Articles tagged with Autism
A study published by Stanford Medicine has found no link between epidural use during childbirth and an increased risk of autism in children. The research controlled for various socioeconomic, medical, and family factors, including genetic influences, to reach this conclusion.
Research suggests that autism develops differently in girls and boys, with distinct genetic profiles and brain mechanisms at play. Girls with ASD exhibit unique responses to social cues and have different genetic contributors to the condition.
A new study by Yale researchers found that girls with autism tend to develop the condition in a different region of the brain than boys, with a larger number of genetic mutations. The findings suggest that girls may have a natural protective effect against developing autism.
Researchers are investigating how oxytocin and dopamine act in the brain's reward circuits to make social interactions rewarding for males and females. The project has the potential to provide new mechanisms for understanding well-known sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders and spur the development of gender-specific treatments.
Scientists discovered three molecules involved in olfactory imprinting during critical periods in mice, which can modulate adult social behaviors. Oxytocin and signaling molecule Sema7A play a crucial role in forming sensory maps and neural circuits.
Researchers found that damage to the autism-associated gene Dyrk1a leads to abnormal growth-factor signaling, undergrowth of neurons and brain, and eventually autism-like behaviors in mice. An existing drug, a growth hormone, restored normal brain growth in the affected mice.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) 2021 Annual Meeting brought together over 1,300 authors from 30 countries to share their research and discoveries on autism spectrum disorder. Keynote speakers included Dr. Stormy J. Chamberlain, Dr. Tony Charman, Dr. Petrus J de Vries, and Dr. Lucina Q. Uddin.
Scientists identified microRNA-29 as a powerful controller of brain maturation, which was found to be depleted in mice with autism-like symptoms. The study suggests that boosting levels of miR-29 could lead to therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
A new study has demonstrated a correlation between autism spectrum disorder and changes in the gut microbiome. The researchers found that individuals with autism exhibited differences in gut microbiome composition compared to neurotypical controls, with gastrointestinal symptoms being significantly higher in those with autism. Longitud...
A study found that young people with autism spectrum disorder adapted better than expected to lockdown conditions, improving their communication and relationships with families. Technological support and increased family time also played a role in their well-being.
Research using three mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders found distinct basal metabolism patterns, with varying energy expenditure and fat utilization. The studies suggest all three models may exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting the need for personalized treatments and diagnostic methods.
A new study found that autistic adults are often misjudged due to stereotypical behaviors, leading to disadvantage in the legal system. The researchers argue that these behaviors can be misinterpreted by judges and juries, resulting in harsher sentences for autistic individuals.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other psychiatric comorbidities responded well to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment, experiencing significant improvements in OCD and mood symptoms.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a specific node in the human brain that modulates sounds made in social situations. This discovery may lead to better treatments for social disorders like depression and autism by understanding how emotions are regulated.
Researchers developed a computational model to simulate cell division and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex, finding that early cell death influences brain structure. The study replicated various brain structures in rats, macaques, and humans.
A Northern Arizona University researcher is working to increase participation of neurodivergent students in STEM fields. The project aims to provide interventions such as minimizing changes to routines and continuity, offering options for assignment completion and assessment, and providing different types of learning material.
A study of over 7 million children found that autism prevalence varies across ethnic groups, with Black and Chinese pupils more likely to be autistic. Autistic children also face significant social disadvantage.
A new longitudinal study published in JAMA Open suggests that 80% of children with autism experience growth or proficiency in at least one developmental domain by mid childhood. The study also found that 23% of children are doing well in four or more domains, highlighting a strengths-based approach to autism assessment.
A recent study published in Biology of Sex Differences suggests that DHA supplementation during periods of high stress may reverse the negative impact of maternal stress on unborn males. Researchers found that exposure to prenatal distress decreased placenta and embryo weight in males but not females, while DHA groups showed a reversal...
University of Ottawa researchers discovered a shortage in noradrenaline released to the motor cortex from the locus coeruleus, leading to delayed motor learning in autistic children. This delay can cause social isolation and may be overlooked due to its similarity to social deficits.
Research investigated associations between maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The study found significant links between these conditions, highlighting the importance of prenatal care for fetal health.
Researchers found that a widely used technique for autism screening is being misused, leading to potential misdiagnoses. The University of Bath team calls for an urgent review and recommends using the correct cut-off score of '6 or above' instead of NICE's 'more than 6 out of 10'.
A study by researchers from the University of Queensland found that schizophrenia and personality disorders were the most disabling mental health conditions. The study used a new method to measure disability, known as the Health Loss Proportion (HeLP), which takes comorbidities into account.
Researchers mapped over 400 patients with SCN2A-related disorders, linking genetic abnormalities to clinical features. The study provided a framework for precision medicine approaches to help individuals with these conditions.
A systematic review of autistic people's internet use reveals benefits like increased control and calm during interactions, as well as opportunities for forming online communities. However, findings also suggest some individuals remain lonely despite online connections.
Researchers found that adolescents with autism exhibit greater brain activity during proactive executive control tasks, suggesting a unique approach rather than impairment. The study also revealed enhanced connectivity between regions associated with reactive control processes in individuals with autism.
Research suggests autistic individuals, particularly females, exhibit unique neural connections and reduced default network activity compared to neurotypical males. These findings indicate a combination of sex-dependent and independent effects on brain connectivity in autism.
Researchers highlight the effectiveness of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation, including improvements in sensorimotor, speech/language, and cognitive functions. Studies show that music therapy can enhance executive functioning, affective responding, and motor skills in patients with post-stroke cognition and autism.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have identified a new molecular driver of frontal circuit maturation that is essential for cognitive function. By selectively suppressing communication via nicotinic receptors in the frontal circuit, attention deficits caused by Fragile X syndrome can be prevented in animal models.
A study analyzing survey data from 2014-2019 found significant racial/ethnic disparities in autism spectrum disorder rates. The research estimated changes in these disparities over time, providing insight into the impact of diversity on autism diagnosis and prevalence.
A recent study published in Emotion found that people tend to produce happy and angry expressions more rapidly, while sad expressions are produced more slowly. The ability to form judgements about people's facial expressions has close links with the speeds at which those expressions are produced.
A team of genetics researchers found that evolutionary forces drive a gender imbalance in health conditions, with men being more vulnerable to physical and mental health issues. This imbalance is due to the human genome's favoring of different characteristics in males and females, making men more susceptible to various conditions.
A University of Missouri researcher created fitness picture books to increase physical activity in youth with autism, providing a cost-efficient solution for low-income families. The study found that the picture books successfully increased exercise time and encouraged caregivers to provide organized structure during flexible free time.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified nine serum proteins in blood that strongly predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using machine learning tools. These biomarkers could enable earlier diagnosis and prompt therapeutic support, potentially improving quality of life for children with ASD.
A recent CUHK study has provided a novel understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind the function of the blood-CSF barrier. The research team found that SOX9 is essential to prevent leakage of undesired molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting its critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that genetically manipulating a fly's Imitation SWItch/SNF (ISWI) gene led to marked sleep disturbances, memory problems, and social dysfunction. The study suggests that targeting sleep may improve symptoms in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Chronic increases in interleukin (IL)-17A levels in mouse blood reduce microglia activity in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. Despite this effect on cognition, spatial memory remains unaffected in mutant mice.
Scientists used fNIRS to analyze brain activity and develop an algorithm to predict autistic traits severity with over 90% accuracy. The new technology is more accessible than fMRI for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.
A new study suggests that educating non-autistic people about the challenges and strengths of autistic individuals can increase social inclusion. The research found that familiarizing non-autistic people with autism through training and exposure helped reduce explicit biases, but implicit biases remained harder to overcome.
A microbiome-targeted therapy, known as microbial transfer therapy (MTT), has shown encouraging results in treating autism symptoms by expanding gut microbia diversity and reducing GI issues. The approach involved transferring healthy gut microbes into ASD patients' guts over 7-8 weeks, leading to improved behavior and reduced symptoms.
A new study by UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley scientists has identified a crucial biological link between autism risk genes and the process of prenatal neurogenesis. The research also highlights the protective role of estrogen in preventing disruption to this process, which can steer the brain on a normal course of development.
Researchers found that deactivating the autism-linked FoxP1 gene in young songbirds prevents them from forming memories of their fathers' songs. This finding may shed light on speech development in humans and potentially lead to new treatments for children with autism.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that defects in mitochondria may contribute to autism spectrum disorder. The researchers introduced a mild missense mutation into a mouse strain and observed impaired social interactions, increased repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-like traits.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that children with autism experience a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 13. The study suggests that interventions targeting this age range can help maintain healthy rates of physical activity. The research also highlights the importance of physical activity fo...
A new study suggests autistic children may react more negatively to constructive parent conflicts, missing opportunities for learning healthy conflict resolution. Researchers recommend teaching autistic children to distinguish between destructive and constructive conflicts.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified patterns of maternal autoantibodies associated with autism spectrum disorder, allowing for early diagnosis and potential behavioral intervention. Researchers found that these biomarkers can predict the likelihood and severity of autism with high accuracy.
A new study suggests that prenatal BPA exposure may be responsible for the male bias in autism spectrum disorder. The research found that BPA altered the expression of several genes in the hippocampus in a sex-dependent pattern, leading to decreased neuronal viability and impaired learning/memory in male offspring.
A new study reveals nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health condition, with anxiety and depression prevalent among pre-school age children. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention to increase effectiveness of mental health treatment.
A new survey from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that leveraging children's special interests can help reduce anxiety and improve mental health in youth with autism. The study suggests using these interests as a positive reinforcer or educational opportunity, such as using a favorite TV show as a reward for completing tasks.
Researchers at UC San Diego and UCLA found that de novo mutations in tandem repeats are associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study analyzed 1,600 families and identified an average of 50 de novo mutations at tandem repeats in each child, regardless of whether they were affected by autism.
Researchers found that mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder had significantly different metabolite levels, including lower folate and vitamin B12 levels, compared to mothers of typically developing children. These differences may be related to how carnitine is metabolized in some mothers' bodies.
Research suggests that only a small fraction of violent acts are attributable to mental illness, with most perpetrators not having a diagnosable mental illness. The special issue articles review treatments to prevent violence, violence against family members, risk assessment, mass shooting events, and gun violence prevention.
A study examining national register data from Denmark found individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher rates of suicide attempts and completion compared to those without ASD. Potential risk factors for suicidal behavior in individuals with ASD were identified in the research.
A recent study published in Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that adopting a cat can increase empathy and decrease separation anxiety in children with autism. The study monitored families with children aged 6-14 who adopted a calm and well-matched cat, reporting an instant bond between the child and their new pet.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified biomarkers in fathers' sperm that are linked to an increased risk of their children developing autism. These epigenetic markers can be detected with high accuracy and may help diagnose the condition, as well as identify environmental factors that contribute to its development.
Two studies reveal that mosaic mutations during embryonic development contribute to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with most brains harboring 'point' mutations in enhancers. Additionally, large copy number variants (CNVs) were found in people with ASD, often affecting multiple genes and chromosome regions.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to autism that affects brain function and development. The study found that the mutation impacts brain cells, leading to hyper-social behavior and learning disabilities in mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments targeting the cerebellum's neural processes.
A theoretical model describes the cause of autism as a combination of socially valued traits and co-occurring disabilities, accounting for most cases. The BAPCO-DMAP theory explains how positive traits of autism interact with development and disabilities.
Patients with autism spectrum disorder in Taiwan showed a higher risk of substance use disorder compared to the general population. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, used health insurance data to investigate this association and found that individuals with autism were more likely to die prematurely due to substance-related causes.
A study from Cardiff University found that more than half of individuals with certain genetic conditions had significant autistic symptoms, despite not meeting formal diagnostic criteria. The research emphasizes the need for an individualized approach to assessing the needs of people with genetic conditions.