Articles tagged with Autism
Primary cilia, acting as cell TVs to detect signals, are present in fewer numbers in mice with Fragile X syndrome. Increasing their number might lead to reversing neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability.
The survey found that online tools can improve services in autism care by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and enabling families to access professionals remotely. The two approaches, Real-Time and Store-and-Forward methods, have good diagnostic accuracy and enable natural behaviors in the home setting to be observed.
Researchers have determined the detailed three-dimensional structure of the oxytocin receptor, paving the way for the development of new drugs. The discovery also reveals previously unknown interaction regions with cholesterol and magnesium, improving understanding of the receptor mechanism.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a key brain region, the cerebellum's Rcrus1, which regulates repetitive and inflexible behaviors in individuals with autism. Inhibiting activity in this region improved social behaviors, while stimulation restored social functions, offering potential new therapies for ASD.
A new study from Scripps Research reveals how two key neural circuits control social preference in mice, providing insight into the challenges faced by individuals with autism. The research identifies a specific circuit linking higher-level thought and decision-making to emotional regulation, which is impaired in individuals with autism.
Researchers used a new technique to study oxytocin receptor expression in developing mouse brains, revealing key neural connections form during early development. The study found that oxytocin receptor expression peaks at 21 days after birth and plays a role in wiring the brain.
Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.
Researchers identified shared brain structural elements across major psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study also revealed distinct regional abnormalities for individual conditions, suggesting potential mechanisms underlying these disorders.
A new early autism screening system has improved access to evaluations and lowered the age of diagnosis, with a mean age of 30 months compared to national average of 48-plus months. The system was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals across Indiana, enabling primary care physicians to identify children at risk for ASD.
The Merage Foundation has granted Ben-Gurion University $100,000 to develop smart autism day care centers throughout Israel. The project aims to improve outcomes for children with autism using audiovisual technology and software to remotely track behavior and quantify symptoms.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that low levels of the cytokine IL-38 are associated with increased inflammation in the amygdala of children with autism spectrum disorder. This suggests that targeting IL-38 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for treating autism.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that genetic deletions linked to neurodevelopmental disorders affect not only brain development but also other parts of the body. The findings suggest that these deletions can cause defects in multiple organ systems, including heart, kidney, and skeletal structures.
Researchers identified mutations in the CNOT1 gene that affect brain development and impair memory and learning, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. The study also revealed interactions between CNOT1 and known autism spectrum disorder genes, paving the way for further research.
Researchers have identified unique metabolic signatures, called metabotypes, in over 50% of children with autism spectrum disorder. These biomarkers, detected through metabolomics tests, show promise in detecting early risk and potentially personalized therapies for ASD.
A recent study published in Molecular Brain suggests that an imbalance of human gut microorganisms and excessive propionic acid consumption may contribute to autism. The researchers found that propionic acid disrupts autophagy, a natural cell mechanism, leading to reduced dendritic spine formation and hindering child brain development.
The study found that asthma was significantly more common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and vision, hearing, or speech delays. Children with these conditions were nearly twice as likely to have asthma compared to their non-disabled peers.
Researchers found that early genetic restoration of the SHANK3 gene rescued behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder, including social interaction and repetitive grooming. The study suggests that genetic intervention in SHANK3-related ASD may be most effective earlier in development.
Researchers at UCalgary have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to the development of treatments for Fragile X syndrome, a genetic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By replacing the missing FMRP protein in the brain, scientists hope to reduce hyperactivity and improve cognitive function.
School-based mindfulness programs have shown promise in teaching children with autism to better control impulses and focus attention. Researchers found that the practice improved executive functions, including emotional regulation and decision-making.
A University of Minnesota Medical School researcher used functional MRI to demonstrate differences in visual motion perception among individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Brain responses show less neural suppression in the visual cortex, which may explain symptoms like sensory hypersensitivity.
Girls with autism experience greater reduction and less rise in symptom severity than boys, according to a UC Davis MIND Institute study. Children's symptoms can change with age, and some may even lose their diagnosis entirely.
A new animal study suggests that exposure to beneficial microorganisms during pregnancy may prevent an autism-like disorder in offspring. The study found that rats given a heat-killed preparation of Mycobacterium vaccae showed no signs of autism-like behavior, unlike those who were stressed and administered terbutaline.
Autistic burnout is a chronic state of exhaustion, loss of skills, and reduced tolerance to stimulus caused by chronic life stress and inadequate supports. Research highlights the need for understanding, relieving, and preventing autistic burnout to improve health, quality of life, and independent living.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing difficulties for individuals with autism, including communication barriers, sensory issues, and stress. Researchers recommend healthcare providers train staff to recognize signs of autism and adapt care strategies to ensure safe and optimal treatment.
A new study found that depression symptoms are associated with reduced cognitive control in individuals with autism. The researchers used a picture-word Stroop test to assess proactive control, which is the ability to plan and prepare how to direct attention. Participants with autism who had more symptoms of depression showed less abil...
Researchers found improvements in language communication and brain function in children with autism without intellectual disability after cord blood infusion. However, those with an intellectual disability did not show similar results.
A new study provides a population-wide estimate of autism risk for children whose parents have a sibling with autism. The research found that roughly 3 to 5% of children with an aunt or uncle with ASD also have ASD, compared to about 1.5% in the general population.
A study reviewing 315 articles on Washington Post coverage of autism found a shift from a focus on 'cause and cure' towards acceptance and accommodation, reflecting changing public attitudes and the autistic rights movement.
A new study has identified a group of genes with altered expression in autism spectrum disorder, affecting communication among neurons. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment by targeting these genes.
A study of nearly 1,300 individuals with ASD found that many receive recommended genetic tests, but factors such as insurance coverage and provider recommendations influence the rates. The findings highlight the importance of personalized approach to genetic testing for individuals with ASD.
A study analyzing data from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment found that only 3% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder reported having fully received clinical genetic tests recommended by medical professional societies. The study reveals a dissonance between professional recommendations and ...
A new longitudinal study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with autistic traits are more likely to develop eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Autistic traits in childhood precede behaviors characteristic of eating disorders, suggesting a risk factor for developing eating disorders.
A recent brain imaging study suggests that the absence of a partner can strengthen the motivation to reunite, potentially driving the instinct to form lasting bonds. The research found unique clusters of cells in the brain associated with reunion and social distancing, shedding light on why social distancing is tough.
A clinical program was co-created by autistic transgender youth, their families, and clinical experts to support the specific needs of this population. The model includes three key components: building community, introducing role models, and supporting gender expression through coaching.
New research suggests that sleep problems in babies may be associated with altered growth trajectory in the hippocampus, a key part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Infants who later develop autism were more likely to have difficulty falling asleep, which was linked to changes in the size of the hippocampus.
A new meta-analysis by Jeffrey Newport found no association between prenatal antidepressant use and autism in children, despite previous studies suggesting a potential link. Limited access to healthcare among ethnic minority and immigrant mothers was identified as the root cause of bias, leading to inaccurate study results.
A small NIH-funded study suggests that early sleep problems may further raise the likelihood of an autism diagnosis among at-risk children. The study found that high-risk children who met criteria for ASD scored higher for sleep problems and had more growth in the brain's hippocampus region.
A comprehensive analysis of studies on cognitive therapy and psychosocial interventions found moderate to high effectiveness in reducing anxiety in school-aged children with autism. The interventions showed statistically significant benefits compared to treatment-as-usual.
Researchers from University of California, Davis, found that immune responses before pregnancy can predict behavioral deficits in offspring if the mother's immune system is activated during pregnancy. The study used a mouse model to identify baseline immunoreactivity as a predictor of resilience or susceptibility to immune activation.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation in the KCC2 protein causes a glitch in brain activity suppression, leading to panic responses and seizures. The R952H variant has been linked to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
A new imaging technique developed by Cornell scientists allows researchers to see into a live adult zebrafish brain, shedding light on brain structure and function. The breakthrough enables studies on human brain disorders like autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that low levels of the hormone vasopressin in infants' cerebrospinal fluid may predict an autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that early intervention could be beneficial for affected children.
Research from the University of Missouri found that pets lead to reduced stress and increased social interaction for both children with autism and their parents. The study suggests that pets can provide comfort and support for families, making them a valuable addition.
Research identifies lower concentrations of neuropeptide arginine vasopressin in infant cerebrospinal fluid of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and prediction of the disorder.
Research from Drexel University suggests that screen time for babies and less parent-child playtime are associated with increased autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms. The study found a four percent greater risk of ASD-like symptoms with screen viewing at 12 months, and daily playtime reduced the risk by nine percent.
A Cochrane Review confirms the effectiveness of MMR vaccines in preventing infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella. The review found that one dose of vaccine was 95% effective in preventing measles and 89% effective in preventing rubella, with no association between the vaccines and autism or other conditions.
Research implicates ACTL6B gene absence in six families with recessive autism. Altered transcriptional repression and neural circuitry defects suggest conserved function and potential for autism research.
A new study examines the association between infant screen viewing and social activities with the development of autism-like symptoms. The research found that children who spent more time on screens had higher rates of social isolation and were at a greater risk of developing autism-like symptoms.
An observational study of over 1.4 million children found a possible link between the age of grandparents and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in grandchildren. The research suggests that older grandparents may be at a higher risk for having grandchildren with ASD.
A new study suggests that impairments in microglia play a key role in the development of autism behaviors in some cases. The researchers found that protein overproduction in microglial cells leads to impaired synapse-pruning function, resulting in ASD-like social behavior deficits, primarily in males.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that genetic variations can trigger functional changes in the brain before birth, during early childhood, and later in life. The study analyzed DNA and RNA data from 176 tissue samples across various developmental stages, revealing age-specific effects of genetic variants on brain function.
A pilot study suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is safe and effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life for adults with autism and depression. The treatment showed promising results, with 70% of participants experiencing a decrease in depressive symptoms.
Research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibit differences in attention regulation, which may be attributed to altered locus coeruleus activity. This study found that participants with autism displayed atypically smaller pupil dilations during a distraction task, indicating dysregulation in the brainstem.
Researchers at NIH found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene can drive the difference in male and female cases of autism. The study suggests that this mutation may result in autism-related symptoms, including intellectual deficits, due to the inability of the Y-chromosome version of the protein to compensate.
Girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit distinct brain activity patterns, including motor and striatal underactivation to social stimuli, and larger rare copy number variants affecting those regions. Typically developing girls show executive engagement when viewing social stimuli, suggesting resilience to autism.
Researchers identified a novel mutation in the S6K1 enzyme that affects protein synthesis and is associated with altered cognitive abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder. The study found that this mutation changes the course of normal neural development and memory forming capacity.
A genetic study by the University of Trento identified a crucial molecule (Wnt inhibitory factor 1, Wif1) in the correct composition of habenula neurons and their connectivity. This discovery may provide new insights into the causes of neurological disorders like autism.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia develop a new tool to measure quality of life for autistic individuals across their lifespan. The tool assesses physical and mental health, relationships, and subjective well-being, providing insights into the struggles and successes of autistic people.
New research finds that autism prevalence is increasing among poor and minority groups in California, while decreasing in wealthier areas. This trend suggests a growing economic and racial divide in autism risk factors.
Researchers found that infants with insecure-resistant attachment to parents are more than nine times more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis by age 3. Early recognition of this attachment pattern could lead to interventions to help infants form more secure social relationships.