Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Researchers from Drexel University's Autism Institute found that professional development providers with larger, more supportive networks perform better as coaches for teachers of autistic students. They also discovered that coaching support is more important than financial support for performance outcomes.
A new model of autism care and treatment prioritizes personalized, stepped approaches tailored to individuals' unique needs throughout their lives. The Lancet Commission calls for global coordination between governments, healthcare providers, and families to reform research, care, and treatment.
Researchers discovered that ANK2 variants can affect giant ankyrin-B exclusively or both isoforms simultaneously, altering axon collateral branch formation and targeting. The findings confirm divergent roles of ankyrin-B isoforms and support critical roles in brain development and organization.
Researchers from UC Davis MIND Institute develop a home-based language testing method using telehealth, allowing Spanish-speaking parents to assess their children's language abilities. The study found the parent-led test to be feasible, reliable, and effective in both English and Spanish-speaking groups.
A new study documents that observable social-communication differences for infants with ASD unfold by 9 months, pointing to a critical window for targeted intervention. Infants with ASD exhibit significantly fewer social and early speech skills than their typically-developing peers at 9 months of age.
A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...
Researchers have identified thousands of novel brain-expressed gene isoforms, revealing a complex web of protein production in the brain. The study suggests that genes expressed in the brain may produce far more proteins than previously thought, with potential implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
A study found that children with autism tend to have less diverse diets and lower gut microbiome diversity compared to their non-autistic peers. This suggests that dietary preferences may contribute to the development of autism-related traits.
Researchers analyzed a statewide survey in Pennsylvania to identify experiences of autistic individuals and their caregivers across interactions with the criminal justice system. Positive and negative experiences were reported, highlighting an increased risk for male autistic individuals with co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses.
Abnormalities in brain cells and axons may lead to increased blood flow and more severe symptoms of autism. The study provides insights into the biology of autism spectrum disorder and potential therapeutic targets.
A UC Riverside-led study found that maternal transfer of PBDEs causes brain changes and autistic-like behavior in female mice offspring, including reduced social recognition ability and olfactory discrimination. The study suggests that developmental exposure to flame retardants produces ASD-relevant neurochemical and behavioral traits.
A study has identified a specific protein, PHF3, that plays an important role in transcription and modulates the reading process of DNA. The absence of PHF3 or its binding site SPOC may lead to neuronal production defects, which could be linked to autism and glioblastoma.
Researchers identified 23 genes contributing to congenital heart disease, including 12 previously unknown, using a new algorithm called M-DATA. This method combines genetic data from people with related conditions, increasing the power to identify risk factors and potentially leading to improved treatments.
A study published in Nature Communications identifies a specific form of autism caused by an excessive number of synapses in the cerebral cortex, potentially guiding the development of future treatments. The research found that inhibiting mTOR protein activity can restore synaptic function and connectivity.
A University of Cambridge study found that Jewish autistic children who learn Hebrew as a second language benefit from their cultural identity and community involvement. Parents and teachers rejected outdated professional advice, instead teaching pupils Hebrew to enhance their spiritual and family life.
A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Nicola Allen found that astrocyte signaling is directly related to each stage of neuronal development. The researchers determined that astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters produced by neurons to control the timing of signal production, instructing neuronal growth and development.
A Rutgers study found that up to 8% of children in certain New Jersey communities have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), significantly higher than the national average. The study also identified disparities in ASD identification, particularly among Hispanic children.
Researchers at Rutgers University have linked Fragile X and SHANK3 deletion syndrome, both associated with autism and health problems, to walking patterns. The study used motion-sensored sneakers to detect gait problems 15-20 years before clinical diagnosis, offering a potential framework for early intervention.
Researchers found that people's pupils dilate more in response to metaphors than to literal or concrete statements. The study suggests that everyday metaphors, often considered clichés, play a significant role in engaging our brains and conveying richer meaning.
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that reducing tau levels impacts both excitatory and inhibitory cells, leading to a reduction in excitation-inhibition ratios. This effect counteracts diseases that cause abnormal increases in this ratio, potentially improving the brain's ability to perform its functions.
A UC Davis MIND Institute study suggests telehealth evaluation can help families access care and diagnose autism earlier. The research found that telehealth approaches in the first year of life improved access to care for infants with elevated autism risk, reducing waitlists and parental stress.
A multicenter study found that oxytocin, a hormone used as an autism treatment, had no significant impact on social skills among children with autism. The study of 290 children aged 3-17 showed that oxytocin was safe but ineffective in boosting social abilities.
Researchers developed an algorithm that leverages medical informatics to predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses in young children. The new approach uses diagnostic codes from past doctor's visits to calculate a risk score, identifying which patients are at risk of receiving a confirmed ASD diagnosis.
A recent study published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents diagnosed with mental health disorders are more likely to be excluded from education and labor market for at least five years. The results highlight the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social exclusion.
Research published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic children with difficulties integrating narrative context with facial expressions, leading to inaccurate emotion recognition. This highlights the importance of contextual cues in social exchanges for effectively managing interactions.
A recent study published in JAMA Network investigated the potential link between epidural analgesia during labor and autism spectrum disorder in children. The research found that administration of epidural analgesia during labor was not significantly associated with autism spectrum disorder in offspring.
A team of researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute developed a new method to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a single 2D camera. The Computer Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI) method provides greater access to patients and shows accurate assessment with 2D technology.
The number of autism diagnoses in England has skyrocketed by 787% over the past two decades, driven primarily by increased recognition and improved diagnosis for females. Researchers analyzed GP records and found that the greatest rises were among adults, with females making up most of the increase.
A new study found that unusual visual inspection behavior in infants aged 9 months and older is predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This behavior, characterized as an over-focus on objects, was most prominent and present earliest in infants who developed ASD.
Researchers at WVU aim to characterize autism patients' behaviors using behavior-tracking technology. They plan to use artificial intelligence to identify traits associated with ASD, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized interventions. The study also has the potential to improve early detection in young children.
A parent-led therapy for early signs of autism has significantly reduced the likelihood of an autism diagnosis at age three. The iBASIS-VIPP program uses video-feedback to support social development and unique abilities, resulting in increased parental sensitivity and language development.
A randomized clinical trial found that preemptive intervention for autism spectrum disorder in infants showing early signs significantly reduced ASD symptom severity across childhood. The study also decreased the odds of an ASD diagnosis at 3-years-old.
A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that autistic adults are less likely to identify as heterosexual and more likely to experience a diverse range of sexual orientations. The research found no differences in likelihood of contracting STIs or age of first sexual activity between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
Researchers analyzed facial asymmetry in 5000 points of 192 parents of autistic children and found they had more asymmetric faces than other adults. This study contributes to understanding the genetic causes of autism, which are known to play a major role in the condition.
A pilot study at the University of Cincinnati found that young adults with ASD and ID can lose or maintain weight with a system of education and support in place. Participants and parents reported knowledge and behavior change, with two participants losing significant weight.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that genetic variants in the Nav1.2 sodium channel are a leading cause of autism, leading to overactive sodium channels and seizures. Researchers propose developing medicines to open potassium channels as a potential treatment for these patients.
Researchers used EEG microstate analysis to study brain dynamics in pre-school children with ASD, identifying five predominant states with distinct characteristics. This segmentation of the autism spectrum provides reliable indicators for diagnosis and therapy development.
Three Lehigh University faculty members received federal grants to study reading interventions, supports for students with disabilities, and teachers of students with autism. The projects aim to improve reading growth for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Researchers at UNIGE developed an AI algorithm using automated video analysis to detect autism spectrum disorder in children under 5. The system correctly classified 80% of cases and showed a convincing result in just 10 minutes, providing an initial screening tool for parents.
A new study designed in collaboration with autistic scholars shows improvements in implicit biases about autism among the general public. The research found that autism trainings developed with autistic input were more effective at reducing implicit biases and improving explicit knowledge about autism.
Research from Drexel University's Autism Institute identifies higher odds of living in residential facilities, receiving outside caregiver services, and having high-risk health conditions among autistic adults, as well as those with intellectual disability and mental health diagnoses. These groups are more likely to contract COVID-19 a...
Researchers from HSE Centre for Language and Brain compared expressive and receptive language abilities in Russian-speaking children with ASD. The study shows that there is no single expressive-receptive language pattern in children with ASD, but the difference depends on linguistic level.
Researchers have created brain organoids from people with 16p11.2 genomic variations, which exhibit differences in brain size seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed new information about molecular mechanisms that malfunction when this region is disrupted, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Anjana Bhat is studying the prevalence and relationship of motor problems in children with ASD. Her research aims to alter the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders definition of ASD by including motor impairments.
A study published in Autism Research investigated over 925,000 births in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, finding that delayed pregnancies by 2.5 to three years reduced the sibling's risk of autism diagnosis by up to nine percent
This observational study found no association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and increased risk of preterm birth, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study's findings suggest that antipsychotics during pregnancy do not pose a significant risk to fetal development.
Researchers found that states have implemented new autism-specific Medicaid programs, with the most common type being the 1915(c) waiver authority, providing home and community-based services. The study suggests that further replication of successful efforts is needed to improve access to services for individuals on the autism spectrum.
A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.
The article considers the ethical issues surrounding enrolling children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome, in clinical trials. Parents may face difficult decisions about whether to enroll their children due to concerns about potential loss of positive aspects of their condition.
A new study comparing pitch and duration imitations in speech and song has found that autistic individuals perform differently in two categories: relative pitch and absolute pitch. Autistic children and adults showed better performance with relative pitch, while struggling with absolute pitch across both domains.
A national study funded by a $9-million award will compare two suicide prevention interventions for autistic individuals, SPI-ASD and SPI-ASD+, across four health systems. The study aims to develop effective interventions for autistic youth at risk for suicide.
A study published in Scientific Reports has developed a neural network model that explains how individuals with autism spectrum disorder recognize facial expressions. The model, based on predictive processing theory, demonstrates that abnormalities in brain activity lead to difficulties in identifying emotions from facial cues.
Researchers developed a new screening system to evaluate 'perspective taking' difficulties in autistic adults, using a simple questionnaire and short clips. The tool showed limitations in drawing inferences from stimuli are predictive of individuals' social-behavioural and interpersonal interaction difficulties.
A pilot study from North Carolina State University found that a gene associated with autism spectrum disorder and pain hypersensitivity may decrease itch response. Contactin-associated protein 2 (CNTNAP2) is expressed in sensory neurons responsible for transmitting sensations of both pain and itch.
A study published in Gut journal found that children with autism have a distinctive and underdeveloped range of gut bacteria, significantly fewer linked to neurotransmitter activity. This characteristic microbial profile may play a role in social behaviors and warrants further investigation.
Researchers have discovered a rare class of inherited genetic variants associated with autism, revealing new potential causes and pathways. These variants, less damaging than previously thought, contribute almost as much risk to the condition.
A recent study published in eNeuro found that male-derived brain cells exhibit a stronger synaptogenic response to thrombospondin-2 compared to female-derived cells. This difference is driven by how neurons respond to the protein, resulting in varying synaptic formation mechanisms between sexes.
A study published in The BMJ Paediatrics Open found that the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) can detect autism at 18-30 months, but not all children who will be diagnosed later. The Q-CHAT shows promise for early detection and diagnosis of autism.