A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that pediatricians often fail to detect autism risk during brief checkups, with experts also missing referrals. The study emphasizes the importance of universal screening, formalized screening instruments, and parent involvement to improve early identification and intervention.
A molecular network composed of 119 proteins has been identified as a crucial contributor to autism spectrum disorders. The network shows strong enrichment for known autism genes and is linked to disruptions in brain circuitry, particularly the corpus callosum.
A large-scale analysis of hundreds of patients and nearly 1000 genes found that diverse genetic mutations lead to different disease outcomes in autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed that more damaging mutations usually result in worse outcomes, while high-IQ cases are often triggered by milder mutations.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, may increase the risk of autism in children. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and autism risk.
Researchers found that microglia cells in autism brains are perpetually activated and their genes for inflammation responses are turned on. The study is the largest so far of gene expression in autism brains, analyzing data from 104 brain samples.
A large study found that mothers of children with autism were over twice as likely to have had preeclampsia pregnancies. Children with autism and developmental delay also showed greater cognitive impairment when their mothers experienced preeclampsia. The study suggests a potential link between preeclampsia and autism development.
A study by Indiana University researchers has found that subtle variations in movement patterns among individuals with autism spectrum disorder are indicators of the disorder's severity. The study also identified a pattern of random minute speed fluctuations in some parents of children with autism, suggesting a genetic role in movement...
Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.
A mouse study identified a malfunctioning neural circuit as the root of motor impairments seen in autism, where abnormal synaptic pruning and Purkinje cell function contribute to motor learning deficits. The findings may shed light on the intense world syndrome phenomenon in autism.
A Danish study found that changes in diagnostic criteria and registration systems account for most of the increase in autism cases since the 1990s. The study analyzed data from over 677,000 individuals born between 1980-1991.
Researchers will collect location-specific information from tens of thousands of individuals with autism and their families nationwide to investigate potential environmental influences. The study aims to link self-reported data to relevant social and environmental stressors using geospatial technology.
A Florida State University study reveals that parent-led social intervention can improve developmental levels, social communication skills, and autism symptoms in toddlers. The treatment model is affordable, efficient, and accessible to any early intervention system.
A groundbreaking study has identified over two dozen high-confidence autism genes, shedding light on the disorder's genetic architecture. The research also reveals a difference in genetic basis between 'higher-IQ' and 'lower-IQ' autism, with implications for early interventions.
A research team led by Carnegie Mellon University's Kathryn Roeder and the University of Pittsburgh's Bernie Devlin has identified 33 genes that contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study analyzed data from over 14,000 DNA samples and found that small differences in some of possibly 1,000 risk genes can increase autism risk.
Researchers discovered over 70 additional likely ASD genes, with small differences in as many as 1,000 genes contributing to autism risk. The study found three pathways required for healthy development linked to greater autism risk, including chromatin remodeling.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles will recruit 120 children with autism who also have chronic constipation for a year-long study. The goal is to determine if successful GI treatment improves behavioral symptoms in children with ASD.
Research found links between chromium and styrene exposure and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, affecting one in 68 children.
Two major research projects will investigate the microbiome and its impact on autism symptoms, as well as chronic constipation treatment to improve behavioral symptoms. The studies aim to establish clear guidelines for personalized treatments and may lead to stool tests guiding treatments for autism and its associated medical conditions.
The UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities has established a national Health Care Transitions Research Network for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on research to improve physical, psychosocial, educational and vocational outcomes for adolescents and young adults with ASD.
Researchers at Brown University created a culturally compatible diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzanian children. The approach uses a collection of instruments adapted from established tools, including the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS-2) and Malawi Development Assessment Tool.
Researchers discovered that autism with early language delay is associated with smaller brain volume in key regions and larger brainstem structures. Current language function also impacts grey and white matter volume changes in specific brain areas.
A new study suggests that measuring how fast the brain responds to sights and sounds can help classify people on the autism spectrum and diagnose the condition earlier. The study found a strong correlation between the speed of processing auditory signals and the severity of autistic symptoms.
A study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that mothers of children with autism are less likely to report taking iron supplements before and during pregnancy. The risk is five-fold greater in children whose mothers had low supplemental iron and other risk factors for delivering a child with ASD.
A study found that autistic males have lower levels of estrogen receptors and aromatase, an enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol. This could lead to increased testosterone levels, potentially contributing to the disorder's prevalence in men. The findings suggest a possible reason for the gender bias in autism diagnosis.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Genetics found a genetic change in the ADNP gene associated with autism in at least .17 percent of cases. This discovery could provide a definitive clinical marker for some patients' developmental disabilities.
The Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University has received a $600,000 grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to implement the Autism Plan for Georgia. The plan aims to increase awareness, access, and coordination of services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan.
Researchers developed a new model explaining how autism occurs, with genetically-controlled brain plasticity mechanisms potentially determining autistic capabilities and subtypes. The 'Trigger-Threshold-Target' model suggests focusing on developing children's unique strengths rather than solely correcting behaviors.
Valerie Hu, a GW University researcher, has received a $435K grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate how environmental factors affect the gene RORA in individuals with autism. Her research aims to understand how endocrine-disrupting compounds may contribute to increased risk for autism.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that blood-oxytocin levels are within the normal range in children with autism. The researchers discovered that higher oxytocin levels are linked to better social functioning in all groups, including those with autism, their siblings, and unrelated children.
Scientists discovered consistent alterations in integrative processing of the insular cortex across autism mouse models, with a disturbed balance between excitation and inhibition. Pharmacological interventions, such as Diazepam, restored sensory integration capacity and reduced stereotypic behaviors.
George Washington University researcher Anthony-Samuel LaMantia will investigate the link between autism and brain development using a valid animal model with a genetic mutation highly associated with autism. The research team will examine connectivity, behaviors related to autism, and their relationship during development.
Using new statistical tools, researchers found that about 52% of autism cases are linked to common genes, while spontaneous mutations account for only 2.6%. Inheritability outweighs environmental risk in the disorder.
A recent study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that nearly 60% of autism risk is caused by inherited variant genes common in the population. Rare genetic factors, such as de novo mutations, also contribute to the disorder, but only account for a small fraction of total risk.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the CHD8 mutation and autism, affecting approximately half of those with the condition. The study found that individuals with this mutation often exhibit gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, and distinctive physical characteristics.
The Meixner Postdoctoral Fellowship program invests in rising talent within the autism research community, focusing on neuroinflammation, genetic interactions, neural biomarkers, and novel intervention programs. The new postdoctoral fellows will advance Autism Speaks' mission to develop effective treatments for ASD.
Autism Speaks has awarded over $1 million in research grants to explore environmental risk factors, whole genome sequencing, and effective early diagnosis programs for underserved communities. The funding will support projects led by researchers at the University of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and other institutions.
Researchers at Drexel University found a significant spike in Google searches for autism in April, with an average increase of 26 percent between March and April. The study analyzed web search trends from 2004 to 2014 and also found a long-term increasing trend for Asperger's disorder searches.
A recent study revealed that less than 25% of young adults with ASD secure employment, live independently, and possess adequate social networks. Cheak-Zamora's research aims to develop resources for youth, families, and health care providers to increase independence among young adults with autism.
Researchers have uncovered three gene networks in autism that could lead to new treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. The networks, which affect neurotransmitter signaling, may also provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying autism.
Researchers at Duke University have developed software that tracks and records infants' activity during videotaped autism screening tests. The program is as good as experts giving the test themselves and better than non-expert medical clinicians and students in training, showing promise in identifying early signs of autism.
The Autism BrainNet consortium will collect, store and distribute brain tissue resources to understand the neurobiology and genetics of autism. Researchers have made important discoveries using donated brain tissue, showing structural differences in autistic brains and changes in gene expression.
Children of fathers in technical occupations are more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder, with increased risks associated with engineering, finance, and healthcare jobs. The study suggests that parental occupation may be indicative of autistic-like behaviors and preferences, influencing diagnosis and severity.
Researchers from around the world presented their findings on detecting early symptoms of autism, treating anxiety and depression in adults with ASD, and the potential for 'course correction' in development. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was shown to rescue synaptic and motor deficits in a mouse model of autism.
A new simulation-based training program helps adults with autism improve their job interview skills and confidence. The program, developed by Northwestern University, uses virtual reality technology to provide repeated practice and feedback on interviewing skills.
A large-scale study published in JAMA found that environmental factors contribute equally to the causes of autism as genetic factors, with individual risk increasing according to family ties. The study suggests that shared and unique environments play a significant role in autism development.
A Swedish study found that genetic and environmental factors have a similar influence on the risk of autism. The research estimated the heritability of ASD at approximately 50 percent and found a 10-fold increased risk of recurrence among siblings of family members with ASD.
The study found that copy number variant (CNV) genetic testing can help diagnose and treat autism more effectively. CNV testing uncovered dozens of cases where autism-linked gene changes were associated with additional health risks warranting medical attention.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found a relationship between motor skill deficiencies and the severity of autism symptoms in very young children. Fine and gross motor skills development should be included in treatment plans for young children with autism.
A novel screening process for early identification of infants at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental learning delay (DLD) has been developed. The study uses biomarkers such as abrupt head circumference acceleration and absence of head tilt reflex to identify infants at risk by 9 months.
Research found that dog ownership provides numerous benefits to families of children with autism, including reduced stress levels, improved social skills development, and increased responsibilities. Parents should consider their child's sensitivities when choosing a pet to ensure a suitable match.
A team of researchers has discovered a network of protein interactions among autism genes, shedding light on how different variants of the same protein could alter the wiring of the entire system. The study highlights the importance of considering alternative splice forms in understanding autism genetics.
A recent study found that paternal obesity may be a greater risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in children than maternal obesity. The research analyzed data from over 90,000 Norwegian children and found a doubled risk of developing autism if the father was obese compared to a normal-weight father.
Research suggests that prenatal origin of autism is related to disorganized cortical patches in the developing brain. The study found a 91% absence of cellular markers for several cortical layers in autistic case samples.
A study found that autism is caused by disruptions in early brain development, specifically in the formation of cortical layers. The researchers analyzed 25 genes in post-mortem brain tissue and discovered focal patches of disrupted development in most children with autism. These findings suggest that the brain can sometimes rewire con...
Researchers found that autism is caused by disrupted development of cortical layers in the brain, which leads to absent genetic markers and focal patches of abnormality. The study suggests that early treatment can lead to clinical improvement as the brain rewire connections to circumvent these defects.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that the DUF1220 gene family is linked to the severity of autism symptoms. The research suggests that increasing copies of this gene segment may be associated with more severe symptoms, particularly social deficits, communicative impairments, and repetitive behaviors.
High school students with autism can learn under CCSS, requiring tailored instruction to meet their diverse needs. Effective strategies include exposing them to assignments before class and delivering explicit instruction.
The Autism Speaks Weatherstone program supports nine fellows in autism research, including investigating histone methylation patterns and DNA methylation in genetic disorders. The fellows will work with top mentors to advance understanding of the brain biology of autism and develop new treatments.
A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are 7.59 times and 6.64 times more likely to express gender variance than their peers without these conditions. Participants with gender variance also experienced elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but to a lesser extent among...
Researchers at UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute recommend teaching independence to adolescents with autism to enhance their chances for post-high school success. Studies show that high schoolers with autism possess superior visual thinking skills, which can be emphasized in teaching independence. Visual schedules a...