The study identified 61 genetic variations that affect autism risk, including copy number variations and chromosomal abnormalities. Many of these variations were found in areas of the genome once considered 'junk DNA,' suggesting a crucial role in controlling gene activity during brain development.
A new Autism Speaks MSSNG study has expanded understanding of autism's complex causes, highlighting the role of non-coding DNA and environmental factors in gene changes. The research found a clear difference between de novo mutations from the mother and father, with clustered mutations from the mother linked to copy number variations.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a significant increase in autism rates among children born to teenage mothers and parents with large age gaps. The research also confirmed that older parents are at higher risk of having children with autism.
The 2015 Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowship class of Autism Speaks will pursue two-year research projects under mentorship of leading scientists. The program aims to advance understanding of autism and support essential training opportunities for the brightest young investigators.
A clinical trial funded by Autism Speaks' DELSIA will test a cognitive video game designed to improve executive function skills in children and adolescents with autism. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the game, Project: EVO, in improving brain function and motor skills.
A recent study of 340 whole genomes from 85 families with two children affected by autism found that most siblings share different autism-linked genes. The research, led by Stephen Scherer, provides new insights into the complex genetic underpinnings of autism and suggests that each child with autism is unique.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Gordon & Llura Gund foundations have donated $3 million to Autism Speaks to support the Autism Ten Thousand Genomes program, sequencing over 3,000 genomes. This gift will enhance the organization's research and technology networks, leading to real-life medical impacts on individuals and families.
A new study from Autism Speaks found that a multipronged approach is needed to assess children for autism, increasing early detection rates. However, challenges remain, including limited follow-up care and shortages of specialists and therapy programs.
A new study found that combining autism with social communication disorder (SCD) would decrease estimated prevalence under DSM-5 criteria. The researchers discovered that 83% of children diagnosed with autism under the DSM-IV would also receive the diagnosis under DSM-5, while 14% were diagnosed with SCD.
The grants will focus on reducing the average age of diagnosis, increasing access to high-quality early intervention and understanding environmental risk factors for autism. Researchers will also develop effective treatments and assess the benefits of early interventions in urban settings.
The Weatherstone Fellowship program supports the development of rising talent in autism research, providing critical resources for building early careers. The five 2013 recipients will work directly with mentors and collaborate with others to share knowledge and experiences.
The estate of Charles Meixner has donated $3 million to Autism Speaks, supporting translational postdoctoral fellowships and research into autism spectrum disorder. The gift will contribute to the development of new treatments and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by ASD.
A collaborative effort by Autism Speaks has found full genome sequencing examining the entire DNA code of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their family members. The study identified genetic variations associated with risk for ASD, including de novo, X-linked, and inherited DNA lesions in four new genes.
Autism Speaks has committed nearly $199 million to research projects aiming to advance understanding of autism causes, prevention, treatment, and cure. The organization supports six translational postdoctoral fellowships focusing on brain studies, sleep patterns, and social cues in individuals with autism.
The collaboration aims to lower the average age of diagnosis from four to five years to six to 12 months in the African American community. Autism Speaks will provide materials and guidance to churches and parents on recognizing signs of autism and accessing services.
The Autism BrainNet network will acquire, process, store, and distribute brain tissue resources to accelerate understanding of the biological basis of autism. The network aims to broaden the reach of existing brain donation programs, expanding access to research for scientists and families affected by autism.
The Early Start Denver Model has been shown to improve social skills and brain responses in toddlers with ASD, while minimizing therapies required through the school years. The study found that ESDM-receiving children required significantly fewer hours of special education services and individual therapies.
Researchers developed a mouse model of autism and tested a treatment that blocked abnormal cell danger signals, reversing autism symptoms. The study suggests chronic brain inflammation and frayed connections between brain cells contribute to autism.
Autism Speaks funds 14 new research projects, including technology-based initiatives, environmental epidemiology studies, and basic clinical research to better understand autism causes, prevention, treatment, and cure. These grants aim to enhance early screening, diagnosis, and access to interventions.
DELSIA and Seaside Therapeutics aim to discover genetic and protein biomarkers to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment with arbaclofen, a potential treatment for core social impairment in autism. The partnership will help generate critical information to develop targeted treatments.
Research has shown a three-fold increase in autism risk associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood. Novel neuroimaging approaches have also confirmed an association between autism and immune function changes, shedding light on mechanisms behind the disorder.
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has been found to improve social skills and brain responses to social cues in young children with autism. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, showed that ESDM increased brain activity associated with recognizing and perceiving social information.
Autism Speaks' new affiliate, DELSIA, will develop medicines, treatments, and products from scientific research, focusing on improving quality of life for those affected by autism. DELSIA's venture philanthropy model aims to translate lab breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $5 million in research grants to support various studies on autism, including the effects of pregnancy medications on future generations. These grants will fund projects that aim to identify biomarkers for response to autism medications, develop new interventions, and expand food choices for picky eater...
The 'Treating the Whole Person with Autism' conference brought together families and professionals to discuss current guidance on medical issues associated with ASD. Key findings highlighted the importance of considering the whole child in treatment plans, as well as the need for continued research on care across the lifespan.
The collaboration has already demonstrated great potential for the field with initial behavioral studies showing hallmark characteristics of autism in rats. New genetically modified rat models will be generated to accelerate translational research and drug development.
Autism Speaks releases three new tool kits to help parents manage challenging behaviors, improve communication and social skills. The kits provide guidance on applied behavior analysis, professional behavioral treatments and toilet training strategies.
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $2.9 million in funding to support autism research projects addressing various high-priority areas. These include investigating the impact of DSM-5 on autism diagnosis, developing new medications and behavioral treatments, and improving access to early intervention in minority communities.
At the 2012 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Autism Speaks presented various scientific findings on autism diagnosis, causes, and treatment options. The organization's Autism Treatment Network shared research on early interventions and technology innovations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ASD.
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months to assess their risk for ASD. The automated version now available on the Autism Speaks website offers free online scoring and recommendations, enabling parents to identify potential issues early.
A new CDC report reveals a staggering 78% increase in autism diagnoses over the past six years, with estimated costs of $126 billion annually. Autism Speaks calls for a national strategy to address early diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with autism.
Autism has more than tripled in cost since 2006, reaching $126 billion in the US and £34 billion in the UK. The lifetime costs of caring for individuals with autism affected by intellectual disability are significantly higher, up to $2.3 million in the US and £1.5 million in the UK.
Autism Speaks has awarded $1.1 million in funding to support research projects focusing on differences between DSM-IV and proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the impact of flame retardants on immune systems, and strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with autism.
A global consortium is collaborating on the largest ever academic-industry research project to find new methods for developing drugs for ASD. The EU-AIMS project aims to provide novel validated cellular assays, animal models, and new biomarkers for patient-segmentation or individual response prediction.
The Autism Treatment Network has released two new tool kits: Sleep Strategies for Children with Autism and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The guides provide families and dental professionals with effective strategies to improve sleep quality and oral health, respectively. By implementing these tools, families can cre...
A study found differences in brain communication pathways as early as 6 months in infants who later received a diagnosis of autism. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the brains of 92 infants, including those with older siblings on the autism spectrum. This study offers promise for identifying infants at risk f...
The grant will explore the environmental factors influencing autism risk through epigenetic changes in DNA methylation. Autism Speaks aims to uncover avoidable risks and provide guidance for earlier diagnosis and improved treatments.
The new treatment section provides insight into different treatment options for children with autism, including behavioral interventions and clinical therapies. Families can view examples of treatment in action to help determine the best course of treatment for their child.
Autism Speaks has awarded 47 new research grants, totaling $13.2 million, to advance understanding of epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies on adolescents and adults with autism. The grants will focus on increasing early diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing the economic cost of autism.
Autism Speaks has joined the National Institute of Health's National Database for Autism Research (NDAR), providing access to genetic, phenotypic, and clinical data from 2500 families. This collaboration enables researchers to pool larger datasets and accelerate scientific discovery.
The new tool kit provides valuable guidance on utilizing pictures and visual supports to facilitate daily communication, social interactions, and adaptation to new situations. It has been found to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance and independence in families who use it.
The Royal Arch Masons have awarded a $100,000 grant to Autism Speaks to investigate auditory processing disorders in children with autism. The grant aims to create better outcomes for children at risk of developing both ASD and CAPD by addressing precursor symptoms of auditory processing disorders.
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.
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...