Autism Science Foundation Weekly Science Report

Latest Episodes
The Meaning of Microglia
We normally focus on the function of brain cells that send signals to eachother and communicate across small or long distances, which show differences in ASD. However, we rarely pay attention to the o
September 26th is the day to prepare for an emergency
Today is September 26th. In collaboration with the National Council of Severe Autism, we encourage all families to rethink their safety plan for wandering, fire, and other emergencies including nation
Psychedelics and Symptoms
More and more, psychiatrists are looking to psychedelic medication to help individuals who are resistant to other types of therapies. These include seizures, PTSD and depression. But can they help ind
Genetics does not equal eugenics
Sometimes when the autism community hears the words genetics research, it conjures up images of using genetics to eliminate people with autism. In fact, thats not the goal of genetics research, nor
What is the problem getting to the bottom of biomarkers and gene x environment interactions
Outcome measures for clinical trials and understanding and determining gene x environment interactions have been two (of many) challenging questions for scientists. In the first study, we explain a ne
No-one who cooks, cooks alone
As Guy Fieri said Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. Its about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity. This weeks podcast produced by ASF intern Mi
Is anxiety related to autism, and where is it in the brain?
Anxiety is common in people with autism but is is different than other types of anxiety or similar? Is it part of the autism phenotype? When does it start and what triggers it? Two new studies which
Why developmental milestones are so telling
Thanks to Dr. Susan Kuo at Broad Research Institute and MIT, there is an analysis of 17,000 individuals with autism across 4 different studies that all looked at how developmental milestones emerged.
The earliest differences across ASDs
New neurons can be generated in a dish (amazing in itself), and then these neurons can then be studied to examine how they grow, expand, divide and connect. Using this technology, researchers are find
Let’s talk about poop
This week we discuss the CANDID meeting: Consortium for Autism, Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Digestive Diseases, what was shared, what was learned, and where doctors and researchers need to do mor