Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
A new concept, empathic disequilibrium, suggests a balance between cognitive and emotional empathy is needed for social functioning in individuals with autism. Research found those diagnosed with autism exhibited higher rates of empathic disequilibrium, which may hinder some 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.
Research found that new autism diagnoses tend to cluster within specific NHS service regions, suggesting a possible health service effect on diagnosis rates. This study highlights potential healthcare disparities and the impact of social determinants on autism diagnosis likelihood.
Scientists at OHSU have identified synaptotagmin-3 (SYT3) as a crucial protein for replenishing neurotransmitters between neurons. This discovery sheds new light on the underlying causes of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and autism, and may lead to the development of gene therapies or pharmaceutical approaches targeting SYT3.
A new study developed machine learning models to assess connections among hundreds of clinical variables and predict the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in young children. The models used de-identified insurance claim data to identify risk factors and quantify their association with autism. This approach has promising potential ...
Researchers have developed brain-like organoids that can be tested experimentally to uncover cellular and molecular causes of autism. The organoids, grown in a dish from human cells, self-organize into layers of cells reminiscent of the cerebral cortex, allowing scientists to study how complex neural structures arise.
Researchers from Aarhus University identified seven genetic variants common to both autism and ADHD, as well as five specific to only one diagnosis. The study suggests a significant overlap in underlying genetic causes and may lead to more precise diagnoses and earlier interventions.
Researchers analyzed data from 145,000 pregnancies and found that antidepressant exposure was not associated with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that antidepressant use during pregnancy may not increase the risk of these conditions in children.
Researchers from the autistic community offer guidelines for using respectful language in autism research, prioritizing the perspectives of autistic individuals. They advocate for a shift towards participatory and co-produced research to reduce power imbalance and ensure autistic involvement.
Research reveals that oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) contribute to the pruning process, helping shape a healthy brain during early development. OPCs actively engulf synapses, eliminating connections that are no longer needed, and play an intermediary role between external experiences and brain activity.
Researchers found a specific CAPRIN1 gene mutation linked to impaired protein production, leading to autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, language impairments, and muscle weakness. The study also identified similar symptoms in patients with early-onset ataxia and myasthenia.
A new study reveals key differences in dopamine disposal machinery between male and female mice with a rare human genetic variant found in boys with ADHD or ASD. Females exhibit unique behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety and novelty recognition issues, while males display reduced social behavior and perseverative traits.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center used fMRI to study how the brain processes complex audiovisual speech. The study found that watching a narrator tell a story activates an extensive network of brain regions involved in sensory processing and cognitive functions associated with comprehension. This finding has pot...
Research finds that short-term air pollution exposure increases risk of hospital admission for autistic children, with boys more at risk than girls. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could lower these risks and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
Researchers used a computer model to identify potential candidates for treating ASD, including loperamide, which has shown promise in restoring social behaviors in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests that repurposing existing drugs like loperamide could provide a new treatment option for core autism symptoms.
Researchers will investigate racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare services for autistic children in New Jersey. The study aims to understand the social determinants of these disparities and promote health equity among children on the spectrum.
Researchers found that a common autism screening test consistently excludes more women than men from research studies, creating a 'leaky pipeline' for diagnosis and treatment. This bias is attributed to the test's origins in male-dominated samples, which may not accurately capture female phenotypes.
Researchers studied over 500,000 children born between 1987 and 2010, finding no causal link between maternal infection and autism. However, they did find a weaker link for intellectual disability, suggesting other factors may be at play.
A study by Brigham Young University found that parent-led interventions significantly improve social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. The meta-analysis of over 50 studies included 2,895 child participants who received about 90 minutes of intervention training each week.
A new study suggests that low-dose ketamine is generally safe and effective in treating clinical symptoms of children diagnosed with ADNP syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The treatment resulted in improvements in social behavior, attention deficit, and hyperactivity, as well as reduced aggression.
Researchers identified critical period plasticity in the amygdala that can be treated with therapeutic intervention at key developmental time points. Early pharmacological intervention was shown effective in reducing fear-learning in the mouse model.
Young people with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome show distinct brain activity patterns during sleep, which may influence psychiatric symptoms. These differences are associated with altered connections within and between brain areas.
Researchers found that mothers' higher depressive symptoms did not predict increases in children's behavior problems, including those with autism. The study suggests that maternal depression may have a complex impact on caregiving families.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.