Updated Mondays & Thursdays
News & Research
Twice-weekly hand-picked stories from peer-reviewed journals, public health bodies, and autistic-led organizations. We summarize so you can stay current without drowning. Every item links to the original source — and to an archived snapshot in case the live page is updated or replaced between our refreshes.
ResearchSep 7, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Dimensionality—neuroscience’s red herring?
Placing too much emphasis on a specific interpretation of dimensionality, or treating it as an end-all quantification of some aspect of neural computation, may hinder progress in understanding the brain.
- ResearchSep 4, 2026· NPR
Scientists map protein networks linked to profound autism
A study in Science charts hundreds of protein interactions tied to genes associated with profound autism, using lab-grown brain tissue. It is basic science — no treatment yet — but it gives researchers concrete targets to study.
- CommunitySep 4, 2026· Pediatric Investigation via News-Medical
Early autism identification breaks down after the screening, review finds
Reviewing evidence for children ages 0–5, researchers found screening can speed up diagnosis but repeatedly stalls afterward — referrals, evaluation slots, and service capacity are where families get stuck. Keep asking for re-screening at later well-child visits if concerns continue.
- CommunitySep 2, 2026· Autism Society of America
While the IACC Strategic Plan Passed, Our Community Remains Deeply Concerned
September 2, 2026: Last week, we shared our deep concern that the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) was shutting the community out of important decisions about autism research and services. Our concern is reinforced by the IACC’s vote to approve its Strategic Plan. We are a broad collection of advocacy, community, and research organizations with [...] The post While the IACC Strate…
ResearchSep 2, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Dutch primate center awaits October animal research debate
Science is forging ahead at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in the Netherlands, following a reversal of last year’s mandate to phase out primate studies. But researchers aren’t sure how long the reprieve will last.
ResearchSep 2, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)When we sleep, our brain is filled with spontaneous neural activity. What is it doing?
Daniel Levenstein explains how internally generated brain activity during sleep shapes our cognition, and why NeuroAI is such a powerful approach to understanding the brain.
ResearchSep 1, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Unconfounding genetic and environmental factors, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 31 August.
- ResearchSep 1, 2026· SciTechDaily / University of Southern Denmark
Brain scans show dopamine signaling differences in autistic adults
Three types of brain imaging together revealed links between dopamine signaling, brain energy use, and how brain networks communicate in autistic adults — early work that may help explain differences in motivation, movement, and attention.
- ResearchSep 1, 2026· Disability Scoop
Largest autism brain map to date points toward more targeted supports
Researchers unveiled the biggest brain map of autism yet, identifying patterns that could eventually guide more individualized therapies. The findings landed the same week a federal advisory committee debated future research priorities.
ResearchAug 28, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Amid funding uncertainty, neuroscientists report a mix of cynicism, persistence
Two years into one of the most tumultuous tenures in U.S. federal funding, researchers outline how they are coping with ongoing changes and reflect on the impact these changes are having on the system more broadly.
ResearchAug 28, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Reimagining Mexico’s brain bank
Since Alzheimer’s disease researcher José Luna-Muñoz assumed leadership of the facility—Latin America’s oldest—in 2011, he has been acquiring additional tissue types and is working to expand donor recruitment to rural areas.
ResearchAug 28, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Revealing how crabs make their escape
Houdini-like Neohelice granulata offers a rare opportunity to record intracellularly from awake, behaving animals.
ResearchAug 28, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Discovering how butterflies choose their mate
Heliconius butterflies offer a window into the neural circuits and genes involved in mate color preference.
ResearchAug 28, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)La biodiversidad de Latinoamérica impulsa avances en comportamiento social y cognición
Horneros, peces eléctricos, ranitas y otra fauna regional ayudan a los neurocientíficos a plantear nuevas preguntas de investigación en el campo.
ResearchAug 28, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)Descobrindo como as borboletas escolhem seus parceiros
As borboletas do gênero Heliconius permitem investigar os circuitos neurais e os genes envolvidos na preferência pela cor dos parceiros.
- ResearchAug 20, 2026· UVA Health
New UVA tool separates genetic and environmental contributions to autism risk
University of Virginia researchers built a statistical tool that helps tease apart how much genes versus environment shape a child's autism-related traits — aimed at individualized understanding rather than a single "cause."
- CommunityAug 20, 2026· yourNEWS
Shortage of trained professionals leaves autistic children stuck on post-diagnosis waitlists
Getting a diagnosis is only the first hurdle: there aren't enough trained therapists and specialists to deliver early intervention, and families describe long delays between diagnosis and the start of real support.
- ResearchAug 19, 2026· BMC Neurology
Protein markers linked to brain cell structure found altered in autistic children
Researchers measured two proteins involved in brain cell structure (Neuregulin 2 and tubulin) and found different levels in autistic children compared with peers. This is early biomarker research — not a diagnostic test families can use yet.
- CommunityAug 17, 2026· KTAR News
Arizona opens the state's first primary care clinic dedicated to autistic patients
A new Phoenix clinic — a partnership between Arizona Autism Charter Schools and Mercy Care — gives autistic children and adults routine primary medical care in a more accommodating, sensory-aware setting.
- CommunityAug 11, 2026· Autism Society of America
Statement on the Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines
Autism Society Urges Evidence-Based Approach to Childhood Vaccines and Autism Research Rockville, M.D., August 11, 2026 — The Autism Society of America is concerned by the statements surrounding the August 10 executive order that suggests vaccines may be responsible for the increase in Autism diagnoses. Decades of rigorous scientific research involving millions of people have [...] The post State…
- ResearchAug 10, 2026· SFARI (Simons Foundation)
Simons Foundation releases long-read genome data to speed autism research
SFARI released long-read whole genome sequencing data from 110 people across 37 SPARK families, making richer genetic data available to more scientists studying autism.
- NeurodiversityAug 7, 2026· Autistic Self Advocacy Network
ASAN essay: loving disabled family members without paternalism
An autistic, disabled writer reflects on building community and showing love for disabled relatives without the silence or pity that often surrounds disability — a reminder that respect matters as much as services.
- CommunityAug 1, 2026· UC Davis Health
UC Davis conference helps Spanish-speaking families navigate autism services
UC Davis Health held a conference aimed at helping Spanish-speaking parents understand and access autism and developmental disability services — part of a push to close language and equity gaps in diagnosis and support.
- ResearchJul 30, 2026· Molecular Autism
Caregiver survey validated for autistic people with limited spoken language
A large, diverse U.S. study validated a caregiver-report survey designed to better capture the abilities of minimally verbal autistic children and adults — a step toward matching services to how a person actually communicates.
- CommunityJul 27, 2026· WFLX / Palm Beach families
Florida families say Medicaid dropped ABA coverage with no warning
Palm Beach County parents report their children abruptly lost Medicaid-funded applied behavior analysis, with no notice and no explanation from the state health agency. Families are organizing appeals and asking legislators for a written coverage policy.
- ResearchJul 21, 2026· BMC Psychiatry
Early sensory differences in toddlers predict later autistic traits
A prospective cohort study finds that sensory responsivity differences measured in toddlerhood — hyper- and hypo-reactivity both — are associated with autistic traits years later, supporting sensory profiles as an early, actionable signal for families and clinicians.
- ResearchJul 17, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
In memoriam: Susumu Tonegawa, ‘intellectual giant’
He won the Nobel Prize for his work on immunology and then went on to define the field of learning and memory.
- ResearchJul 17, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
How BCIs reveal the speaking brain
Long-term implants provide an opportunity to study how speech arises in everyday life.
- ResearchJul 16, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Purkinje cells evolved to have increasingly complex architecture
An increasing proportion of the cerebellar neurons acquired multiple primary dendrites in humans and other apes, according to a comparison of 11 primate species.
- ResearchJul 16, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Making waves: Sleep-like brain activity in awake mice lowers sleep need, boosts memory
Alternating on/off firing patterns don’t just characterize deep, slow-wave sleep, they drive some of its restorative benefits, new findings suggest.
- CommunityJul 15, 2026· Autism Society of America
Capitol Connection: July 16, 2026
In this edition of Capitol Connection, you'll find updates on the Department of Education's proposed Interagency Agreements, Medicaid work requirements, and other federal policy developments affecting the Autism community. We also highlight new resources from the Autism Society of America, including recent national statements and a new education guide developed [...] The post Capitol Connection:…
- ResearchJul 15, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Is our intelligence rooted in how living organisms are organized?
Kathryn Nave explains how a concept called constraint closure may be fundamental to understanding brains, minds and cognition.
- ResearchJul 15, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Making an impact through academic administration
As executive director of research at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Neurobiology, Soha Ashrafi supports more than 300 scientists, students and staff members.
- ResearchJul 15, 2026· Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Sensory processing strongly shapes executive function in young autistic children
New analysis in JADD shows sensory responsivity differences account for a meaningful share of executive-function difficulty — planning, shifting, and self-control — suggesting sensory supports may do double duty as executive-function supports.
- ResearchJul 14, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
This paper changed my life: Embracing an early model for naturalistic neuroscience
A 1992 PNAS paper showed how birdsong upregulates the expression of an immediate early gene in bird forebrains. The work revealed to Ribeiro the importance of studying molecular responses in naturalistic contexts.
- ResearchJul 14, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Major ischemic events in autistic people, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 July.
- CommunityJul 13, 2026· Autism Society of America
American Federation of Teachers and the Autism Society of America Release New Resource
Autism Society of America and American Federation of Teachers Release New Resource, Beyond Acceptance: Autism Inclusion and Equity—A Guide for Educators, Parents, and Students WASHINGTON, D.C.— July 13, 2026 — The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Autism Society of America announce the release of Beyond Acceptance: Autism Inclusion and Equity—A Guide for Educators, [...] The post Amer…
- CommunityJul 13, 2026· Autism Society of America
ServiceNow and Accenture to Power One Constellation, the Autism Society of America’s Digital Transformation Vision.
Advancing a national digital platform to deliver data-driven and impactful support across every stage of the Autism journey, for anyone, anywhere at anytime. Author: Jose Velasco Chief Digital and Information Officer, Autism Society of America For more than six decades, the Autism Society has worked [...] The post ServiceNow and Accenture to Power One Constellation, the Autism Society of America’…
- ResearchJul 13, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Watching the mind build a world: Lucid dreaming as a model for generative perception
Lucid dreaming offers a rare opportunity to observe and probe perception from within.
- CommunityJul 13, 2026· Autism Society of North Carolina
North Carolina's first full budget since 2023 sets new terms for autism and IDD services
The Autism Society of NC breaks down what the 2026-27 state budget, signed July 7, means for families: direct-support wage funding, Innovations Waiver slots, and the reauthorization rules tied to the ongoing ABA coverage rewrite.
- ResearchJul 9, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
From friend to foe: How the brain updates feelings toward others
A specific hippocampus-to-amygdala pathway reassigns emotional valence to a known individual, whereas the hippocampus’s own representation of that individual’s identity remains stable.
- ResearchJul 2, 2026· Frontiers in Psychiatry
Systematic review: parent-mediated early intervention improves outcomes for infants and toddlers
A review of randomized controlled trials of parent-mediated programs for babies and toddlers showing early signs of autism finds consistent gains in caregiver responsiveness and child social communication — the strongest evidence yet that coaching families works as well as clinic hours.
- CommunityJul 1, 2026· Autism Society of America
The Connection is you. Shaping the Next 250 Years of Progress.
A Message From the Autism Society of America President and CEO, Joe Joyce Dear Autism Society Family, As our nation commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States of America, I am honored to reflect on what this moment means, not only for our country, but for the millions of individuals and families who [...] The post The Connection is you. Shaping the Next 250 Years of Progress. appeared f…
- ResearchJun 26, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Remembering Avis H. Cohen, who bridged disciplines to decode lamprey locomotion
The founding director of the University of Maryland’s Neuroscience and Cognitive Science program brought neuroscience, math and engineering together.
- ResearchJun 25, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 4: How did things unfold?
Tempest McDonald sues Vanderbilt University Medical Center through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her published NIH paper finds allies.
- ResearchJun 25, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
NeuroDev study maps previously unseen genetic variation in Africa
The project is helping to fill critical gaps in the genetic underpinnings of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
- ResearchJun 24, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Cooperating marmosets extend decision-making model of the brain
When a pair of marmosets works together to earn some marshmallow fluff, one of them decides to act only after its brain accumulates enough evidence about what the other is doing, new work shows.
- CommunityJun 23, 2026· Autism Society of America
Autism Society of America Statement on Integrity of Autism Services
Protecting Progress: Autism Society Calls for Targeted Oversight, Not Service Restrictions Rockville, M.D., June 24, 2026 — Autistic individuals and their families rely on a vital array of services, such as speech and occupational therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Home and Community-Based Services. These services are essential to helping people build skills, pursue their [...] The pos…
- ResearchJun 23, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Designer synapses edit brain circuits in living animals
The approach could help elucidate relationships between circuit structure and function, as well as the role of natural electrical synapses.
- ResearchJun 23, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Role of GABA-A receptors in dup15q syndrome, and more
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 22 June.
- ResearchJun 22, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Exclusive: Janelia sunsets rodent work, launches transparent fish project
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is banking on whole-brain imaging in the Danionella fish to advance neuroscience, but some scientists forced to close their labs say that even with a three-year runway and transitional support, they feel betrayed by the pivot.
- ResearchJun 22, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Transforming AI models into useful model organisms
These systems were not built to explain the brain. But treating them as model organisms that we can perturb and evolve will move us closer to that goal.
- ResearchJun 19, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Cortical area remixes macaques’ knowledge blocks to solve new problems
When monkeys draw complex shapes, their neural activity reflects patterns of activation elicited by drawing simpler, component shapes.
- ResearchJun 19, 2026· The Transmitter (Spectrum)
Getting grants feels good, but giving them is even better
As director of grants management at the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Kaela Singleton bets on bold science and shares in the joy of discovery.
- CommunityJun 18, 2026· Autism Society of America
Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations Denounces ED’s Latest Transfers of Core Functions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2026 Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations Denounces ED’s Latest Transfers of Core Functions Washington, D.C. — The undersigned disability, civil rights, and education organizations strongly oppose the Administration's efforts to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) from the U.S. Department o…
- CommunityJun 16, 2026· Autism Society of America
Statement from the Autism Society of America on the Department of Education Agreement to Move IDEA and Civil Rights Functions
June 16, 2026, Rockville, M.D. -- The Autism Society of America opposes the Department of Education's Interagency Agreements (IAAs) to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) functions, to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and to move the Office for Civil Rights [...] The post State…
- CommunityJun 10, 2026· Autism Society of America
Capitol Connection: June 11, 2026
In this issue of Capitol Connection, you'll find updates on the FY 2027 appropriations process and new federal guidance on Medicaid work requirements, as well as other key policy developments affecting the Autism community. We encourage you to stay engaged and visit the Autism Society of America’s Action Center to contact your Members of Congress and [...] The post Capitol Connection: June 11, 20…
- ResearchJun 8, 2026· The Lancet Psychiatry
Meta-analysis: naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions show durable gains at 24 months
Pooled data from 38 trials finds NDBI approaches (like JASPER and ESDM) sustain social-communication gains two years post-intervention, with strongest effects when parents are active co-therapists.
- NeurodiversityJun 4, 2026· Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Autistic self-advocates launch open dataset on sensory accommodation needs
A community-built, consent-first dataset compiles thousands of first-person reports on sensory triggers and accommodations that work — aimed at schools, employers, and clinicians.
- CommunityJun 1, 2026· Autism Society of America
Summer camp scholarships expand for autistic kids in 14 states
A coalition of family foundations announces $4.2M in scholarships for sensory-inclusive day and overnight camps, with priority for siblings and rural families.
- ResearchMay 28, 2026· Pediatrics
Sleep-first intervention reduces daytime dysregulation in preschoolers
A randomized trial shows a brief parent-delivered sleep routine protocol cut bedtime resistance by 46% and improved next-day emotional regulation in autistic 3–5 year olds.
- CommunityMay 27, 2026· Autism Society of America
Mental Health Awareness Month: Recognizing the Invisible Strain on Caregivers
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to bring attention to conversations occurring on the Autism Society of America National Helpline. We hear from parents navigating new diagnoses, caregivers struggling to access services, grandparents stepping into support roles and families trying to balance work, finances and everyday life while making sure their loved [...] The post Mental Hea…
- ResearchMay 27, 2026· Nature Genetics
Large-scale genomic study identifies 71 new autism-linked genes
An international consortium expands the known autism-associated gene set, strengthening the case for heterogeneous biological subtypes — and personalized supports.
- CommunityMay 26, 2026· Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics Partner to Advance Inclusive Water Safety and Aquatic Access
The Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics are proud to announce a new partnership focused on advancing inclusive water safety, drowning prevention, aquatic accessibility, and community engagement for Autistic individuals and their families. Together, the organizations are working to address a critical need: ensuring that all individuals, especially those from historically underserve…
- NeurodiversityMay 23, 2026· Autism in Adulthood
Autistic-led research network publishes priorities for the next decade
AASPIRE and partner self-advocate groups release a community-driven research agenda emphasizing quality of life, mental health, and acceptance over cure-oriented work.
- ResearchMay 20, 2026· Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Review: sex education tailored to autistic youth reduces risky behavior and improves knowledge
A systematic review across 21 studies concludes that structured, visual, autism-specific sexuality curricula (including Tackling Teenage and Healthy Bodies) meaningfully improve psychosexual knowledge, boundary skills, and self-reported safety — while generic school sex-ed does not.
- ResearchMay 20, 2026· JAMA Pediatrics
Early parent-coaching cuts time-to-services for underserved families
A pragmatic trial in three US states shows brief parent coaching during the diagnostic waitlist meaningfully accelerates skill gains for children from low-income households.
- CommunityMay 18, 2026· Autism Society of America
Autism Society of America Advances Correctional Training Through WITH Foundation Grant
May 18, 2026, Rockville, MD -- The Autism Society of America was proud to be a recipient of a grant from the WITH Foundation, whose commitment to improving healthcare access for underserved communities makes initiatives like this possible. Through the Autism Society’s Health Equity arm and Autism Justice Center, Project Unlock PEACE advanced critical efforts [...] The post Autism Society of Ameri…
- CommunityMay 16, 2026· ASHA Leader
AAC access expands as Medicaid clarifies coverage in 9 more states
New guidance removes 'prerequisite' barriers — like demonstrated speech — that historically blocked nonspeaking children from getting speech-generating devices.
- CommunityMay 15, 2026· Autism Society of America
Literature that Defines Us: Jennifer Cook’s “My Friend Julia” Recognized by TIME
At the Autism Society of America, we believe in the power of stories to create connections and foster true acceptance. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone for one of our own. Jennifer Cook, a member of our Board of Directors and the Chair of our Council of Autistic Advisors, has seen her [...] The post Literature that Defines Us: Jennifer Cook’s “My Friend Julia”…
- CommunityMay 13, 2026· Autism Society of America
Capitol Connection: May 14, 2026
In this issue of Capitol Connection, we highlight key federal policy developments affecting the Autism and broader disability community, including ongoing budget negotiations, proposed changes to critical programs, and new legislation to support caregivers. We also share recent research and resources that underscore the importance of protecting access to services and [...] The post Capitol Connec…
- ResearchMay 13, 2026· Journal of Special Education
Sensory-friendly classroom modifications improve learning outcomes K-3
Lighting, acoustic, and seating adjustments produced measurable gains in attention and reduced classroom dysregulation in a multi-site study.
- CommunityMay 12, 2026· Autism Society of America
The Autism Society of America and Goodnites® Strengthen Partnership in 2026 to Support Families with Practical Communication Tools
The Autism Society of America and Goodnites® Strengthen Partnership in 2026 to Support Families with Practical Communication Tools May 12, 2026 - The Autism Society of America and Goodnites® nighttime underwear are proud to announce a continued partnership in 2026, including the release of a new resource, The Language of Bedwetting. Bedwetting is common, affecting 1 in 6 children. Research publis…
- NeurodiversityMay 9, 2026· American Academy of Pediatrics
First identity-first language style guide adopted by major pediatric body
Updated editorial guidance respects autistic adults' preferences for identity-first language ('autistic child') alongside person-first when families prefer it.
- CommunityApr 14, 2026· Autism Society of America
Advocates push for disability-informed police training after wave of autistic-teen arrests
Coverage of several 2025–26 cases where autistic teens were arrested for public undressing or misread social advances has renewed calls for mandatory I/DD-response training and prosecutorial diversion programs.
- NeurodiversityMar 2, 2026· Autistic Self Advocacy Network
ASAN publishes plain-language guide on consent, boundaries, and the criminal-legal system
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network releases a free plain-language toolkit for autistic teens and adults covering consent, appropriate touch, online behavior, and what to do if stopped by police — co-written by autistic self-advocates and disability-rights attorneys.
- ResearchFeb 11, 2026· Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
PEERS® young-adult curriculum shows durable dating and boundary-skill gains at 2-year follow-up
A UCLA-led follow-up of the PEERS® for Young Adults RCT finds sustained improvements in dating etiquette, handling rejection, and reading social cues — outcomes directly linked to reduced misunderstanding-driven conflict.
- CommunityJan 18, 2026· Organization for Autism Research
Organization for Autism Research expands free 'Sex Ed for Self-Advocates' with parent companion
OAR adds a parent-facing companion to its widely-used sexuality guide, giving families scripts, visuals, and staged conversations for pre-teens through young adults — including private-vs-public behavior and online safety.