Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Dr. Genova will develop a strength-based intervention to improve job interview skills for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The K18 award supports her research project at the University of Michigan School of Social Work's Level Up Lab.
Research identifies two causal genes, CHD3 and CHD8, contributing to Chiari 1 malformation. Children with unusually large heads are four times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. The study's findings may lead to new ways to identify people at risk before serious symptoms arise.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that specific functional units within genes, called exons, can impact autism severity. The researchers analyzed genetic and clinical data from over 2,500 people with autism and discovered that children with truncating mutations in the same exon often exhibit similar symptoms.
A new computational model reveals how the brain maintains short-term information using specific types of neurons, including inhibitory neurons. Good working memory requires long-timescale neurons to be prevalent and strong connections between these neurons.
Studies using longitudinal brain scans found a subtype of autism characterized by disproportionate megalencephaly and slower development in white matter tracts. Researchers also linked changes in white matter growth with autism traits and symptom severity.
Researchers from the University of Queensland found that a vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy caused an increase in testosterone levels in male rats, potentially contributing to the higher prevalence of Autism spectrum disorder in boys. Vitamin D plays a critical role in brain development and may help prevent ASD-like traits when su...
A population-based study found that comorbid non-affective psychoses and affective/anxiety disorders increased the risk for self-harm in autistic adolescents and young adults. The risk was highest among females and those with intellectual disability, linked to natural causes rather than accidental death.
A new longitudinal study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant cognitive gains between ages 12 and 23, with IQ increasing by an average of 7.48 points. Early language regression and greater communication problems at age 12 were associated with greater IQ increases.
Scientists created brain organoids from patients with Rett syndrome to study the disease and identify potential treatments. The study found two drug candidates, Nefiracetam and PHA 543613, that restored calcium levels, neurotransmitter production, and electrical impulse activity in the organoids.
A new research study found a connection between repetitive behaviors and gastrointestinal problems in children with autism. The study also found that increased severity of other autism symptoms was associated with more severe constipation, stomach pain and other gut difficulties.
Researchers applied the Perturb-Seq method to study dozens of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, identifying how specific cell types in the developing mouse brain are impacted by mutations. The study found that both neurons and glia are directly affected by different sets of risk genes.
A study analyzed autism diagnoses in California from 1992 to 2018, revealing a non-uniform increase in incidence rates across sociodemographic groups. The results showed that more children of Black and Asian mothers, as well as those from low socioeconomic status, were diagnosed with autism.
A study published in mSphere found that gut microbiota from healthy donors can improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through microbial transfer therapy (MTT). The research showed significant metabolic changes in plasma samples and modest alterations in fecal samples after the procedure.
Researchers analyzed ABR tests of nearly 140,000 newborns in Florida and found slower brain responses to sounds in those later diagnosed with autism. The study presents a promising direction in using ABR testing as a method for precise autism detection at birth.
Researchers found that mid-range levels of an immune marker at birth are associated with the lowest risk for autism spectrum disorder. Babies born with high levels of inflammation had a higher risk of developing ASD.
Researchers used zebrafish with genetic mutations similar to those found in humans with Fragile X syndrome and autism to study sound sensitivity. The study revealed that the brains of these fish processed auditory information differently than normal fish, with more activity in the hindbrain and thalamus.
Researchers found connections between autism types and abnormalities in parvocellular oxytocin neurons, which regulate platonic love and sociability. The study could fuel the development of autism therapies targeting disease symptoms spurred on by these brain cells.
Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women with epilepsy who take valproic acid during pregnancy are at double the risk of having children with autism spectrum disorder and nearly double the risk of ADHD. The research used data from over 14,000 children born to mothers with epilepsy between 1996 and 2011.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder show reduced flexible behavior due to less optimal learning. The research used a developmental approach and examined flexible behavior on a probabilistic reversal learning task in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified new genes in the BEX/TCEAL cluster that are related to autism spectrum disorder and other neurological diseases. The study used animal models to describe molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the neocortex in humans and other placental mammals.
Researchers found a distinct DNA methylation signature in cord blood of newborns with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), spanning regions linked to early fetal neurodevelopment. The findings may hold clues for early diagnosis and intervention.
Researchers compared two popular autism interventions and found that more intensive treatment did not lead to better results. The study, led by UC Davis Health, suggests that therapists can adapt their approaches to meet individual child needs.