Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Research from Duke University Medical Center found that children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder visit doctors more often in their first year of life. This suggests a potential new method for identifying the conditions earlier, which could lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Researchers found a substantial increase in the percentage of adults with autism receiving Medicaid services from 2008-2012. The study showed higher prevalence among younger adults (18-24) and lower among older adults (41-64).
A MU researcher developed a world's first health care transition readiness assessment for adolescents with autism, identifying skills needed for transition from pediatric care to adult care. The study found that young adults with autism can benefit from better understanding medication management, insurance policies and health care fina...
A new study suggests that nerves responsible for sensing touch and pain may contribute to the development of autism. The exploratory study found that people with autism have differences in their sensory perception, including reduced nerve fiber density and altered responses to heat and touch.
A joint statement from prominent medical organizations assures pregnant women that labor epidurals do not cause autism. The statement rejects the idea that epidurals could be linked to autism spectrum disorders in offspring, citing a lack of credible evidence.
Two new studies reveal that the choroid plexus, a miniature organ in the brain, is a hotbed of immune system activity. The choroid plexus regulates brain development by secreting instructive cues into the cerebrospinal fluid and provides a protective barrier. However, when this barrier is challenged, the choroid plexus can act as a con...
A new article offers practical guidance on avoiding ableist language in autism research, which can lead to stigmatization and exclusion of autistic individuals. The authors aim to reduce misunderstanding and improve communication by providing researchers with tools to use more inclusive language.
A Rutgers researcher developed a virtual training program to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorder improve behavioral skills. The study found that parents who received the telehealth training showed significant improvements compared to those who did not receive training.
Researchers found a connection between amino acid metabolism and joint hypermobility in autistic children, with increased levels of hydroxyproline linked to joint issues. The study suggests that amino acid balance may be an additional tool for ASD therapy.
A new study has found that autistic people's sensorimotor difficulties are likely caused by complex neurobiological processes, including differences in perception. This discovery could pave the way for better treatment and management of these traits.
A study of over 3.5 million Nordic children found a slight increase in autism risk for each week of gestation before or after 40 weeks, regardless of sex or birth weight. The relative risk was highest for children born at 22-31 weeks and lowest for those born post-term (after 42 weeks), with an overall low ASD incidence of 1.44%.
Researchers from KAIST applied deep learning techniques to identify abnormal brain structures associated with autism. These findings suggest AI can aid in more consistent diagnoses than human observations alone. The analysis tool provides a prognosis of how the condition could develop.
Researchers have identified a potential early biomarker, FABP4, for detecting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool-aged children. Lower levels of FABP4 were found in the blood of children with ASD compared to typically developing children.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals are 1.5 to 4.3 times more likely to have chronic physical health conditions, including low blood pressure, arrhythmias, asthma, and prediabetes. Autistic females also face increased risks of these conditions, depending on their biological sex.
A clinical trial indicates that a combination of stem cell therapy and educational intervention can significantly improve social communication, language, and daily skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found positive changes in various aspects after stem cell transplantation combined with educational interve...
Children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including emotional problems, autism, ADHD, and delayed development. The study found a significant link between PCOS and increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, independent of maternal obesity.
A large Swedish study found no association between H1N1 influenza vaccination during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. Researchers adjusted for potential confounders to minimize influence from other factors.
AUC Riverside researchers find ephrin-B1 regulates E/I balance in hippocampus, leading to seizures and social abnormalities. The study provides new insights into mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new physiological test for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown promise, accurately identifying 124 of 131 children with ASD regardless of co-occurring medical conditions. The test measures metabolites in a blood sample and predicts diagnosis with minimal impact from other health issues.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have found a strong association between genes influencing cattle temperament and autism in humans. The study's findings could lead to improved animal welfare and meat quality by identifying genetic markers for better temperament.
Researchers found autistic nerve cells differ in structure and gene expression from typical individuals as early as 9 days into development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to model brain development and provides new insights into the origins of autism.
Researchers propose a simplification in measuring public attitudes towards people with autism, using a single 'thermometer scale' survey. They found that non-autistic students rated autistic people relatively favourably, averaging 71/100, but there is still a long way to go in understanding and changing negative attitudes.
Researchers identify a subtype of autism associated with lipid metabolism and brain development, offering potential targets for precision-targeted therapies and earlier diagnosis. The study found notable alterations in cholesterol levels among children with autism and their parents.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a machine learning algorithm that can distinguish between different psychiatric diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The algorithm uses MRI brain scans to identify variations in brain thickness, surface area, or volume.
Researchers developed a method to analyze social networks of autistic youth, showing how interpersonal relationships and resources can impact adult outcomes. The study found that social connections and support from family members are crucial for autistic young adults' quality of life and independence.
A UC Davis Health study found that children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems. Maternal immune conditions, such as asthma, were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems in male offspring.
A novel AI-enhanced precision medicine approach identifies a novel autism subtype characterized by abnormal lipid levels, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis and intervention. The research also found a strong association between parental dyslipidemia and autism spectrum disorder in children.
A new UC Davis Health study found that common gastrointestinal symptoms are linked to troubling sleep problems, self-harm and physical complaints in preschool children with autism. The study highlights the link between GI symptoms and some problematic behaviors in young kids with ASD.
A new study by scientists at the University of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre found that transgender and gender-diverse adults are three to six times more likely to be diagnosed as autistic. The research used data from over 600,000 adult individuals and confirmed previous smaller scale studies.
Rising carbon dioxide levels and changes in the environment may contribute to increased prevalence of respiratory allergies, autoimmune diseases, and neurologic conditions such as autism. Disruptions to gut bacteria have also been linked to these disorders, highlighting the need for a greener lifestyle and reduced exposure to antimicro...
A study found that two blood epigenetic signatures associated with ADNP syndrome have only modest correlation with clinical manifestations. Researchers conclude that these signatures should be carefully evaluated before being considered as biomarkers for predicting behavioral outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a connection between a genetic alteration and social difficulties related to autism. By targeting the oxytocin signaling pathway, they achieved promising results in an animal model and found that treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor can normalize social behavior.
Researchers found that autistic individuals tend to be more direct and precise in their emails, while non-autistic people are more likely to include social niceties. This study highlights the importance of adapting our email styles to be more respectful of others' differences.
Research suggests autistic men have greater excitability in the medial prefrontal cortex, affecting social cognition and self-reflection. Women with autism exhibit a more intact response, associated with better camouflaging of social difficulties.
A study suggests that a single point mutation in the Cav1.2 channel, G406R, may explain the mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The mutation causes abnormal calcium overload leading to heart problems and spontaneous gene activation, resulting in uncontrolled long-term dysregulations.
Researchers found a cumulative incidence of 3.1% of autism spectrum disorders among children screened at 18 months, with impaired motor skills and social communication skills as predictive factors. Early detection through health checkups can lead to better prognosis for children with ASD.
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.
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.
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.
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.