Researchers developed CAMI-2DNet, an AI system that measures a child's ability to imitate simple body movements using ordinary video recordings. This technology brings scalable and objective methods for evaluating motor imitation, a key behavioral marker associated with autism.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute discovered that memory consolidation during sleep depends on coordinated activity among three brain regions, disrupting this activity impairs memory performance. Epileptic spikes can also interfere with brain activity, leading to cognitive effects in patients with epilepsy.
The new textbook, Pediatric Neuropsychiatry: A Case-Based Approach, advances the field by using real patient cases to examine brain-based disorders in young patients. It includes contributions from 142 authors across three countries and 19 U.S. states, reflecting a broader collaboration.
A new three-year neurorehabilitation program will be implemented to improve the brain health of pediatric cancer patients with brain tumors from diagnosis through long-term survivorship. The program aims to strengthen brain structure and function, addressing cognitive changes often an invisible disability for these patients.
Researchers used quantitative susceptibility mapping MRI to detect changes in brain tissue linked to iron levels, predicting mild cognitive impairment and later Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that higher iron levels in specific brain areas could spot early changes years before symptoms appeared.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute have developed biomarkers to help identify children with Sturge-Weber syndrome at risk of developing the condition. These tools can monitor disease progression and guide individualized treatment plans, potentially changing a child's development trajectory.
A Kennedy Krieger researcher's work on a promising oral drug, leriglitazone, has shown it can slow the progression of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in all 11 trial participants. Nearly half of boys treated with the medication appeared to halt disease progression entirely.
A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute reveals nearly 40% of pediatric patients with long COVID report significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening into care for children with long COVID to improve quality of life.
A new study published by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that targeted coaching for caregivers of infants as young as 8 months significantly enhances babies' communication and cognitive development. This early intervention model empowers families to learn strategies to increase their infant's engagement and communication.
A virtual crisis prevention program for autistic children and their families has shown significant improvement in confidence, preparedness, and knowledge around crisis management. The 3-session program guided caregivers through a four-stage framework, equipping them with practical tools to navigate challenging situations.
The Pediatric Long COVID Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program has successfully trained nearly 100 healthcare professionals across the US, equipping them to diagnose and manage long COVID in children. The program aims to bridge access gaps and empower community providers.
A new community-based screening model, RITA-T, has been shown to improve early autism diagnosis in toddlers from underserved communities, reducing diagnosis delays of up to 20 minutes. The tool uses direct observation and is accessible for families facing barriers to care.
A new video game, CAMI, uses motion-tracking technology to detect differences in motor imitation skills, distinguishing children with autism from neurotypical children and ADHD patients with 80% accuracy. The tool has the potential to transform autism diagnoses worldwide by providing a quick, low-cost, and easy-to-use alternative.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found elevated suicide risk in children as young as eight years old, emphasizing the importance of universal screening. The study suggests that children with neurodevelopmental differences have comparable risks to their peers, highlighting the need for inclusive screenings.
Behavioral therapies are proven to be the most effective treatment for Tourette syndrome, teaching patients how to manage tics using behavioral strategies. The therapies train patients to recognize early signs of an upcoming tic and implement strategies to reduce tic severity.
A new study demonstrates that Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSS) and movement training can improve walking ability in children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Three children showed significant improvements in walking distance, posture, speed, and overall function.
The F.M. Kirby Research Center has driven critical breakthroughs in understanding the human brain in health and disease, aiding discoveries of effective diagnoses and interventions for various conditions.
A groundbreaking initiative in Prince George's County, Maryland, has successfully combated COVID-19 vaccine disparities by leveraging community health workers to promote health literacy and vaccine equity. The Health Literacy Enhancement and Advancement Program (Health LEAP) reached over 14,800 residents, particularly Black and Hispani...
A new study by top researchers reveals one in five children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. The rate of autism recurrence is seven times higher in families with an autistic child compared to the general population.
New research emphasizes the importance of integrated care for children with epilepsy and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The study reveals that fragmented care can lead to negative outcomes, including disjointed treatment plans and inadequate seizure control.
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 at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new method for analyzing walking and gait using free software and cellphone videos. This approach is more accessible and quicker than current state-of-the-art methods, enabling clinicians to assess patients' walking abilities more conveniently.
A national multicenter survey found that up to one-third of children who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 did not fully recover and experienced persistent symptoms. Children who had not recovered were more likely to have neurological symptoms, including headache and weakness.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger and Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to decrease early seizure likelihood among infants with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Presymptomatic treatment involving anti-seizure medication and low-dose aspirin improves neurologic outcomes.
Pediatricians and primary care physicians can identify and treat pediatric post-COVID-19 symptoms using new guidelines. The guidelines include best practices from Kennedy Krieger's Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic.
A study by Kennedy Krieger Institute explores how GI problems in children with autism affect their families. Researchers identified four main themes: anxiety, diet, microbiome imbalance, and medication impact. The findings highlight the need for interventions to address poor gut health and its consequences.
Pediatric clinicians play a crucial role in ensuring access to critical resources for children with chronic medical conditions or special education needs. Clinicians should address school-related challenges and provide support to help these patients keep up academically with their peers.
Children with autism spectrum disorder should be screened for abnormally high or low cholesterol levels, according to physicians. Research found reduced HDL-C levels in individuals with ASD, indicating a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has been awarded $1.6 million by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to join PCORnet, a national health research resource. IAN will collaborate with researchers, patient communities, and clinicians to accelerate autism research and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute have successfully developed a humanized preclinical model for FSHD, mirroring gene expression and biomarker profiles of human tissue. The model enables the study of muscle regeneration over time and prediction of clinical response to therapeutic drugs.
Researchers found that a virtual sailing simulator improved quality of life, self-confidence, and overall well-being for participants with chronic spinal cord injuries. The study showed rapid improvement in sailing skills and successful completion of sailing lessons on the water.
Research reveals nearly one-third of children with autism also experience clinically significant ADHD symptoms, leading to greater impairments in cognitive, social, and adaptive functioning. Children with co-occurring ASD and ADHD are more likely to display severe autism mannerisms and have significant cognitive delays.
A genetic mutation in gene GNAQ on chromosome 9q21 is identified as the cause of Sturge-Weber syndrome and port-wine birthmarks. The discovery opens up new avenues for targeted therapies and offers renewed hope to families affected by the conditions.
A new study suggests that long-term functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is associated with substantial improvements in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. The therapy provides cardiovascular exercise, stimulates movement in paralyzed muscles, and enhances neurological and functional gains.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 70% of children with autism spectrum disorders achieve phrase or fluent speech by age eight, driven by nonverbal intelligence and social interest. The study also found that core abilities, such as nonverbal intelligence and social engagement, have a greater influence on communication dev...
Researchers found that externalizing symptoms like aggression drove ED visits among children with ASD. Private insurance coverage was linked to a higher likelihood of psychiatric ED visits due to excluded autism coverage and restrictive reimbursement limits.
A study found two distinct patterns of language, social and motor development in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By the third birthday, the level of impairment between early- and late-emerging ASD symptom groups is comparable. Early signs of delay were not easily detected using existing clinical tests.
A new study found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attempt to elope at least once after age 4, with 53% going missing long enough to cause concern. The study also reveals that elopement behavior is often goal-oriented and intent-driven, with children seeking to go somewhere or do something.
Researchers found that non-invasive cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) increases the rate of walking adaptation and decreases it with cathode stimulation. The study suggests that tDCS can selectively be used to aid people relearning how to walk following a stroke or brain injury.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found that infants with weak head and neck control are more likely to develop language and social developmental delays, suggesting a potential early indicator of autism. The study adds motor skills evaluation to existing screenings, improving early detection of developmental delays.
A new study finds that minority toddlers with autism exhibit more delayed language, communication, and gross motor skills compared to Caucasian peers. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive screening and assessment practices to ensure early detection and intervention.
Researchers found that alternating between learning and unlearning an unusual walking pattern on a split-belt treadmill improved relearning speed. The standard approach of repetitive practice may not be the most effective way to help patients recover from stroke or other injuries.
A 16-year study confirms the accuracy of autism diagnosis in children with Down syndrome using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The research found that clinicians can use the DSM to identify autism spectrum disorders in these individuals, providing them with targeted educational and intervention services.
A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute found that preschoolers' ability to estimate quantities correlates with their mathematics achievement in elementary school. The research, published in PLoS ONE, suggests that early number skills may serve as a foundation for school-age math abilities.
A new study found that providing infants with 'sticky mittens' enhances their interest in faces, indicating advanced social development. This suggests that early motor training can benefit infants at risk for autism spectrum disorders.
A study reveals that a poor intuitive sense of numbers can lead to math learning disabilities and difficulty achieving basic math proficiency. Children with math learning disability perform significantly worse on number tasks compared to their peers, highlighting the complexity of determining the underlying causes of math difficulties.
Researchers found smaller brain volumes associated with the severity of ADHD symptoms in preschool children, particularly in the caudate nucleus. Cortical volumes were not significantly correlated with symptom severity, suggesting other factors may contribute to ADHD development.
A new survey by the Interactive Autism Network reveals that approximately half of parents report their child eloping from safe places, peaking at age four. The study highlights critical safety concerns, including increased risk of trauma, injury, or death. Additionally, a new research survey on pregnancy and birth factors associated wi...
Two studies found that children with ADHD exhibit more than twice the amount of overflow movement as typically developing children, indicating a failure in motor control. This suggests that measuring hand movements may reveal insights into the neurobiology of ADHD and inform treatments.
Researchers discovered a unique class of cells called astrocytes that contribute to visual blinding in glaucoma, as well as abnormal forms of gamma synuclein. The study's findings suggest a biological process similar to Parkinson's disease unfolds at the optic nerve head.