognoa received approval from FDA for it’s Canvas Dx software and will begin…

Matthew has always had an interest in cars, especially their wheels and hubcaps. The post 14-Year-Old with Autism Collects and Distributes Hubcaps to Neighbors in Need appeared first on The Autism Site News. Source: The Autism Site

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Community Newsletter! I’m your host, Chelsey B. Coombs, Spectrum’s engagement editor. The first paper that sparked discussion in the autism research community this week is about the gene CUL3 and comes from Gaia Novarino, professor of neuroscience at the Institute o…