Researchers found significant brain volume enlargement in children with autism, particularly in white and gray matter, which affects the cerebral cortex responsible for thought, perception, and memory. The study suggests that this enlargement may begin as late as the first year of life, during the postnatal period.
A UCLA imaging study found that children with autism have a dysfunctional mirror neuron system, which may underlie their social deficits. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity in high-functioning children with autism while they imitated and observed emotions.
Research using fMRI technology found reduced activity in the caudate nucleus, a critical part of prefrontal brain circuits, in boys with autism. This impairment affects attention, problem-solving, and learning abilities. The study's findings may help develop better therapies for children with autism.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has joined forces with advocacy groups to fund research on autism susceptibility genes. The initiative aims to expand knowledge of the genetic factors involved in autism and develop targeted therapies.
The study found that complex gene-gene interactions are likely responsible for the development of autism. The GABA brain system is implicated in this process, with multiple genes working together to influence the disease.
Recent studies suggest that multiple rare mutations within a single gene may increase risk for autism. The SERT gene regulates brain levels of serotonin, which is involved in various biological processes and has been found to be elevated in about 25% of people with autism. SSRIs have improved some symptoms, leading scientists to propos...
Research by Larry Young on voles has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying social attachment, which may hold clues for understanding autism. The study suggests that oxytocin and vasopressin play a critical role in modulating social behavior and shaping normal adult social behavior.
Researchers identified a link between chromosomes 7 and 21 and autism susceptibility, with new evidence suggesting chromosome 21 plays a role in the condition. This finding may help explain the increased prevalence of autism among children with Down syndrome.
Researchers have identified differences in immune system cells and proteins in children with autism, raising hopes for an early diagnostic blood test. The study's findings could lead to a routine blood test that detects autism in newborns and allows for early treatment or prevention.
Researchers found clear differences in immune cell responses between children with autism and typically developing children following exposure to bacterial agents and a plant lectin. The study suggests that a dysfunctional immune system may play a role in the development of autism, warranting further investigation.
Scientists reported progress in diagnosing youngest children through biomarkers and behavioral observations, allowing for early treatment. The study also highlighted the potential connection of cytokines to autism and identified endophenotypic traits associated with the condition.
Researchers have identified behaviors in infants as young as six months that can predict autism. The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) maps the development of infants against 16 risk markers for autism, including passivity and social interaction difficulties.
Research led by Ohio State University found a mutation in the PTEN gene in three people with autism and large heads, raising concerns about an increased cancer risk. The study suggests that individuals with autism and macrocephaly should be offered genetic counseling and testing for PTEN mutations.
The Indiana University Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center has launched a new program to train teachers to support children with autism. The program, called HANDS in Autism, will provide intensive training for educators and other staff members in local school districts.
A Mayo Clinic study analyzed data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and found a stable incidence of autism until 1988-1991, then increased with new diagnostic criteria and special education laws. Researchers identified 124 children meeting current diagnostic criteria for autism out of 3,000 with related diagnoses.
Research using fMRI scans reveals that individuals with high-functioning autism exhibit different brain activation patterns when recalling alphabet letters, with more activity in right hemisphere and less in left.
Researchers have found brain inflammation associated with autism, suggesting immune activation plays a role in the disorder. The study's findings support the theory that immune activation is involved in autism, but further research is needed to understand its benefits and drawbacks.
Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.
A team of Hopkins researchers is using new genome searching technologies to identify genetic factors contributing to autism. They will analyze data from 465 families and 979 individuals with autism, focusing on rare genetic mutations and extra or missing gene copies.
A new genetic hypothesis proposes that most cases of autism can be explained by a complex model for genetic malfunction, involving both inherited and de novo genetic factors. The study suggests epigenetic components, including genetic imprinting, play a major role in the etiology of autism.
Researchers found abnormalities in brain activity among people with normal IQs who have autism, indicating a deficiency in coordination among brain areas. The study proposes the underconnectivity theory, which suggests that autism is a distributed system-wide disorder limiting integration among brain areas.
An Australian study investigated the connection between autism and pregnancy-related complications, finding increased risk for older parents, firstborn children, and certain medical interventions. The research suggests that early nongenetic influences may play a role in some cases of autism development.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found a positive association between autism and immune system disorders, including respiratory and skin allergies. Autistic children were less likely to have asthma compared to their non-autistic peers.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in one gene that increases the risk of autism by approximately doubling it, according to Dr. Joseph Buxbaum's study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Two Vanderbilt researchers have received NAAR fellowships to develop new tools for identifying and understanding the genetic causes of autism. Lynnette Henderson is working on extending Stone's Screening Tool for Autism in Two-year-olds, while Jacob McCauley will conduct a genetic analysis of serotonergic and GABA-ergic genes.
Linda Brzustowicz will lead research on hereditary patterns of autistic behaviors, analyzing 'trio' samples from autistic individuals and their parents to define genes linked to the disorder. The study aims to better understand, treat, and potentially prevent autism.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine and Children's Hospital found rapid brain growth in infants with autism, linked to early diagnosis and improved outcomes. The study identified a window of abnormal brain development, predicting the severity of autism, and suggests earlier interventions could improve treatment.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded grants to support six new autism research centers. The centers, led by renowned experts in the field, will focus on understanding brain abnormalities, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of individuals with autism. This major network of centers aims to reduce the bur...
A new study from the University of Washington found that neither natural porcine secretin nor a synthetic form of the hormone reduced symptoms of autism. The research involved 85 children with autism and tested the effects of both forms of secretin versus a placebo, concluding there is no evidence for its effectiveness.
A nationwide study aims to identify genetic markers for autism and improve early detection, helping families receive timely support. The study will involve 75 children with autism, 40 developmentally delayed children, and 40 normally developing ones.
The NIH Autism Coordinating Committee has selected two new centers to conduct autism research, expanding the agency's commitment to the field. The centers will focus on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism, with a goal of advancing knowledge about this devastating condition.
A new study suggests that routine overnight EEG monitoring is unwarranted for autistic children, as the incidence of Landau-Kleffner syndrome is miniscule. The study found that only a small percentage of patients with autism spectrum disorder exhibit abnormal EEGs during sleep.
The NIH has awarded a $6 million grant to researchers at UCLA to expand the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) gene bank and gather more information on autism. The study aims to identify genetic vulnerabilities in individuals with autism, which may lead to new treatments and therapies.
A study published in 2001 found that patients with autism who received secretin showed no statistically significant improvements in core symptoms compared to those who received a placebo. The researchers tested porcine secretin and found no improvement in secondary measures of autism either.
The NIH has awarded $3.9 million in new grants to support innovative treatments for autism and establish a nationwide network of major research centers. The grants will focus on aspects such as speech therapy, imitation skills, and biological effects of medications.
A study by researchers at NIH has identified the HOXA1 gene as a potential contributor to autism in a large number of cases. The gene plays a crucial role in early brain development, and variants of the gene were found to be present in nearly 40% of individuals with autism.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that certain antibiotic agents can improve autism symptoms in some children, particularly those colonized by bacteria producing toxins. The study suggests a possible link between intestinal bacteria and autism, warranting further research for prevention or treatment strategies.
Researchers localized autism and developmental language disorder to the same position in the human genome, suggesting a genetic relationship between the disorders. The findings also explain why language difficulties are more prevalent in siblings and parents of individuals with autism.
Researchers will test two forms of secretin on 51 children with autism, aged 3-12, to evaluate its effectiveness. The trial aims to uncover the genetic and neurobiological causes of autism and identify potential side effects.
A study of 86 individuals with autism and their parents found a significant relationship between the serotonin transporter gene and autism. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and medical treatment for autism, providing hope for those affected by this complex disorder.