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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by psychologists at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena found that older people are more open to robots, particularly those resembling humans. The researchers tested participants with varying levels of autistic traits and found that older individuals with stronger autistic tendencies were more accepting of machines.
A recent study has identified the RAB39b gene as a critical regulator of early brain development, with mutations leading to macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder. The research used mouse models and human brain organoids to demonstrate how this gene disrupts neural progenitor cell growth and differentiation.
A new genetic map of psychiatric disorders has been completed by an international study involving 230,000 patients worldwide. The research identified 109 genetic variants associated with eight psychiatric disorders, including autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
A new study published in Experimental Results journal found that a commonly used autism screening tool, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10) questionnaire, lacks reliability in measuring autistic personality traits. The researchers suggest that new systems are needed to better capture the range of autistic traits across the population.
Purdue University researcher Alexander Chubykin is working on developing new biomarkers to diagnose autism and schizophrenia. He believes understanding how the brain predicts future events can help individuals with these disorders better navigate their environments and manage sensory overload.
A University of Missouri researcher has created a new approach to reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The flexible intervention technique emphasizes momentary check-ins, allowing parents and caregivers more flexibility to implement the strategy. This can help minimize self-inflicted harm and social sti...
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes report that reducing levels of tau protein prevents core autism symptoms, seizures, and other abnormalities in mouse models. The findings suggest promise as a potential treatment for some forms of autism.
A new study reveals a neural circuit that underlies sensory hypersensitivity in mice with autism-like traits. The research suggests that reestablishing normal levels of neuron activity could reverse this kind of hypersensitivity, providing a potential target for developing treatments.
Researchers at USC developed personalized learning robots for children with autism, which could autonomously gauge engagement in long-term therapeutic interventions. The robots achieved 90% accuracy in detecting a child's interest in tasks.
Researchers use lab-grown 'mini-brains' to detect harmful side effects of paroxetine on developing brain cells, revealing reduced synapse growth and support-cell populations. The study suggests mini-brains as a promising alternative to animal testing for detecting neurodevelopmental effects of drugs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used cutting-edge imaging technology to detect abnormally low levels of a key protein in the brains of young men with autism. The study suggests that these low levels may be linked to inflammation and metabolism, and could have important implications for understanding the origins of autism.
A new non-invasive eye scan could identify autism in children up to 5 years earlier than current methods, using a hand-held device to detect subtle electrical signals in the retina. The scan was tested on 180 people with and without autism between 5-21 years old.
A UMass Amherst study found that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with autistic traits in young boys, but adequate folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy may mitigate these effects. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 pregnant women and followed the development of their children until age 3 and 4.
In a study published in PLOS Genetics, researchers found that the NCBP2 gene acts as a key modifier, influencing the impact of other genes in a large genetic deletion. This suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism, result from complex interactions among multiple genes rather than individual genes.
A UCLA-led study found that the Foxp1 gene controls growth of the embryonic brain and is involved in timing of neuron production. The research revealed that both too much and too little Foxp1 affects neural stem cell replication and formation of specific neurons.
A new AAN guideline provides recommendations for treating sleep problems in children and teens with autism. The guideline suggests starting with behavior-modification strategies, such as setting a consistent sleep routine, before considering medication like melatonin.
Researchers have developed a system to conduct fMRI scans on conscious mice, allowing for the study of brain network dysfunction and neural responses to social cues in autism-model mice. Administration of D-cycloserine was shown to improve social behaviors, highlighting potential therapeutic applications.
The CHICA system, developed by Regenstrief Institute and IU School of Medicine, increased autism screening rates from zero to 100% at 24 months of age. The computerized decision support tool improved health inequities by automating the screening process, making it more accessible for underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities.
A University of Granada study found that gluten- and casein-free diets do not affect the behavior of autistic children. However, those with associated gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from such an approach. The research also suggests a link between intestinal permeability and beta-casomorphin levels in urine.
Researchers mapped 102 new autism genes in a major international study, revealing new insights into the disorder's biology. The findings could lead to earlier diagnoses and more precise treatments for individuals with autism.
A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that a program combining horseback riding and cognitive training improved motor skills, behavior, and academic performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The program showed promise for improving the lives of young people with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a unique pattern of DNA damage that arises in brain cells derived from individuals with macrocephalic form of autism spectrum disorder. The observation helps explain what might go awry in the brain during cell division and development to cause the disorder.
Researchers examine social interaction in autism, finding that successful interactions revolve around partner compatibility and not just individual skill sets. Autistic adults prefer interacting with other autistic peers, disclosing more about themselves and feeling closer to their partners compared to typically developing individuals.
Researchers identified a tiny gene fragment impacting brain development and information processing in individuals with autism. The finding may lead to new treatments by targeting a specific microexon that contributes to social behavior and learning deficits.