Articles tagged with Autism
Young children with autism spectrum disorder are less likely to undergo vision screening than their peers, despite a high risk of developing serious eye disorders. A recent study found that only 36.5% of children with ASD had completed vision screenings at well visits, compared to 59.5% for children without ASD.
Researchers found that autistic adolescents in states without Medicaid waivers had a higher risk of disenrollment, especially after age 22. In contrast, those living in waiver-enabled states remained more likely to stay enrolled.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
Research at Kobe University reveals that endogenous retrovirus activation increases a fetus's susceptibility to autism, leading to differences in brain structure and behavior. The study identifies BTBR/R mice as a more accurate model of autism, exhibiting autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning ability.
A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty perceiving audio-visual synchrony, a skill typically developed by typically developing children. This finding suggests that an audio-visual test could be used to diagnose ASD earlier than current methods.
A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.
Children with autism may not process visual illusions in the same way as their peers, indicating a potential issue with predicting and filling in missing visual information. This finding has implications for understanding and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
Researchers identify duplicated gene as cause of social deficits and seizures in autism type, finding that reducing PRRT2 levels can restore normal brain activity and behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders with brain over-activation.
A new study published by researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found a significant link between early childhood trauma experienced by mothers and various health problems in their children. The research analyzed data from over 4,300 American mothers and their children, revealing that children of mothers with adverse experi...
Recent findings in spina bifida (SB) care highlight comorbidities such as autism and scoliosis, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare use. Telecommunication platforms like Zoom have evolved into clinical tools for SB care.
The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found that the M-CHAT(-R/F) autism screener performs well when used as intended, with high sensitivity and specificity rates. The study analyzed 50 studies published between 2001 and 2020 and found variability in performance depending on factors such as sample size and confirmation strategies.
Researchers discovered that sensory signals are underrepresented in cortical pyramidal neurons of people with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of autism. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies and improved perception of sensory signals.
Researchers found pronounced delays in brainstem responses to sounds among newborns later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This delay may be linked to limited access to sound frequencies and difficulties integrating sensory streams, ultimately affecting social interactions and communication.
Researchers from New York Institute of Technology have made significant findings on how the sense of smell is impacted in individuals with autism. The study analyzed a mouse model of autism and found that scent processing was impaired at a later step, after signals were processed at the olfactory bulb input.
Adolescents who feel a stronger sense of purpose tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives, according to a recent study. The research also found that daily fluctuations in feelings of purposefulness have a significant impact on teens' emotional well-being.
A new drug has shown promising results in reversing autism-associated behaviors in mice by blocking sodium channels. The study, conducted at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), found that a specific drug was able to alleviate functional and behavioral abnormalities in mice with MYT1L-deficient nerve cells.
Researchers developed an eye-tracking test that accurately identifies toddlers with ASD based on their level of attention to motherese. Toddlers with low attention to motherese showed weaker social and language abilities.
Researchers developed an automated autism screening test using EHR data from children under 1, achieving clinically meaningful accuracy by 30 days. The model improved over time, suggesting potential benefits when integrated with caregiver surveys for early autism screening.
A recent twin study found that serious eating disorder ARFID is highly influenced by genetic factors, with a significant 79% genetic component. Researchers estimate that between 1-5% of the population is affected by ARFID.
Autism research focuses on understanding heterogeneity between individuals, with Prof Michael Lombardo's project testing stratification by functional skills. The goal is to isolate specific biological markers and treatment responses.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
A new research project aims to promote dual-language development for children with autism in bilingual families. The study will examine the type of bilingual environment and factors related to their ability to speak or understand both languages.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies found individuals with autism have a higher associated risk of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Clinicians should monitor individuals with autism for early signs of cardiometabolic disease and its complications.
Researchers found a five-fold increase in autism cases among children with no intellectual disabilities, contradicting previous findings. The study suggests that better awareness and testing for ASD play a role in the observed surge.
Researchers propose a new approach to studying camouflaging in the autistic population by observing strategies used to fit into society. This phenomenon, characterized as hiding diagnosis and fitting in socially, is linked to high levels of anxiety and long-term mental problems.
Researchers identify vulnerable cell populations in the striatum, which contributes to loss of motor control and early mood disorders. Damage to striosomes may be responsible for mood disorders, while degeneration of matrix neurons likely contributes to motor decline.
A germline mutation of topoisomerase II B affects the movement of proteins in the nuclei of cells with this mutation. The study reveals that the mutation impacts nuclear dynamics and provides a platform to understand the biological relevance of such mutations.
Autistic adults face unique health challenges, but federally funded research has overlooked their needs. Analysis finds that only four studies have examined treatment of physical health disparity conditions in autistic adults, with none addressing the issue.
A new UK study led by psychologists at the University of Bath reveals that adults with high levels of ADHD symptoms are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those with autistic traits. The study, published in Scientific Reports, uses innovative analytical techniques to confirm a strong link between ADHD personality tra...
A freely available measure of autism symptoms can help screen for autism and monitor changes over time in symptoms. The Autism Symptom Dimension Questionnaire (ASDQ) was applied to 1,467 children and adolescents, including 104 with autism spectrum disorder, and found to be reliable and valid.
Researchers identified the molecular mechanism underlying Weiss-Kruszka syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by craniofacial anomalies and autistic features. The study reveals that the ZFP462 gene mutation leads to a failure to safeguard neural lineage specification during early embryonic development.
The American Psychiatric Association's January journal issues focus on childhood- and neurodevelopment-related psychiatric disorders. A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry explores how brain scans predict treatment response to psychotherapy for OCD.
Research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology reveals a link between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability in children. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes were associated with increased risks of these conditions, while gestational diabetes was linked to autism spec...
A recent study found that 1 in 5 children and teens who visit emergency departments due to mental health crises will still be there after 12 hours. Another 1 in 13 will remain after a full day, with over 60% being suicidal or having self-harmed.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers discovered hearing impairment in a novel preclinical model of autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory organs and their interactions with the brain in understanding ASD.
Research from University of Virginia Health System suggests antidepressants can heighten lifelong brain changes in babies, such as autism, when combined with infection or inflammation during pregnancy. SSRIs interact powerfully with the mother's body, causing harmful changes in the placenta and developing brain.
A Geisinger study of over 90,000 patients confirmed a strong link between genetics and neuropsychiatric disorders. The research revealed that approximately one in 100 participants carried a rare gene variant increasing the risk for conditions like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that microbiota transfer therapy significantly improved the abundance of beneficial bacteria and normalized altered bacterial gene expression in children with autism. The treatment showed substantial increases in populations of beneficial bacterial species and improvements in ge...
Researchers developed a new method to target diseased neurons using light, changing their long-term behavior. The approach uses light-sensitive enzymes to create insulating or conductive coatings on cell membranes, tuning excitability in neurons.
A recent systematic review found that inclusion neither increases nor decreases learning and psychosocial adjustment in children with multiple disabilities. Individual assessments are crucial to determine each child's specific needs. The study highlights the importance of personalized approaches to support children with special needs.
A new 16-week trial will test whether a medication that targets gut bacteria can improve irritability in teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to reduce the entry of certain substances produced by gut bacteria into the brain via the bloodstream, potentially reducing traits of irritability and anxiety.
Researchers discovered that synchronized neural oscillations in the right hemisphere of the brain induce empathic behavior in mice, allowing them to perceive and share each other's fear. The study identified the causal relationship between 5-7 Hz oscillations in the cingulo-amygdala circuit and empathic responses.
Research reveals that individuals with autism have normal pain thresholds but increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. This study's findings suggest the need for increased awareness and early treatment to improve quality of life for autistic individuals.
A new animal study points to a gene that controls early social behaviors and may be linked to autism. Exposure to certain drugs during embryonic development can alter this gene, leading to social behavior changes similar to those found in individuals with autism. Researchers were able to reverse some effects using an experimental drug.
Researchers identified connections between genetic risk genes and mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 50 Canadians. The study's findings may lead to tailored treatments for individuals with shared biological signatures.
A study of 1.5 million children found no association between prenatal benzodiazepine exposure and increased risks of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The results challenge current assumptions about maternal benzodiazepine use and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A Rutgers-led study found that a gene mutation associated with autism causes an overstimulation of brain cells, disrupting the normal information flow. The researchers used human stem cells and transplanting them into mouse brains to understand how the mutation affects brain development.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.
Researchers found three distinct white matter pathways unique to autistic brains, distinguishing them from those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). These patterns correlated with emotional performance and/or autism severity, shedding light on the biological basis of autism.
Researchers found that deleting a copy of the Arid1b gene in specific brain cells decreased inhibitory signaling, leading to changes in synaptic properties and connectivity. The study suggests that this gene may be a key target for therapeutics in treating autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers from SickKids have uncovered new genes and genetic changes associated with autism spectrum disorder, including 134 linked genes and gene copy number variations. The study offers a better understanding of the 'genomic architecture' underlying this disorder.
Research reveals natural genetic variation impacting brain development contributes to autism's diverse behaviors, with implications for tailored support. The study sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics, brain development, and behavior in individuals with autism.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University shows adding sensory integration assessments can help guide therapeutic activities for individuals with autism. The assessments provide new information on deficits in multiple and varied categories of sensory integration, which are not recognized by current diagnostic tests.
A new UCLA-led study found comprehensive brain-wide changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, refining scientists' understanding of how the condition progresses. The study analyzed gene expression across 11 cortical regions, revealing strong evidence that RNA changes in the brain are likely the cause of ASD.
A Dartmouth study reveals that disruptions in the mTORC1 pathway can rescue neuronal overgrowth and synapse function dysregulated by Pten loss, potentially offering new treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The research team also found that administering Rapamycin to children showed some benefit to symptoms of autism.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that developmental-behavioral pediatricians can diagnose most autism cases in young children without ADOS testing. In 90% of cases, the ADOS results did not change the original clinical diagnosis, suggesting that DBPs can accurately assess ASD symptoms.
Researchers found that actors' brain activity suppressed when hearing their own name during performance, indicating potential impact of theatre training on human brain. The study also investigated interpersonal coordination between actors and found specific brain systems involved in social interactions.
A new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic parents are three times more likely to report prenatal depression and anxiety compared to non-autistic parents. The research highlights the need for effective mental health screening and support for autistic individuals during pregnancy.
Researchers found that autistic women are more vulnerable to psychiatric conditions and hospitalization than men, with a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and self-harm. The study suggests that healthcare needs to be expanded for young adults, especially autistic women, to detect mental illness in time.
A Tel Aviv University study shows that pressure chamber therapy can improve social skills and reduce neuroinflammation in the autistic brain. The treatment, which involves high-pressure chambers with oxygen enrichment, was found to increase blood and oxygen supply to the brain, leading to improved brain function and social behavior.