Scientists have discovered a brain protein, CNTNAP2, that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. The protein can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, making it a potential biomarker for diagnosing autism and treating epilepsy.
Children with autism benefit from group-based weight management and family-centered nutrition education, which improves eating habits and exercise motivation. The program's success rate is higher among families who complete the entire program, indicating its potential as an adjunct or alternative to traditional interventions.
Researchers from Drexel University's Autism Institute found that professional development providers with larger, more supportive networks perform better as coaches for teachers of autistic students. They also discovered that coaching support is more important than financial support for performance outcomes.
A new model of autism care and treatment prioritizes personalized, stepped approaches tailored to individuals' unique needs throughout their lives. The Lancet Commission calls for global coordination between governments, healthcare providers, and families to reform research, care, and treatment.
A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...
Abnormalities in brain cells and axons may lead to increased blood flow and more severe symptoms of autism. The study provides insights into the biology of autism spectrum disorder and potential therapeutic targets.
A study found that children with autism tend to have less diverse diets and lower gut microbiome diversity compared to their non-autistic peers. This suggests that dietary preferences may contribute to the development of autism-related traits.
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
A UC Davis MIND Institute study suggests telehealth evaluation can help families access care and diagnose autism earlier. The research found that telehealth approaches in the first year of life improved access to care for infants with elevated autism risk, reducing waitlists and parental stress.
A multicenter study found that oxytocin, a hormone used as an autism treatment, had no significant impact on social skills among children with autism. The study of 290 children aged 3-17 showed that oxytocin was safe but ineffective in boosting social abilities.
The number of autism diagnoses in England has skyrocketed by 787% over the past two decades, driven primarily by increased recognition and improved diagnosis for females. Researchers analyzed GP records and found that the greatest rises were among adults, with females making up most of the increase.
A new study found that unusual visual inspection behavior in infants aged 9 months and older is predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This behavior, characterized as an over-focus on objects, was most prominent and present earliest in infants who developed ASD.
Researchers at WVU aim to characterize autism patients' behaviors using behavior-tracking technology. They plan to use artificial intelligence to identify traits associated with ASD, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized interventions. The study also has the potential to improve early detection in young children.
A parent-led therapy for early signs of autism has significantly reduced the likelihood of an autism diagnosis at age three. The iBASIS-VIPP program uses video-feedback to support social development and unique abilities, resulting in increased parental sensitivity and language development.
Researchers analyzed facial asymmetry in 5000 points of 192 parents of autistic children and found they had more asymmetric faces than other adults. This study contributes to understanding the genetic causes of autism, which are known to play a major role in the condition.
Researchers at UNIGE developed an AI algorithm using automated video analysis to detect autism spectrum disorder in children under 5. The system correctly classified 80% of cases and showed a convincing result in just 10 minutes, providing an initial screening tool for parents.
A new study designed in collaboration with autistic scholars shows improvements in implicit biases about autism among the general public. The research found that autism trainings developed with autistic input were more effective at reducing implicit biases and improving explicit knowledge about autism.
A study by CHOP researchers reveals that children with autism on the autism spectrum who have impaired executive functioning skills face specific challenges in a school setting. The findings suggest that these challenges worsen as children experience adolescence, emphasizing the need for early intervention supports.
A study published in Autism Research investigated over 925,000 births in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, finding that delayed pregnancies by 2.5 to three years reduced the sibling's risk of autism diagnosis by up to nine percent
Anjana Bhat is studying the prevalence and relationship of motor problems in children with ASD. Her research aims to alter the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders definition of ASD by including motor impairments.
Researchers found that states have implemented new autism-specific Medicaid programs, with the most common type being the 1915(c) waiver authority, providing home and community-based services. The study suggests that further replication of successful efforts is needed to improve access to services for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Researchers have discovered a rare class of inherited genetic variants associated with autism, revealing new potential causes and pathways. These variants, less damaging than previously thought, contribute almost as much risk to the condition.
A study published in Gut journal found that children with autism have a distinctive and underdeveloped range of gut bacteria, significantly fewer linked to neurotransmitter activity. This characteristic microbial profile may play a role in social behaviors and warrants further investigation.
A study published in The BMJ Paediatrics Open found that the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) can detect autism at 18-30 months, but not all children who will be diagnosed later. The Q-CHAT shows promise for early detection and diagnosis of autism.
Researchers found that chlorpyrifos, a common pesticide, amplifies the effect of CHD8 gene mutations, leading to reduced protein levels in brain organoids. This study highlights the potential role of genetic and environmental interactions in autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at Kobe University have identified a causal gene, Necdin (NDN), associated with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. The study reveals that the NDN gene regulates synapse development during critical developmental stages.
Autistic children who are bilingual show improved theory of mind and executive function skills compared to monolingual peers. Bilingualism enables children to partially compensate for deficits in these areas, allowing them to focus on one language while inhibiting another.
A national database analysis reveals a cumulative incidence of 2.75% for autism spectrum disorders among children born between 2009 and 2014. The study found regional differences and an increasing trend over the years, with the proportion of diagnosed individuals showing a significant increase globally.
UVA Children's is part of a national network aiming to improve autism care by quickly applying the latest research and best practices. The network focuses on managing common symptoms like hyperactivity, irritability, and anxiety in children with autism.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 2,300 individuals with autism, identifying missense variants in 398 genes that may impact phenotypes. Patients with these variants tend to have lower IQ scores, shedding light on the complex relationship between mutations and autism severity.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers highlights the need for improved access to Medicaid waivers for families affected by autism spectrum disorder. The study found that having a Medicaid waiver and high school enrollment were key predictors of youth with autism and their families using available services.
A UTEP study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills found that children with autism exhibit highly individualized responses to live animation biofeedback when learning motor skills. The results suggest that each child with autism requires tailored instruction to overcome their unique motor learning characteristics.
A new study by Yale researchers found that girls with autism tend to develop the condition in a different region of the brain than boys, with a larger number of genetic mutations. The findings suggest that girls may have a natural protective effect against developing autism.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) 2021 Annual Meeting brought together over 1,300 authors from 30 countries to share their research and discoveries on autism spectrum disorder. Keynote speakers included Dr. Stormy J. Chamberlain, Dr. Tony Charman, Dr. Petrus J de Vries, and Dr. Lucina Q. Uddin.
A new study has demonstrated a correlation between autism spectrum disorder and changes in the gut microbiome. The researchers found that individuals with autism exhibited differences in gut microbiome composition compared to neurotypical controls, with gastrointestinal symptoms being significantly higher in those with autism. Longitud...
A new study found that autistic adults are often misjudged due to stereotypical behaviors, leading to disadvantage in the legal system. The researchers argue that these behaviors can be misinterpreted by judges and juries, resulting in harsher sentences for autistic individuals.
Researchers found that adolescents with autism exhibit greater brain activity during proactive executive control tasks, suggesting a unique approach rather than impairment. The study also revealed enhanced connectivity between regions associated with reactive control processes in individuals with autism.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that defects in mitochondria may contribute to autism spectrum disorder. The researchers introduced a mild missense mutation into a mouse strain and observed impaired social interactions, increased repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-like traits.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that children with autism experience a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 13. The study suggests that interventions targeting this age range can help maintain healthy rates of physical activity. The research also highlights the importance of physical activity fo...
A new study suggests autistic children may react more negatively to constructive parent conflicts, missing opportunities for learning healthy conflict resolution. Researchers recommend teaching autistic children to distinguish between destructive and constructive conflicts.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified patterns of maternal autoantibodies associated with autism spectrum disorder, allowing for early diagnosis and potential behavioral intervention. Researchers found that these biomarkers can predict the likelihood and severity of autism with high accuracy.
A new study reveals nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health condition, with anxiety and depression prevalent among pre-school age children. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention to increase effectiveness of mental health treatment.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified biomarkers in fathers' sperm that are linked to an increased risk of their children developing autism. These epigenetic markers can be detected with high accuracy and may help diagnose the condition, as well as identify environmental factors that contribute to its development.
A theoretical model describes the cause of autism as a combination of socially valued traits and co-occurring disabilities, accounting for most cases. The BAPCO-DMAP theory explains how positive traits of autism interact with development and disabilities.
Dr. Genova will develop a strength-based intervention to improve job interview skills for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The K18 award supports her research project at the University of Michigan School of Social Work's Level Up Lab.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that specific functional units within genes, called exons, can impact autism severity. The researchers analyzed genetic and clinical data from over 2,500 people with autism and discovered that children with truncating mutations in the same exon often exhibit similar symptoms.
Studies using longitudinal brain scans found a subtype of autism characterized by disproportionate megalencephaly and slower development in white matter tracts. Researchers also linked changes in white matter growth with autism traits and symptom severity.
A new research study found a connection between repetitive behaviors and gastrointestinal problems in children with autism. The study also found that increased severity of other autism symptoms was associated with more severe constipation, stomach pain and other gut difficulties.
Researchers applied the Perturb-Seq method to study dozens of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, identifying how specific cell types in the developing mouse brain are impacted by mutations. The study found that both neurons and glia are directly affected by different sets of risk genes.
Researchers analyzed ABR tests of nearly 140,000 newborns in Florida and found slower brain responses to sounds in those later diagnosed with autism. The study presents a promising direction in using ABR testing as a method for precise autism detection at birth.
Researchers found connections between autism types and abnormalities in parvocellular oxytocin neurons, which regulate platonic love and sociability. The study could fuel the development of autism therapies targeting disease symptoms spurred on by these brain cells.
Researchers found a substantial increase in the percentage of adults with autism receiving Medicaid services from 2008-2012. The study showed higher prevalence among younger adults (18-24) and lower among older adults (41-64).
A new study suggests that nerves responsible for sensing touch and pain may contribute to the development of autism. The exploratory study found that people with autism have differences in their sensory perception, including reduced nerve fiber density and altered responses to heat and touch.
A MU researcher developed a world's first health care transition readiness assessment for adolescents with autism, identifying skills needed for transition from pediatric care to adult care. The study found that young adults with autism can benefit from better understanding medication management, insurance policies and health care fina...
A new article offers practical guidance on avoiding ableist language in autism research, which can lead to stigmatization and exclusion of autistic individuals. The authors aim to reduce misunderstanding and improve communication by providing researchers with tools to use more inclusive language.
A Rutgers researcher developed a virtual training program to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorder improve behavioral skills. The study found that parents who received the telehealth training showed significant improvements compared to those who did not receive training.
A large Swedish study found no association between H1N1 influenza vaccination during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. Researchers adjusted for potential confounders to minimize influence from other factors.
Researchers identify a subtype of autism associated with lipid metabolism and brain development, offering potential targets for precision-targeted therapies and earlier diagnosis. The study found notable alterations in cholesterol levels among children with autism and their parents.
A UC Davis Health study found that children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems. Maternal immune conditions, such as asthma, were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems in male offspring.
A novel AI-enhanced precision medicine approach identifies a novel autism subtype characterized by abnormal lipid levels, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis and intervention. The research also found a strong association between parental dyslipidemia and autism spectrum disorder in children.