Autism Science Foundation Weekly Science Report

Traditionally, scientists have been able to calculate the role of genes in autism, or the environment in autism. However, understanding the role of genes together with the environment, or the effects of the environment with a genetic background, has been very difficult. This is especially true with polygenic genetic risk factors, which is not a single gene but a combination o...

This week’s podcast features beloved UCLA child neurologist Dr. Rujuta Wilson who helps families with autism and other neurological conditions, both with and without a known genetic condition. We discuss the overlap of motor disability with autism spectrum disorder, what we know, what we need to know and what research families can participate in to help solve these questions....

Happy Pride! In honor of June, this week’s podcast focuses on the specific needs of those who are transgender or sexually diverse and also autistic. What is the prevalence of autism in those who are transgender and what is the prevalence of being transgender in those who are autistic? New research has emerged which shows that mental and physical health problems are more preva...

We have talked already about the link between autism and dementia, however a lesser known association is the one between autism and another disorder of aging: Parkinson’s Disease. A recent presentation at INSAR revealed what is known about the relationship, why they are related, what causes the association and what people with autism can do to possibly mitigate the onset of d...

In all the recent hype on the “overprescribing” of psychiatric medications, there is a circulating rumor antidepressant use in the mother during pregnancy has could be linked to an autism diagnosis in the child. Thankfully, there is research on this topic, and the results are clear: antidepressant exposure during pregnancy does not cause autism in children. Where would this i...