Articles tagged with Autism
A recent NIH-funded study suggests that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The study found that higher levels of acetaminophen exposure were associated with a significantly increased risk of both conditions.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that parents can effectively teach daily living skills to teens with autism using iPads. The study showed that video prompting interventions led to significant improvements in skill deficits, even when parents used varying methods of consequence strategies.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that children with autism exhibit variable and idiosyncratic gaze patterns when watching social interaction movies. This new method has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting ASD cases, making it a promising tool for early detection and assessing treatment responses.
A new study by the University of Cambridge found that people with a higher genetic likelihood of autism are more likely to experience childhood maltreatment, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that individuals with a high number of autistic traits may be vulnerable to adverse outcomes without adequate support.
Researchers developed a computer model inspired by biological brain mechanisms to predict and recognize new information, enabling robots to mimic behaviors. The model may help reveal the cognitive underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disorder, where individuals tend to minimize error and prefer repetitive social interactions.
Researchers have identified two brain circuits that help tune out distracting sensory information and found a way to reverse noise hypersensitivity in mice by boosting the activity of those circuits. Targeting both circuits is more effective than treating either one alone, suggesting a new approach to treating neurological disorders.
The study explores how behaviors like empathy and team flow are represented in the brain, shedding light on conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety. Brain imaging reveals specific neural circuits involved in social behaviors, providing potential new avenues for researching these complex processes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a comprehensive system to classify arrogance across three levels: individual, comparative, and antagonistic. This framework provides an analytical perspective on arrogance, which could inform psychological research and applications in various relationships.
A new study has found that taking fluoxetine for 16 weeks did not significantly lower the frequency and severity of obsessive compulsive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. The research suggests that up to one-third of children with ASD are prescribed antidepressants despite inconclusive evidence of their effectiveness.
A randomized clinical trial in Australia compared the effectiveness of SSRIs like fluoxetine with placebos for reducing obsessive-compulsive behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD. The study found lower scores for fluoxetine, but interpretation is limited by high dropout rates and baseline differences between groups.
Recent advances using lab-grown brain organoids have improved understanding of human brain development and diseases. However, questions remain about how well these brain models mirror the complexity of the cortex. Studies show that organoids can reproduce a rich diversity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, but fail to capture ...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new therapeutic approach to treat symptoms associated with PTEN deficiency, which is linked to autism and other neurological disorders. The treatment targets the mTORC2 complex and has shown promising results in reversing behavioral abnormalities and reducing seizures in mice.
Studies of autism spectrum disorder have identified new features of the condition in the brain, including the role of placental hormones and gene editing technologies. These findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic treatments for individuals with ASD.
A study in experimental models found that allopregnanolone, a hormone produced by the placenta, is essential for normal fetal brain development. Insufficient production of this hormone can lead to autism-like behaviors and cerebellar abnormalities.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that more than two-thirds of autistic brains exhibit perivascular lymphocyte cuffing, a characteristic of chronic inflammation. This could explain the origins of autism and provide new diagnostic and treatment options.
A new method called PedBE clock estimates age in children under 20 using DNA methylation patterns from cheek cells. This technique is linked to gestational age and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting its potential for studying child development through epigenetics.
A study by MU researcher Bradley Ferguson found that 60% of the time before an individual showed behavioral issues, there was a rise in electrodermal activity - indicating physiological stress response. This allows parents and caregivers to intervene and de-escalate situations, ensuring health and safety.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have a 41.1% higher risk of developing obesity compared to matched groups, with 22 out of 100 affected. Additionally, certain subgroups, such as non-Caucasian race and female children, are disproportionately affected by excess weight gain.
A study of postmortem brain tissue found increased expression of IL-18 and IL-37 in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting these cytokines may inhibit microglia-driven inflammation and represent a potential therapeutic candidate for ASD.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 500,000 pregnancies found that children exposed to severe morning sickness during pregnancy were 53% more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The association was stronger among girls and certain ethnic groups.
Research shows that neurons outside the brain play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorders, particularly in touch perception and social behavior. Peripheral somatosensory neurons are key players in this process, suggesting a potential new approach to treating ASD-related symptoms.
A WVU researcher recorded single neurons in epilepsy patients to study the pre-supplementary motor area's role in visual search tasks. The study found that 40% of neurons signaled target detection, regardless of task format or cue.
A recent study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found that full-body interaction videogames can foster more social initiation and improve social skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), particularly when played alone or in pairs.
Researchers found the widely used M-CHAT/F screening tool is less accurate in real-world settings than shown in previous studies. The study also revealed disparities in detecting early autism symptoms in minority, urban, and low-income children. Despite these findings, experts recommend continuing universal screening for all toddlers.
A study published in Translational Psychiatry identified elemental signatures in baby teeth unique to ADHD, autism, and co-occurring conditions. The researchers found that each condition has a distinct metabolic signature involving essential and toxic elements.
Researchers identified a critical gene network disrupted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that correlates with symptom severity. The findings suggest genetic factors influencing brain development during pregnancy are primary causes of ASD, providing potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of symptom severity.
Researchers found atypical brain activity in people with autism when coordinating visual and motor information. This can lead to difficulties with daily activities such as handwriting or playing sports. The study aims to better understand the diverse challenges experienced by individuals with ASD.
Researchers used state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to study nonverbal children with autism, finding delayed responses to simple auditory tones. The study suggests that measuring brain activity in the auditory cortex could serve as important objective markers for response to sound.
The Zylka Lab has been awarded $6.1 million to develop a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy for Angelman syndrome, with the goal of 'unsilencing' the paternal UBE3A gene in mice and human neurons. This new treatment approach holds promise for advancing a first-of-its-kind treatment for a pediatric-onset autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers have discovered that a low-cost blood pressure drug, propranolol, may improve cognitive and social benefits for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study found that the drug altered regions of the brain associated with word processing and improved specific task information processing in individuals with autism.
A Swedish study examining 500,000 children found a strong association between maternal anemia during pregnancy and the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that prenatal anemia may play a significant role in the development of these conditions.
A Rutgers-led study found nearly half of language-delayed children with autism had extremely delayed fine motor skills, which hindered their ability to overcome language delays. In contrast, those with less impaired fine motor skills made progress in expressive language.
A study involving over 6,900 people reveals that autism spectrum traits are associated with improved social judgment skills, especially in detecting general patterns and rules. The findings suggest that individuals with autism may excel at perceiving social phenomena due to their unique cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that conversational turns and word count significantly impact 24-month language evaluation performance for both typical children and those with autism. The study emphasizes the importance of parental persistence in talking to infants from an early age.
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze electrical patterns from lab-grown brains and compared them to premature babies' brain activity. The study found that the lab mini-brains produced similar electrical patterns as premature babies, with similar levels of electric activity following a similar pattern.
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found autism rates increasing by double digits among racial minorities, with black rates exceeding those of whites in most states. Hispanic rates grew faster than any other group, while prevalence among white youth is ticking up again after a plateau in the mid-2000s.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that stable home lives and nurturing mothers can significantly improve the psychiatric health of preterm children. The study revealed four distinct groups of preterm children, with those from healthier homes showing normal psychiatric outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence
A Dartmouth-led research team has identified a non-verbal neural marker of autism, which shows individuals with autism are slower to dampen neural activity in response to visual signals. The findings offer an objective way to potentially diagnose autism and were found to be independent of intelligence.
A study at Harvard Medical School's Blavatnik Institute has identified molecular aberrations causing heightened touch sensitivity in autism and points to a possible treatment. The research, conducted in mice, shows that an experimental compound mitigated abnormal touch sensitivity while improving body mass and alleviating anxiety.
Researchers at Stanford University found that Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is more effective than existing therapies at motivating children with autism to speak. The treatment involves parents setting up situations where their child is motivated to communicate, leading to improved communication skills and broader social abilities.
Research from the University of Sydney found that electric fans lowered core temperature and cardiovascular strain in hot, humid conditions, but were detrimental in very hot, dry conditions. The study highlights the limitations of using heat index values to recommend fan use during heat waves.
Four biomedical research projects funded by iTHRIV will address disparities in healthcare access for underserved communities. The projects focus on improving colorectal cancer screening, addressing postpartum depression, and the benefits of urban walking. Community organizations and academic researchers will collaborate to develop sust...
A new study from the University of Cambridge has identified a link between high levels of estrogen in the womb and an increased risk of developing autism. The research found that prenatal estrogen levels were significantly higher in male fetuses who later developed autism compared to those who did not.
A new study has identified a specific forebrain region linked to altered social interactions in an autism model. Restoring activity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) reversed social traits associated with autism. The research provides clues to the neural circuits underlying social deficits in autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can detect abnormal pupil dilation and heart rate patterns in mice with autism-like features. In a study, the algorithm accurately identified 80% of girls with Rett syndrome and showed promise for early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
A collaborative research project analyzing over 400,000 individuals identified several sets of genes marked across all five psychiatric disorders. These genes play a role in the same biological pathway or are active in the same tissue type, increasing risk for multiple disorders.
A recent study found that genetic mutations affecting RNA regulation play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorder and stroke. Analyzing noncoding DNA, researchers discovered new insights into the mechanisms underlying these complex conditions.
A new study found that compensatory strategies used by people with autism have both positive and negative outcomes, increasing social integration but potentially resulting in poor mental health. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians and support for those who need it.
A new paper proposes that behaviors common to autism, such as low eye contact and repetitive movements, may not be indicative of social aversion but rather a desire for social connection. Autistic individuals share their experiences, expressing frustration with misinterpreted stereotypes.
Researchers have discovered a brain protein mutation associated with autism that alters behavior in mice, mimicking human autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The study suggests a potential mechanism underlying some of the altered behaviors observed in ASD.
New evidence suggests that laugh tracks increase the perceived funniness of corny 'dad jokes'. The study found that spontaneous laughter has a greater effect on humor ratings than posed laughter, and this effect holds true for both neurotypical and autistic individuals.
A machine learning algorithm identified altered pupil diameter fluctuations in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders, allowing early detection of developmental disorders. The algorithm distinguished Rett syndrome patients from controls based on heart rate fluctuations, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection.
A UCL-led study found that adding canned laughter to jokes increases their perceived funniness, while real laughter has a more significant effect. The research also discovered that autistic adults respond equally well to both types of laughter, suggesting comedy may be more accessible to individuals with autism.
A new study found that children with Autism are more likely to be bullied by siblings and peers, leading to no respite from victimization. The researchers also discovered that children with Autism are more likely to engage in both victimizing and perpetrator roles in sibling bullying.
A survey of 93 people with 3q29 deletion syndrome reveals a distinct pattern of social disability and anxiety, even without an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. The study indicates a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder at a similar level to schizophrenia, particularly for females.
Researchers analyzed data from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Israel, and Western Australia to estimate the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. The study found that both genetic and non-genetic factors contribute significantly to ASD risk.
A study of 177 people found that 14% had a diagnosis of autism and 28% reached the cut off point, highlighting a high number of potentially undiagnosed individuals. The research suggests adapting consultation processes in gender identity clinics to screen for autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers discovered distinct metabolic patterns in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study found that ASD affects evolutionarily novel metabolic pathways, suggesting a possible connection to human-specific evolutionary changes.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The technique analyzes eye-gaze data to identify how children with ASD scan a person's face differently than neuro-typical children.