Researchers found that a small number of biochemical pathways are responsible for the majority of metabolic changes in autism. These changes may be linked to the cell danger response and can be partially restored with existing pharmaceutical drugs.
Research from ANU and UQ found that people on the autism spectrum are predisposed to PTSD, with mild stress triggering traumatic memories. The study pinpointed brain mechanisms responsible for this occurrence, shedding light on hypersensitivity to stress.
The journal features five original articles from Kennedy Krieger faculty members, providing actionable insights on caring for children with autism. The volume addresses a significant gap in resources for pediatric clinicians and researchers globally.
Researchers identified three distinct genomic dimensions related to autism features, including language performance and developmental motor delay. These dimensions suggest different underlying mechanisms contributing to neurodiversity in individuals with autism.
The Kessler Foundation has received two significant grants from NIDILRR to fund research initiatives focused on enhancing employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. A strength-based tool will be developed to help individuals identify and confidently express their strengths, improving job interview skills and employment...
A new study challenges traditional male-focused autism research by revealing striking similarities in synaptic abnormalities and behavioral patterns between male and female mouse models. This finding emphasizes the necessity of considering both sexes to comprehensively grasp the complexities of autism spectrum disorder.
A novel AI system analyzing brain MRI scans can diagnose autism in children between 24 and 48 months with a 98.5% accuracy rate. This technology enables early detection of autism, potentially leading to improved independence, IQs, and therapeutic outcomes.
Researchers from Drexel University's Autism Institute found that most TikTok videos providing information on autism were inaccurate or overgeneralized. Healthcare professionals' content was more likely to include accurate information, while personal experience-based videos were not coded in the study.
A long-term study found that changes in core autism characteristics are related to the development of mental health challenges during elementary school years. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may help reduce anxiety for autistic individuals.
A new AI-powered app can detect autism in children with high accuracy, capturing a wide range of behavioral characteristics beyond eye movements. The app provides detailed information on which indicators led to its conclusions and why, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
A joint study by multiple research teams identified a link between valproate exposure during pregnancy and increased expression of the Rnf146 gene in autism mice, disrupting neurotransmitter balance. The findings contribute to understanding autism's mechanism and may aid early detection and treatment.
Researchers have developed a new tool that measures children's looking behavior to predict expert clinical diagnosis of autism in children between 16-30 months. The tool provides objective measurements of social disability, verbal ability, and non-verbal learning skills.
Research finds that 75% of boys with fragile X meet criteria for co-occurring autism, but only 31% are identified in community settings. Early diagnosis is crucial to access services improving outcomes and quality of life.
A study reveals implicit and explicit associations between autism and traditional male traits may hinder women's diagnosis and comprehension of autism. The research highlights the need for more inclusive assessment methods.
A new review highlights the current state of the art in autism research, using genetically modified mice to analyze the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind autism. The insular cortex is found to be crucial for emotions, empathy, and motivation in both mice and humans.
Researchers found an abnormal imbalance of excitatory cortical neurons in people with autism spectrum disorder, depending on their head size. The study used human 'mini-brain' models called organoids to recreate the brain development alteration that occurred in patients during fetal development.
Researchers found seven potential genes linked to increased autism risk, including rare inherited variations and polygenic scores. Children with language delays had a higher likelihood of inheriting these genes, suggesting a link between genetic risk and language delay.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that genetic variants associated with autism are present in 4% of those with autism and 1% of the general population. These variants were linked to poorer cognitive performance, lower socioeconomic status, and educational level in undiagnosed individuals.
A new app called START has been shown to accurately identify autistic children in India, with a success rate of 86% for neurodevelopmental disorders and 78% for autism. The low-cost tablet screening tool uses simple games and questions to measure social preference, sensory interests, and motor skills.
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that children with autism have impaired memory beyond poor facial recognition, affecting other types of information. The research also revealed distinct brain wiring patterns reflecting these memory challenges.
Scientists have found that siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) share more of their father's genome than initially thought. In many cases, it is the father who may play a bigger genetic role in ASD. This discovery offers new potential sources for understanding and treating the disorder.
A new study found that gestational weight gain z scores, standardized by pre-pregnancy BMI, are associated with susceptibility to autism-related traits in children. Pregnant individuals and clinicians can benefit from healthy weight gain guidelines during pregnancy.
A new training program has been shown to increase the accuracy of autism diagnoses in young children by primary care physicians, reducing wait times for specialist care. The ECHO Autism STAT model leverages video-conferencing technology and case-based learning to build capacity among community clinicians.
A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine has identified four clinically distinct groups of people with autism spectrum disorder, each with unique brain connection patterns and behavioral traits. The findings highlight the potential for personalized therapies tailored to individual subgroups, which may lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers developed a VR imaging system to measure neural activity in mouse brains during behavior, revealing abnormalities in cortical functional network dynamics associated with autism. The system successfully distinguished between autism model mice and wild-type mice based on their brain network patterns.
The latest CDC report highlights changing demographics of autism and its impact on early detection. In California, 2.8% of 8-year-old children have been identified with ASD, while the median age of first diagnosis is just over 4 years.
The proposed SpectrumChain framework utilizes blockchain technology to enable secure, efficient, and refined spectrum resource management for 6G wireless networks. It achieves this through a hierarchical architecture comprising a main chain and subchains, allowing for global spectrum resource trading and local spectrum sharing.
Research at Kobe University reveals that endogenous retrovirus activation increases a fetus's susceptibility to autism, leading to differences in brain structure and behavior. The study identifies BTBR/R mice as a more accurate model of autism, exhibiting autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning ability.
The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found that the M-CHAT(-R/F) autism screener performs well when used as intended, with high sensitivity and specificity rates. The study analyzed 50 studies published between 2001 and 2020 and found variability in performance depending on factors such as sample size and confirmation strategies.
A freely available measure of autism symptoms can help screen for autism and monitor changes over time in symptoms. The Autism Symptom Dimension Questionnaire (ASDQ) was applied to 1,467 children and adolescents, including 104 with autism spectrum disorder, and found to be reliable and valid.
Researchers at DGIST have identified a cell-specific molecular network associated with autism spectrum disorder, which may lead to new treatments. The study used multi-omics integrated analysis technology to reveal problems in networks like metabolism and synapses in excitable neurons.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that microbiota transfer therapy significantly improved the abundance of beneficial bacteria and normalized altered bacterial gene expression in children with autism. The treatment showed substantial increases in populations of beneficial bacterial species and improvements in ge...
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.
Researchers found that deleting a copy of the Arid1b gene in specific brain cells decreased inhibitory signaling, leading to changes in synaptic properties and connectivity. The study suggests that this gene may be a key target for therapeutics in treating autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers from SickKids have uncovered new genes and genetic changes associated with autism spectrum disorder, including 134 linked genes and gene copy number variations. The study offers a better understanding of the 'genomic architecture' underlying this disorder.
Research reveals natural genetic variation impacting brain development contributes to autism's diverse behaviors, with implications for tailored support. The study sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics, brain development, and behavior in individuals with autism.
A new UCLA-led study found comprehensive brain-wide changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, refining scientists' understanding of how the condition progresses. The study analyzed gene expression across 11 cortical regions, revealing strong evidence that RNA changes in the brain are likely the cause of ASD.
Research found that new autism diagnoses tend to cluster within specific NHS service regions, suggesting a possible health service effect on diagnosis rates. This study highlights potential healthcare disparities and the impact of social determinants on autism diagnosis likelihood.
A new study developed machine learning models to assess connections among hundreds of clinical variables and predict the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in young children. The models used de-identified insurance claim data to identify risk factors and quantify their association with autism. This approach has promising potential ...
Researchers from the autistic community offer guidelines for using respectful language in autism research, prioritizing the perspectives of autistic individuals. They advocate for a shift towards participatory and co-produced research to reduce power imbalance and ensure autistic involvement.
Researchers will investigate racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare services for autistic children in New Jersey. The study aims to understand the social determinants of these disparities and promote health equity among children on the spectrum.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 43,000 people with autism and identified a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect. The study shows that these genes contribute to autism through inherited variants and are associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study of over 150,000 participants has identified more than 70 genes strongly associated with autism and over 250 with strong links to the condition. The analysis provides insights into the molecular roots of brain development and neurodiversity.
Researchers have uncovered 60 genes linked to autism spectrum disorder, which may represent a different class of genes associated with core symptoms. The study found that five new genes have a moderate impact on autism characteristics and explain why autism often runs in families.
A Rutgers study found that only 47% of autistic children in four New Jersey counties received early intervention programs before 36 months. Income and race-based disparities hindered access to these services. The study highlights the need for universal autism screening and enhanced support for early intervention systems.
Researchers found an autism-associated mutation in the Hevin protein results in its retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, activating the unfolded protein response in cells. This disrupts normal brain function, contributing to autism pathogenesis.
Studies by UC Davis MIND Institute found predictive protein patterns in expecting mothers' blood and links between maternal autoantibodies and higher autistic traits. MAR ASD patterns were associated with autism before birth, with certain patterns predicting autism in previously diagnosed children.
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that fentanyl can induce changes similar to autism-like behaviors in young male and female mice. The research team discovered that fentanyl induces autism-like behaviors via activating the mu-opioid receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex.
Researchers have identified unique differences in the visual systems of infants who later develop autism, which are associated with inherited genetic factors. These differences in brain structure and function precede the appearance of autistic symptoms and are related to the severity of autism traits in older siblings.
A study led by Kobe University researchers found that idiopathic autism is caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells, leading to immune dysregulation and brain-gut axis disorders. The study used BTBR mice as a model and identified histone deacetylase HDAC1 as a common mechanism underlying these pathologies.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
A new study examines factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake in the autism community, revealing that early skepticism waned over time. The majority of caregivers eventually received the vaccine following FDA approval. Firmly held vaccine-hesitant beliefs influenced a minority of autism spectrum disorder caregivers.
A preclinical study suggests that astrocyte abnormalities may contribute to repetitive behaviors and memory deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Researchers grew human astrocytes from patients with ASD and transplanted them into healthy mice, which developed repetitive behaviors but not social deficits.
Researchers found that babies who later develop autism show overgrowth of the amygdala between six and 12 months, prior to behavioral symptoms. This finding suggests a potential link between early sensory processing problems and amygdala enlargement.
A team of scientists discovered that a disrupted circadian clock gene may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder. The study found that deleting the Bmal1 gene in mice led to autistic-like behaviors and cerebellar dysfunction, which were alleviated by mTORC1 inhibition.
A new early screening tool for autism has been found to be extremely accurate in identifying young children on the autism spectrum. The tool, developed by La Trobe University researchers, detects over 3 years earlier than traditional testing and has already been used in 11 countries.
A recent study identified specific RNA biomarkers linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism. The findings could lead to the development of personalized treatments to ease the pain of these individuals. The research has implications for precision medicine, enabling healthcare providers to track medication effectiveness...
Researchers found that blocking an overactive signaling pathway during the first five weeks of life prevents autism symptoms from developing in mice. The study suggests that targeting this critical period could lead to a potential cure for autism.
A new study found that 10% of those who died by suicide had evidence of elevated autistic traits, indicating likely undiagnosed autism. The research highlights the urgent need for earlier diagnosis and tailored support for suicide prevention.
Researchers at Flinders University found that autistic individuals with eating disorders also report higher weight and shape concerns, suggesting a unique combination of symptoms. The study highlights the need for best-practice guidelines to address co-occurring autism and eating disorders in treatment.