A recent NIH-funded study found that children with autism have more brain cells and heavier brains compared to typically developing children. The researchers suggest that faulty prenatal cell birth or maintenance may be involved in the development of autism.
A study characterizes epigenetic signatures of autism in brain tissue, finding hundreds of genomic loci affected by altered histone methylation. The research provides new insights into the genetic and epigenetic risk maps of developmental brain disorders.
Researchers mapped epigenetic changes in neurons from individuals with autism, finding hundreds of sites affected by histone methylation alterations. The study reveals considerable overlap between genetic and epigenetic risk maps for developmental brain disorders.
Researchers found inconsistent best-estimate clinical diagnoses for autism spectrum disorders across 12 university-based sites, highlighting regional variations and implications for diagnostic frameworks. The study suggests moving towards dimensional descriptions of core features, rather than existing subgroupings.
University of Missouri researchers have identified distinct differences in facial characteristics between children with autism and typically developing children. The study found that children with autism have broader eyes, a shorter middle face region, and a wider mouth, which may enable further study of the underlying causes of autism.
A study by Rice University biochemist Michael Stern suggests a possible link between Type 2 diabetes and autism due to impaired glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. This common underlying mechanism may lead to the development of new treatments for autistic children, including low-carbohydrate diets.
Researchers at UC Davis found a genetic variant associated with autoantibodies in pregnant women that may increase their child's risk of developing autism. The study suggests a potential screening test for women at risk of having an autistic child, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention.
Researchers found that premature infants are five times more likely to develop autism, with a 5% diagnosis rate compared to 1% in the general population. The study, which followed 862 children from birth to young adulthood, suggests low birthweight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found a link between low birthweight and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. Premature infants are five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than children born at normal weight, according to the study published in Pediatrics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching a new autism curriculum, 'Autism Case Training', to educate future pediatricians on identifying, diagnosing, and managing autism spectrum disorders. The curriculum consists of seven case-based studies and emphasizes practical skills for patient and parent interaction.
The Autism Speaks BGI collaboration aims to generate the world's largest library of sequenced genomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The initiative will perform whole genome sequencing on over 2,000 participating families and collect data from China.
Studies followed children from 6 months to age 3, finding that those who would later develop autism exhibited distinct behaviors at 12 months, including joint attention and imitation issues. Early intervention techniques are being developed to address these signs, with promising early results.
An expert at the University of Missouri has identified employment resources for adults with autism, including state vocational rehabilitation programs and job seekers' recommendations. These resources aim to improve workplace accommodations and hiring processes, enabling individuals with autism to succeed in the workforce.
The selected studies will evaluate the effectiveness of promising behavioral and medical treatments for core symptoms and associated medical issues in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Three pilot projects focus on social engagement and language development in non-verbal individuals, while three o...
A genetically engineered mouse model with tripled Ube3a gene dosage exhibits robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication, and excessive repetitive behaviors. The study provides further clues in understanding brain defects that lead to autism development.
Scientists at CSHL have discovered that a 27-gene cluster deletion on chromosome 16 causes autism-like features. Mouse models revealed that inheriting fewer copies of these genes leads to behaviors and brain alterations characteristic of autism.
Researchers created a mouse model that displays remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. The animals responded well to an FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat repetitive behaviors often associated with the disease.
The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network has received a $12 million federal grant to continue its work in supporting clinical research, developing best-practice guidelines, and providing tool kits for families and physicians. The funding will also support the development of additional research within the ATN, including clinical trial...
Research from Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network found that over half of children and adolescents with autism also have ADHD symptoms, compromising their adaptive abilities and quality of life. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating ADHD symptoms in individuals with autism.
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative selects seven new software applications to be built by volunteer developers, aiming to improve daily life for individuals with autism. The selected apps include social stories, calendar management, medical journals, and communication tools.
A new study published in Autism Research found that parental age, maternal ethnicity, and paternal age are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), while household income has no significant link. The research also identified demographic risk factors such as male gender and...
Autism Speaks has launched a new toolkit to help parents prepare their child for blood draws and routine medical procedures, reducing stress and improving the overall experience. The tool kit provides practical strategies, visual supports, and guidance for medical practitioners to create a smoother approach.
A transgenic mouse model exhibiting behavioral parallels with humans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has improved scientific understanding and may lead to diagnostic tests based on biomarkers. The research could also help design targeted interventions and treatments.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital uses a novel method to analyze brain-scan data, distinguishing children with autism from typically developing children. The findings show that gray matter in social communication and self-related brain regions has a distinct organization in people with autism.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 19% of younger siblings of children with autism developed autism, with males having a significantly higher risk than females. The study also showed an increased risk for male infants with two older siblings who have autism, at over 32%
A large international multi-site study found the recurrence risk of autism in younger siblings to be substantially higher, with a combined estimated risk of nearly 19%. The risk is especially elevated among male infants, with over 32% diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
The International conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South East Asia marked the launch of a revolutionary South Asia Autism Network. The network aims to identify common challenges and form partnerships to develop solutions for autistic individuals in South Asian families and countries.
Kristopher Nazor, a Scripps Research Institute scientist, has been awarded a pre-doctoral fellowship from Autism Speaks Foundation to investigate the genetic form of autism known as Fragile X Syndrome. He will use pluripotent stem cell technology to understand how neural development is affected in this disorder.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a biomarker for autism in siblings of individuals with autism, showing reduced brain activity to emotional facial expressions. This finding provides an opportunity to investigate genes linked to autism and sheds light on why some family members are more affected than others.
Researchers found that identical twins were more likely to both have autism than fraternal twins. The study suggests that shared environment accounts for about 55% of the risk, while genetic factors contribute less, around 40%. This finding may shift future research paradigms.
The California Autism Twins Study suggests that both genetic and shared environmental factors significantly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in twins. Environmental influences such as parental age, low birth weight, multiple births, and maternal infections during pregnancy may greatly increase the risk for ASD.
A large twin study found that shared environment influences autism susceptibility more than previously thought, accounting for 55% of strict autism cases. Genetic heritability accounted for 37%, with moderate genetic and environmental contributions observed in spectrum disorders.
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative brings together technology and autism experts to create ground-breaking touch-enabled applications. The projects aim to facilitate social interaction, communication, and learning experiences for individuals with autism.
Researchers M. Ali Bangash and Mehreen Kouser published novel findings in the journal Cell on SHANK3 gene mutations and their impact on brain functioning in a mouse model of autism. Their work sheds light on the genetic causes of autism, specifically highlighting the role of this autism-associated gene in neuronal communication.
A study from University of Cambridge found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region. The 'hyper-systemizing' theory suggests that populations enriched for analytical skills, such as engineering and mathematics, may have a higher rate of autism.
Researchers at McMaster University found no good screening tools or treatments for autism, and routine screening does more harm than good. The study suggests careful surveillance and assessment of preschoolers showing signs of language and social problems instead.
A study published in Neuron identified many small genetic variations associated with autism, including a key region that may explain human social behavior. The research suggests that autism is caused by many small genetic defects rather than one major defect.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital mapped the interactome for autism spectrum disorder, identifying hundreds of new protein interactions. The study also confirms previously known connections and reveals unsuspected connectivity between genes associated with idiopathic and syndromic autism.
Two independent microarray studies and a gene network analysis confirm that spontaneous genetic mutations underlie many autism cases. The research identifies an array of genetic variants linked to increased risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
A clinically extensive study of 1000 families with one autistic child and one unaffected sibling validated the importance of spontaneous causal mutations in autism. The study estimates a minimum of 250 to 300 locations in the human genome where gene copy number variation can give rise to autism spectrum disorder.
Research from the University of Utah Health identifies toddlers as early as 14 months at risk for autism syndrome disorder. A partnership between autism experts and pediatricians using widely accepted questionnaires leads to the identification of 10 toddlers with early signs of ASD, previously missed.
A new gene-sequencing study identifies rare de novo mutations in four genes that likely play a causative role in autism. The study suggests that the 'multi-hit' theory of autism may be correct and provides evidence for exome-sequencing as an effective way to discover responsible genes.
Scientists at the University of Washington have identified 21 newly occurring genetic mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder, many of which altered proteins. The study suggests that these sporadic mutations could contribute substantially to the underlying mechanisms and severity of autism in approximately 20 percent of cases.
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center presented studies on nutritional insufficiencies, including supplement use, folate and niacin levels, and artificial food dye effects. The studies aim to identify effective interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders and explore potential environmental factors.
A comprehensive study of 55,000 children in South Korea found that over two-thirds of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases were unrecognized and untreated. The research suggests that autism prevalence may be higher than previously thought, particularly in non-clinical populations.
Three winning designs, Gobug, weSYNC, and Visual Watch, demonstrate creative technology solutions to improve daily life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These innovative products facilitate social learning experiences, manage schedules, and provide communication tools.
A UK survey found that adults with autism were rarely aware they had the condition, with prevalence higher in males and lower educated individuals. The study suggests that changes in diagnosis methods may be responsible for recent increases in reported cases.
A new study suggests that individuals with autism have a weak mirror neuron system in their youth, but it increases with age and becomes unusually high thereafter. This delay in development may be related to increased capacity for social function or responsiveness to rehabilitative treatments.
A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that brain donors with autism and epilepsy had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with autism alone, increasing by over 800%. The research highlights the importance of early identification of epilepsy in children with autism.
Researchers will investigate the underlying biology of GI dysfunction and test a novel probiotic therapy to restore function in children with ASD. The study aims to better understand the connections between GI symptoms, gut barrier function, immune function, and abnormal behavior in ASD.
Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a gene, GRIP1, associated with autism that affects social interaction deficits. The study found that variants of the gene contribute to the severity of social behavior in individuals with autism.
Researchers found that toddlers who played with fewer toys showed improvement in communication skills after parent-guided treatment. However, the treatment did not show a significant effect on all children, but rather those who had limited playtime.
Researchers identified new gene variants contributing to autism, disrupting brain development and nerve signaling. The study suggests multiple genetic paths to autism, with similar functional roles in the nervous system.
UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.
A noninvasive EEG test using machine-learning algorithms can identify infant autism risk at 9 months with 80% accuracy, suggesting a safe and practical approach to early diagnosis. The test captures differences in brain organization and function, allowing for behavioral interventions before traditional testing.
Rates of service use decline significantly after young adults with autism spectrum disorder exit high school. Disparities in service usage exist by race and socioeconomic status.
The hospital has established a Diagnostic, Clinical & Research Center for Autism to support clinical and translational research. Participation in the ATN will enable them to engage in cutting-edge clinical and translational research.
The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network has expanded to 17 leading children's hospitals and academic medical centers in the US and Canada. The network provides comprehensive and multidisciplinary care models for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, supported by evidence-based research and practice.
The collaboration aims to verify the existence of a higher ASD prevalence among Somali children in Minneapolis. The project will use surveillance methods developed at the CDC to investigate the issue, which has been raised by parents and community members.
New research reveals that children with autism are unable to search effectively for objects in real-life environments, contrary to previous findings. This skill is crucial for achieving independence in adulthood.