Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
A new study published in JCPP Advances explores the impact of gender differences on autism diagnosis, finding that women's higher emotional needs may mask their autistic traits. The research highlights the importance of improving accurate diagnosis for both men and women, with potential implications for clinical practice.
Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly 43,000 people with autism and identified a novel group of inherited genes of moderate effect. The study shows that these genes contribute to autism through inherited variants and are associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have uncovered 60 genes linked to autism spectrum disorder, which may represent a different class of genes associated with core symptoms. The study found that five new genes have a moderate impact on autism characteristics and explain why autism often runs in families.
A new study of over 150,000 participants has identified more than 70 genes strongly associated with autism and over 250 with strong links to the condition. The analysis provides insights into the molecular roots of brain development and neurodiversity.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a molecule called CGRP that enables neurons to bundle threatening sensory cues into a unified signal, conveying it to the amygdala. The study may lead to new therapies for fear-related disorders such as PTSD and autism.
Researchers discovered that face centering, not saliency, plays a key role in guiding attention to faces in videos as people age. The findings have implications for children's television programming and the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
A new study published in Nature reveals that microglia cells change their molecular state to match neighboring neurons, influencing neural circuit function. The researchers found that different types of cortical neurons recruit specific numbers of microglia, which then adapt to the neuron's environment.
A new study reveals that air pollution and maternal stress during pregnancy can lead to altered brain development and social behavior in male mice, exhibiting autism-like traits. In contrast, female mice are not affected by these environmental factors.
Researchers have identified a novel gene FIBCD1 as likely causative of rare neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that FIBCD1 is a receptor for ECM 'sugar' components and linked to diseases such as autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers propose a new learning method for individuals with autism, utilizing 'memory flashes' to accelerate learning and improve visual perception capabilities. The study showed significant improvement in both learning speed and generalization of skills, even under new conditions.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study age-related changes in gamma-band oscillations in the auditory cortex of typically developing children. The results showed that power increased with age and cortical localization changed, indicating an age-related shift in the balance between excitation and inhibition.
A recent study published in Autism Research suggests that autistic adults are only slightly less accurate than non-autistic peers at recognizing human face emotion expressions. The findings contradict the common perception that individuals with autism struggle to understand others' emotions.
Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...
A Rutgers study found that only 47% of autistic children in four New Jersey counties received early intervention programs before 36 months. Income and race-based disparities hindered access to these services. The study highlights the need for universal autism screening and enhanced support for early intervention systems.
Researchers found an autism-associated mutation in the Hevin protein results in its retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, activating the unfolded protein response in cells. This disrupts normal brain function, contributing to autism pathogenesis.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a roadmap detailing how stem cells become sensory interneurons, which enable sensations like touch and pain. The study identifies protocols for producing all types of sensory interneurons in the laboratory, paving the way for cell therapies to restore sensation in people with spinal cord injuries.
A new curriculum called Relationships Decoded shows promise in teaching adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities about healthy romantic relationships and preventing sexual abuse. The program, tested with diverse professionals from California, improves knowledge and understanding of social-sexual relationships.
Researchers found that children with autism process brain waves differently when focused on body movements versus colors, highlighting a key challenge in communication.
A new study has identified neurogliaform cells as key regulators of information flow between brain areas. These cells help separate current perception from past experiences, enabling smooth communication between brain regions.
Researchers at University of Essex found no benefit from oxytocin administration on healthy men's ability to recognize emotions. Computer-based emotional training programs proved more effective in improving emotion recognition and mental health.
Researchers found a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys than girls, with 410 out of 12,554 children and adolescents reporting an ASD diagnosis. The overall prevalence was estimated at 3.14% for the US population between 2019 and 2020.
New research from UC Santa Cruz shows improvements in autistic adult representation in media and advocacy websites, with a notable increase in adult representations in film and television. However, the study also highlights persistent issues with childlike portrayals and limited attention to intersectionality.
Duke researchers identify DDX3X gene as crucial for neuron formation and brain development, with dosage-dependent defects leading to developmental disabilities. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying DDX3X syndrome and related disorders, potentially paving the way for therapies.
Scientists at Tohoku University have identified specific brain wave patterns related to social behavior in mice. These findings provide a unified understanding of brain activity underlying social behavior and its deficits in disease.
A multidisciplinary study by the University of Minnesota found that girls and boys show similar rates of concerns for autism spectrum disorder when screened earlier. The research identified subtle differences in core symptoms but corrected for these biases to reveal a 'high concern' group with an equal sex ratio.
Studies by UC Davis MIND Institute found predictive protein patterns in expecting mothers' blood and links between maternal autoantibodies and higher autistic traits. MAR ASD patterns were associated with autism before birth, with certain patterns predicting autism in previously diagnosed children.
New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that fentanyl can induce changes similar to autism-like behaviors in young male and female mice. The research team discovered that fentanyl induces autism-like behaviors via activating the mu-opioid receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex.
A study reveals that valproic acid induces cellular senescence in neuroepithelial cells, leading to developmental defects such as spina bifida, facial alterations, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers found that a specific molecule, p19Arf, is responsible for this effect.
A new study reveals that drumming can improve the life quality of young people diagnosed with autism by enhancing brain function and behavior. Participants showed fewer signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and repetitive behaviors, demonstrating better control of their emotions.
A Rutgers study analyzing brain stem cells of autism patients found irregularities in early brain development, supporting the concept that ASD arises from poor control of brain cell proliferation. The study discovered that some patients had NPCs producing too many brain cells while others had underproduced cells.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have elucidated the structure of a small protein carrying GABA into neurons using cryogenic electron microscopy. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectru...
A new study reveals that combinations of multiple genetic factors determine the risk and severity of symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Researchers analyzed 37,375 individuals from 11,213 families to understand how rare mutations and common genetic variation contribute to ASD.
Researchers used AI to compare brain images of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to computer-generated simulations, revealing links between brain anatomy and symptoms. The discovery could help understand ASD causes and develop targeted interventions.
Researchers at Texas A&M University College of Medicine have identified a crucial mechanism driving the evolution of the neocortex, leading to increased intelligence and surface area. This breakthrough understanding contributes to insights into developmental deficits linked to autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities.
A study of nearly 4.5 million children found a potential association between prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that autistic individuals have a higher risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions. They also report lower quality healthcare experiences, including difficulties with symptom description and sense overload.
Researchers have identified unique differences in the visual systems of infants who later develop autism, which are associated with inherited genetic factors. These differences in brain structure and function precede the appearance of autistic symptoms and are related to the severity of autism traits in older siblings.
Infants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 24 months had differences in visual processing areas of the brain apparent at 6 months old. These early changes could affect further brain development and play a role in ASD symptoms.
A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.
A study analyzing reviews of therapeutic interventions found that certain types of early therapies can promote communication and social interactions in young children with autism. However, the quality of evidence was often limited, leaving families to navigate different approaches.
A study published in Current Biology observed toddlers with autism achieving joint attention during toy play with parents at typical levels. Children with autism also used hand-following cues to follow their parent's attention into joint attention.
The study reveals that the YWHAZ gene can alter neuronal development, leading to behavioral alterations in response to novelty. The team identified key neurotransmitter alterations involved in behavior and found that using fluoxetine and quinpirole can reduce social behavior alterations.
A recent study found that 78.3% of autistic adults in Pennsylvania reported receiving or intending to get a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 42% of overall adults. The research identified key factors driving vaccine acceptance and hesitancy, such as feelings of increased loneliness and concerns about vaccine safety.
Researchers used gene therapy to recover the TCF4 gene's function in human brain tissue, rescuing neural structure and function in brain organoids. The study offers promising insights into treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.
A study led by Kobe University researchers found that idiopathic autism is caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells, leading to immune dysregulation and brain-gut axis disorders. The study used BTBR mice as a model and identified histone deacetylase HDAC1 as a common mechanism underlying these pathologies.
A new study of over 111,000 adolescents aged 11-17 found that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly increased the risk of self-harm. Additionally, school absence was also associated with a three-fold higher risk of self-harm. These findings suggest that early identification and...
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that reducing protein tau levels soon after birth can prevent autism and epilepsy in an experimental model. The study pinpointed the crucial brain cells where tau levels must be reduced to avoid these problems, and showed that lowering tau is still effective when initiated after birth.
A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience reveals that nine out of ten autistic women in France have suffered sexual violence, with most victims being assaulted multiple times at a young age. The findings highlight the need for improved prevention and care programs to address this vulnerable population.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
Researchers found no widespread systematic measurement bias in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) across race and sex. However, the study suggests potential underdetection of autism in certain groups, warranting further research to improve diagnosis accuracy.
A new study examines factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake in the autism community, revealing that early skepticism waned over time. The majority of caregivers eventually received the vaccine following FDA approval. Firmly held vaccine-hesitant beliefs influenced a minority of autism spectrum disorder caregivers.
A preclinical study suggests that astrocyte abnormalities may contribute to repetitive behaviors and memory deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Researchers grew human astrocytes from patients with ASD and transplanted them into healthy mice, which developed repetitive behaviors but not social deficits.
A new report highlights the intersection of autism, poverty, and non-white race/ethnicity, revealing increased rates of health concerns and care challenges. Autistic children living in lower-income households and those who are BIPOC disproportionately experience poor health outcomes.
A new review found that Autistic women face significant challenges in breastfeeding, despite being motivated to do so. The lack of understanding of their needs and limited support from healthcare professionals exacerbate these issues.
Researchers at Shinshu University have elucidated a new molecular mechanism controlling the survival of cerebral nerve cells. Neurexin regulates cerebellar granule cell survival independently of synapses, playing a crucial role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers analyzed prenatal MRI scans of children later diagnosed with autism and found significant differences in brain structures at 25 weeks' gestation. These differences may be a strong biomarker for predicting ASD emergence, with the insular lobe showing increased volume.
A genetic disease in children, CHARGE syndrome causes intellectual disability, attention deficit disorder, and autism. The INRS team is studying the gene's impact on brain development to identify potential treatments.
A Synapsy study has identified a new neural pathway involved in social interaction, distinct from the traditional reward system. This discovery may hold key to understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders.