Articles tagged with Autism
Research from Washington University School of Medicine identifies brain differences tied to sensory distress, often linked to anxiety and autism. Sensory over-responsivity is connected to anxiety in both children with autism and those without, but not directly related to ADHD.
A study found a sharp increase in leucovorin dispensing to children aged 0-17 after a press conference touting its autism benefits, despite limited evidence supporting the claim. The spike in prescriptions rose 700% between 2024 and 2025, with the largest increases seen among children ages 6-11 and in the southern US.
A new study challenges long-held assumptions about autism by showing that autistic people can understand others' emotions just as well as non-autistic people. Researchers found that autistic participants were similarly accurate at tracking emotional experiences and may have been slightly more accurate when understanding other autistic ...
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found no association between male circumcision and an increased risk of autism. The analysis of nearly 3,000 boys followed from birth into childhood showed that circumcised boys did not have a higher risk of autism compared to uncircumcised boys.
Researchers at UCLA created a 'cell village' approach to study the genetics of brain cell fitness, which revealed that individuals with autism are more likely to have faster-dividing cells. This discovery could lead to early mechanistic understanding of how autism develops and improve personalized treatment.
A cohort study of 2771 male children found no evidence that neonatal medical male circumcision is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The study also examined the effects of acetaminophen use during and after the procedure, but found it to be uncommon.
A Swansea University PhD researcher has received funding to attend the Psychonomic Society Annual Meeting to share her findings on how neurodivergent people process visual symbols. Her research reveals that neurodivergent participants respond more quickly and accurately to these symbols, highlighting important differences in cognitive ...
Researchers found that attention networks play a crucial role in communication difficulties in children with autism, affecting verbal and non-verbal communication. Weaker connections in the Dorsal Attention Network and Salience Network led to greater difficulties with understanding gestures, facial expressions, and social signals.
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.
Scientists have discovered a new approach to treating genetic brain disorders by redirecting brain development. The therapy helps at-risk neurons grow and connect more normally, strengthening connections among existing neurons and restoring cognitive function.
Researchers found that a single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved symptoms in adult mice with autism-like changes, reversing abnormal brain signaling and behavior within two hours. The study suggests the adult brain's functional circuitry, not just its physical structure, as a target for future treatment approaches.
Research suggests that sports-based interventions may improve motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Martial arts and aquatic training demonstrated the most consistent benefits, particularly in balance and total motor skills. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, alcohol addiction, or psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia show increased brain aging patterns. The researchers analyzed MRI data from over 45,900 controls and compared them to 2,698 patients with different brain conditions.
A review article highlights the potential risks of certain medications during pregnancy on brain development, including autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altering fundamental brain processes can have detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for reduced use or alternative treatments.
Researchers found subtle patterns in brain activity while children listened to speech linked to verbal communication abilities in autistic youths. Altered brain signals suggested the brain may process speech less efficiently, with noisier signals associated with lower scores on everyday verbal communication.
A gene therapy approach has restored several disease-relevant traits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, including reduced seizure susceptibility and improved brain activity markers. The study's findings suggest that restoring the FMRP protein could improve symptoms such as sensory hypersensitivity and repetitive behavior.
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that teenagers with autism are less responsive to unfamiliar voices as they mature. Unlike neurotypical teens, the reward centers in autistic teens' brains don't become increasingly responsive to strangers' voices during adolescence, which may impact social connections and friendships.
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers has estimated that Phelan-McDermid syndrome affects approximately 13.7 cases per 100,000 people, equivalent to about 1 in 7,300 individuals. The condition is a rare genetic disorder caused by deletion or mutation of the SHANK3 gene and often co-occurs with autism spectrum disorder.
A new study finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Children with autism who received focused ABA services showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life.
The University of Cambridge will join the Yang Tan Collective with Harvard University and MIT to focus on cutting-edge science and accelerate autism research. Research centers will investigate challenges faced by autistic individuals, including lower life-expectancy rates and early diagnosis.
Researchers propose a new approach to supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions by considering the broader neurodevelopmental spectrum. The study identifies a common underlying dimension that reflects the constellation of traits characterizing these conditions across development.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that people diagnosed with ADHD or autism in recent years have a lower genetic predisposition than those diagnosed earlier. The study suggests that today's diagnoses encompass a broader group of individuals and milder symptom profiles. This shift is attributed to changes in diagnostic...
A population-based study found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. The study suggests that positive signals from previous research may be due to familial confounding.
A decade of canine research suggests that genetically engineered Beagles could be a complementary and welfare-conscious model for autism treatments. The study gathers findings on the behavior and traits of these dogs in relation to human autism, including signs of treatment with oxytocin and psychedelics.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored normal brain activity and improved behavior in mice with Fragile X syndrome by replacing the missing FMRP protein. The treatment administered during early development showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, social interactions, and probabilistic reversal learning.
Researchers discovered that common molecular effects occur across different genetic mutations in autism, particularly during early brain development. These findings could lead to stage-specific and sex-specific therapeutic approaches for early intervention.
A team studied 173 multiplex families from the Azores and Madeira islands, finding a single broken gene that travels through three generations and causes different illnesses. The CHD2 mutation is rare and affects schizophrenia, mood disorder, and autism in different family members.
Baylor College of Medicine researcher Dr. Jimmy Holder and his team will join the ARIA IMPACT Network to accelerate clinical trial readiness and implementation for promising therapies on autism. The collaboration aims to better understand how autism develops and changes over time in children with profound autism.
Boston Children's Hospital has been awarded up to $17.25 million to participate in the Innovative Medicine and Precision Approaches to Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Network, an international effort aimed at speeding up the development of urgently needed treatments for children with profound autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities...
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
The study analyzed polygenic scores and simulated expectations to understand changes in genetic contributions to ASD and ADHD diagnoses by year of diagnosis. Findings suggest broadening diagnostic criteria as a possible explanation for increasing rates, which has significant implications for risk factors and clinical practice.
A new NIH study found associations between fertility history and children's development, including slightly higher behavior-problem scores and autism-like traits. Non-IVF fertility treatments were also linked to a higher risk of ADHD in children.
Researchers identified a promising new strategy for reversing autism-related brain deficits by targeting a specific glycine transporter. The therapy restored NMDA receptor function in mouse models and human brain organoids, improving behavioral abnormalities such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.
Researchers will investigate the link between SYNGAP1 protein deficiency, cilia dysfunction, and clinical symptoms of SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. The study aims to inform rational drug design and provide new insights for targeted therapies.
A new study reveals that specific neural circuits can be activated to reverse structural abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers successfully restored the axon initial segment's length and improved behavioral abnormalities in an ASD mouse model.
Researchers are developing innovative approaches to identify markers of autism in children born before 37 weeks of gestation. The project aims to create an AI-enabled digital twin for autism diagnosis, providing personalized support and treatment plans for affected children.
Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
A UK study found that middle-aged and older adults with higher autistic traits are more likely to report worsening anxiety as they age. Researchers identified three distinct groups based on their anxiety responses over eight years, highlighting the importance of early identification and tailored support for this vulnerable minority.
CURE SYNGAP1 invests in remote assessment tools to broaden access to clinical care and trials for patients with SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. The study aims to evaluate the validity of a standardized remote developmental assessment to reduce travel burden.
The CURE SYNGAP1 COLLECTIVE is a collaborative framework uniting independent SYNGAP1 charities worldwide to accelerate treatments for individuals with SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. The Collective focuses on three primary pillars: research, industry engagement, and patient advocacy.
Researchers identified two reproducible autism subtypes characterized by reduced brain connectivity (hypoconnectivity) or increased connectivity (hyperconnectivity), linked to synaptic pathways and immune-related systems, respectively. The study provides a biological foundation for precision medicine approaches.
Researchers identified two distinct subtypes of autism based on brain connectivity patterns, one characterized by reduced connectivity linked to synaptic pathways and the other by increased connectivity associated with immune-related systems. The study's findings offer a biological basis for personalized care and support.
A new screening tool tests for microbial metabolites in urine to identify children at risk for autism, with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test may guide more targeted interventions, including approaches to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
New Flinders University research reveals that autistic Australians are three times more likely to be homeless, with poor communication and sensory sensitivities major contributors. Strong family support is the most powerful protective factor, while targeted training and autism-informed services can significantly reduce homelessness risk.
The 2025 Impact Report showcases tangible progress made by CURE SYNGAP1, including almost $1.8M in grants and the most successful SYNGAP1 Science Conference ever. The report highlights the organization's focus on Collaboration, Transparency, and Urgency, driving momentum for clinical trials and treatments.
CURE SYNGAP1 partners with RARE-X to accelerate ProMMiS study's Patient-Reported Outcome measure data collection. This investment enables the centralized collection of high-quality PROs, essential for regulatory approval and therapy development.
Researchers developed a viable homozygous CHD8 mouse model, showing that stronger mutations can dramatically alter male–female autism patterns. The study revealed pronounced autism-related abnormalities in both sexes with severe mutations.
A national study found a sharp increase in leucovorin prescriptions among children with autism following media coverage and White House promotion. Researchers urge caution due to limited large-scale evidence, highlighting the need for rigorous data to inform treatment decisions.
Scientists have identified a new drug target for treating Fragile X syndrome by blocking the EPAC2 brain protein, which improves abnormal brain activity and behavioral symptoms. The study uses genetically engineered mice to simulate the condition and finds that EPAC2 levels rise gradually as the brain matures.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found no clear link between common antidepressant use in pregnancy and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD in children. However, the study suggests that genetic predisposition and other factors may contribute to an increased risk.
Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA gene, PTCHD1-AS, as a contributor to increased likelihood of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in males. The study found that deletions within this gene influence social interaction and repetitive behaviors without affecting cognition.
A comprehensive review of existing research shows no evidence that men's use of valproate increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis combines data from large population-based studies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Taiwan.
A study found associations between mothers' occupations held before conception and ASD diagnosis in offspring, particularly in ground transportation, public administration, and military jobs. The researchers suggest that exposure to toxins and combustion products, as well as high stress at work, may contribute to neurodevelopmental risk.
Research at Nagoya University suggests that individuals with higher autistic traits use labeling as a way to cope with uncertainty, reducing emotional stress. The study found a link between autistic traits and lower anxiety levels when people are able to put their feelings into words.
Researchers found that portrayals in media lacked diversity, often focusing on white, socially awkward male characters. Autistic participants felt that such portrayals were exaggerated and simplified, limiting public understanding and self-understanding.
A large population-based study found that children with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of also having autism spectrum disorder. The study highlighted key differences between children with co-occurring conditions, including intellectual disability and age of diagnosis.
A new virtual reality intervention improved interactions between autistic teens and adults with law enforcement officers, reducing fidgeting and increasing positive behavior. The study showed significant improvements in the virtual reality group compared to a video modeling intervention.
Researchers developed a framework to study the impact of genetic variants on neurodevelopmental disorders. By analyzing induced pluripotent stem cells, they found that genetic background can lead to different clinical outcomes in individuals with the same deletion on chromosome 16.
Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.
A new telehealth tool developed by UCR professor Katherine Meltzoff expands access to autism diagnoses for older children with more verbal speech. The study showed promising results in matching the accuracy of traditional in-person evaluations, offering a potential solution to long-standing barriers.