Autism Brief
Research. Services. Community.
A sample of a publication built and operated by Desk. Source-based news briefs and demonstration opinion pieces, with illustrative photos and non-clickable previews.
Research
Federal SPECTRA program targets more personalized autism support
ARPA-H launched a research effort combining biological, clinical and everyday data to study diagnosis and support across the lifespan.
ARPA-H · Sept. 17, 2026
Your perspective
Op-Ed: Autism services should be easier to navigate
A case for clearer information, simpler referrals, and better coordination across schools, providers, and community programs. Families and autistic adults should be able to find the support they need without an unnecessary maze of steps.
Demonstration op-ed
Research funding
Georgia State expands role in large autism research collaborations
The TReNDS Center will contribute neuroimaging and data expertise to projects focused on understanding developmental differences and personalized supports.
Georgia State University · Sept. 28, 2026
In the edition
News, developments & your perspective
Access to care
OHSU receives $4 million to study parent-led telehealth
A five-year study will evaluate an online intervention for young autistic children and examine which families benefit from additional support.
OHSU · Sept. 9, 2026
Clinical research
Marcus and Emory join international autism trials network
An award of up to $17.25 million supports participation in the IMPACT Network, with an initial focus on profound autism and related conditions.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta · Sept. 8, 2026
Research data
Autism BrainNet adds two brain-tissue datasets
New genetic and multiomic resources from donated brain tissue are available through SFARI Base, subject to research access requirements.
SFARI · Sept. 3, 2026
Genetics
Study examines genetic connections between temperament and autism
Research involving nearly 79,000 children found genetic overlap between some early temperament traits and neurodevelopmental conditions. The findings describe associations, not diagnostic tests.
SFARI · Aug. 31, 2026
Your perspective
Letter to the Editor: Include autistic adults in the conversation
Autistic adults deserve a place in discussions about services, research priorities, and community life. This letter calls for listening to lived experience when organizations decide what to do next.
Demonstration letter
Genetics
Long-read sequencing pilot adds data from 37 SPARK families
The release covers 110 people and explores a sequencing approach that may reveal genetic variation missed by other methods.
SFARI · Aug. 10, 2026
More to know
News & opinion
Research resources
Searchlight expands de-identified participant data
The latest release includes information from more than 7,500 people, with updated documentation intended to help approved researchers use the collection.
SFARI · Aug. 4, 2026
Research agenda
SFARI schedules genetics workshops for December
Three online sessions will address uncertain variants, computational discovery and long-read sequencing, followed by a combined meeting in February 2027.
SFARI · Aug. 3, 2026
Your perspective
Op-Ed: Judge progress by everyday access
Research deserves attention, and so does the practical work of making support available. An argument for treating clear information, transportation, and flexible service hours as part of the access conversation.
Demonstration op-ed