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Low-birth-weight babies with damage to their white matter — the nerve fibers that connect different brain regions — are more likely to be diagnosed with autism as adults, says a two-decade study published 11 February in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Researchers have uncovered a new role for the protein missing in fragile X syndrome — it regulates the release of neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the brain, according to a mouse study published 20 February in Neuron.

A handful of studies point to dietary deficiencies as a contributing factor in some forms of autism, suggesting that supplements — such as carnitine or certain amino acids — may help treat and even prevent the disorder.

The search for rapid autism diagnosis has been elusive so far. Several researchers are instead looking for ways to prioritize the assessment of children at risk for the disorder, quickly establishing a diagnosis when it's clear-cut and referring more complex cases for in-depth evaluation.

A mother of two sons with mutations in the autism-linked gene neuroligin-4 helped broker collaborations between research teams. Her ultimate goal, she says, is to help researchers uncover new treatments for the disorder.