Boosting the activity of a class of neurons that dampen brain signals eases social problems in a mouse model of autism, according to a new study1. The findings support a theory that autism stems from too much neuronal excitation in the brain. The mice carry a mutation in NLGN3 gene that is present i…

By Ron Sandison The worst years of my life were attending middle school. I experienced severe bullying and had few friends due to my sensory issues. During my college years I was able to make friends and also excel academically. I will share eight tips that will help individuals with autism have a p…

Not all ASD kids look or act the same. But these common traits might be visible even in photos.Source: The Autism Site

HIs mom placed a recording device in his backpack after noticing his behavior changing at home.Source: The Autism Site

The post Fragile X checklist; France plays catch-up; bar-coded neurons and more appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

Modified versions of molecules found in fireflies make brain cells glow so brightly they are visible from outside the body1. The technology may enable scientists to noninvasively track responses of individual neurons inside living animals. Fireflies’ glow is the result of a reaction between the enzy…

Some genes associated with autism influence the thickness of the cerebral cortex, the brain’s outer layer, a new study suggests1. These genes include ones that regulate synapses, the junctions between neurons. Previous studies suggest that some regions of the cortex are thinner, and others thicker, …

By Austin John Jones Austin: “Alright everybody, time to feel excited! And I mean, REALLY EXCITED!” Audience: “About what Austin?!” Austin: “About WHAAAALES!!! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAALES!!!!!” Audience: “Uh…what?” Have you ever been in this situation? Have you ever felt like you were talking an alien lang…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the practice of the science of behavior. Often misunderstood as a collection of techniques (or worse, one particular technique), ABA is much more complex and is based in analysis so that all interventions are individualized, functional, and effective. That being sa…

Issue 13’s Big Question! “What does the word family mean to you?” To me, the word “family” means something very specific. It means to be with people, who understand and accept you without condition. A family can be a small group or a large one, who all support one another. They wi…

By Robert Watkins Photo By Conner Cummings Robert Watkins is contemplating family. In his self-analysis he learns how camouflaging, anxiety and trust have impacted his marriages. When I heard that the theme of this month’s issue was to be Family, I must say I had to stop for a moment. Family. There …

By Lydia Wayman Photos By Aly Blue Photography Fans of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the classic 1970s comedy, can’t forget Lou Grant. He was the crotchety news director at WJM-TV known for saying, “You’ve got spunk. I hate spunk!” But did you know that Lou would go on to have a son on the autism spect…

By Walter Suskind Parts of the story of my life with Owen will ring familiar to many people reading this. For the now almost 1 in 50 people diagnosed as Autistic in this country, there is often a brother or a sister who has been by their side since the beginning—and will be there for as long as they…

In ‘The View from Here’ we will be zooming in on four autistic individuals and where they are on their life journeys. Our Editor-at-Large, Conner Cummings, came up with the idea (brilliant!) and the name was voted on by a group of our autistic peers. First up, Jacob Fuentes. Let’s follow him on his …