Articles tagged with Autism
A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...
A new study found that augmented reality job coaching significantly improves job performance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AR-based application delivered real-time guidance, enabling participants to complete complex tasks with minimal external support. This innovative approach has the potential t...
Online spaces provide bodily comfort, relief, and inclusion for some autistic adults, allowing them to express themselves and connect genuinely without scrutiny. This challenges the assumption that in-person interaction is always more valuable.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego identified new genetic variants associated with autism spectrum disorder using long-read whole genome sequencing. The approach enhanced the discovery of genetic variants, offering new insights into the genetic origins of autism.
A study in Taiwan found a positive association between maternal prenatal acetaminophen use and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. However, associations were not observed in sibling-matched analyses, suggesting unaddressed sources of bias.
Researchers will investigate the role of interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) in brain function, behavior, and psychiatric health. The study aims to define the physiological role of IL-1R1 in the brain and explore its influence on social behaviors.
A study found a significant decrease in acetaminophen use during pregnancy and a surge in leucovorin prescriptions after the September 2025 White House briefing. Leucovorin prescriptions increased approximately 71% above expected levels, mainly for children with autism diagnoses.
In a new study, researchers found that increased nitric oxide levels can lead to a biochemical domino effect, pushing the key cellular control system mTOR into overdrive in some forms of autism. By interrupting this pathway, the team observed prevention of TSC2 modification and normalization of mTOR activity.
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
A new study found that autistic people face inequalities from childhood, leading to suicidal thoughts and deaths. The researchers emphasize the need for a commitment to a properly resourced Autism Strategy to prevent suicidal trajectories.
Researchers from Georgia State University, Marcus Autism Center and Emory University are collaborating to investigate the causes of profound autism in children. The 7,500 child study will explore patterns in development, behavior, brain activity and genetics to find more effective therapies.
A study analyzing data from 44,000 adults found that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression. The study also highlights significant healthcare treatment and access barriers facing this population.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep. Those with high sensory sensitivity slept more lightly even in quiet environments.
The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.
A new study published in Autism found that autistic adults initially adjust their communication style for children, but then stick to their initial assessment. Autistic participants were more likely to rely on subtle cues and take the interaction seriously, whereas non-autistic participants gradually adjusted their behavior as they rea...
Researchers studied 434 children for signs of autism or neurodevelopmental problems, finding no link between mRNA vaccine and autism. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
Researchers have discovered a novel biomarker for fragile X syndrome in both human patients and mouse models, allowing for the comparison of brain wave patterns between species. This breakthrough enables the development of more effective treatments by enabling non-invasive treatment efficacy readouts across species.
A new study by Bournemouth University calls for faster autism diagnosis and tailored mental health support to reduce autistic people's suicidal thoughts and attempts. The research identified key priorities, including improving autism diagnostic services, tackling societal inequalities, and providing autism-specific support in crisis.
Research highlights increased mortality risks among individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or cerebral palsy compared to the general population. The study's findings can inform public health strategies to address health disparities and excess mortality associated with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Paul Donlin-Asp will investigate the molecular functions and regulation of local SYNGAP1 protein synthesis, aiming to advance therapies for SYNGAP1-related Disorders. The project seeks to map mechanisms controlling SYNGAP1 protein production in neurons.
A University of Houston study challenges traditional views on dyslexia, suggesting it stems from an overall brain network vulnerability. The research identified two developmental origins: one related to brain architecture and another to synaptic signaling, which may be uniquely human.
A large-scale Japanese cohort study and mouse experiments reveal that maternal perinatal depression increases autistic-related traits in toddlers, with a particularly strong impact on girls. The findings suggest a sex-specific neurobiological pathway underlying these effects.
A study from Sweden found autism rates among male and female individuals to be comparable, with a clear catch-up effect in females during adolescence. This challenges the long-held assumption that autism predominantly affects males.
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
Dr. Àlex Bayés Puig advances SYNGAP1 research with a new SynGAP biomarker study funded by CURE SYNGAP1, enabling the detection of SYNGAP1 protein levels in blood cells. This breakthrough approach has the potential to transform diagnostics and clinical research for SYNGAP1 patients.
Researchers created a comprehensive map showing how eight different genetic mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder affect early brain development. They found that despite initial differences, these mutations increasingly impact overlapping molecular pathways as development progresses.
A recent study led by researchers at Drexel University's Autism Institute found that early intervention is key to helping most non-speaking autistic children develop spoken language. The study suggests that duration of the intervention rather than intensity may be more effective in achieving outcomes for these children.
Research by Bournemouth University explores the impact of menopause on autistic people, finding that symptoms can be disabling and life-threatening. The study highlights the need for better support and resources to help neurodivergent individuals navigate this transition.
A new AI-based learning tool, NeuroBridge, aims to bridge the communication gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals. The interactive LLM tool evaluates user responses to match autistic communication preferences, teaching users about cross-neurotype communication styles and their interdependent nature.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may raise the risk of autism diagnoses in children. Mothers who were exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke had a 23% higher risk of their child being diagnosed with autism by age 5.
A new open-science resource for studying sleep in children with autism has been launched, leveraging state-of-the-art wearable and nearable devices to gather unprecedented data. The Simons Sleep Project reveals that autistic children have greater difficulties falling asleep than their siblings, and this specific sleep problem is associ...
Researchers found that autistic and non-autistic individuals produce distinct emotional facial expressions, with autistic adults exhibiting more unique and complex expressions. The study suggests that these differences in facial expressions may contribute to difficulties in recognizing each other's emotions.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies confirms paracetamol during pregnancy is not linked to increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. The findings suggest alternative maternal factors may be responsible for previously reported associations.
Research finds age-related DNA methylation alterations in sperm may contribute to autism risk in offspring. Advanced paternal age is associated with specific changes in sperm DNA, influencing early development in children.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. Researchers concluded that previously reported links may be due to genetic predisposition or maternal factors rather than the medication itself.
Dr. Noritaka Ichinohe challenges the long-held assumption that averaging away individual differences is necessary in psychiatric research. Instead, biological heterogeneity is seen as a phenomenon demanding explanation. The author's work on primate brain mapping and molecular subtyping has identified convergence points between species ...
A new AI-assisted device, CanvasDx, has been shown to improve autism care access in rural Missouri communities. By reducing travel distances and processing times, families can receive diagnoses up to 5-7 months earlier.
The UCLA-led Clinical Coordinating Center will standardize clinical and data processes, accelerating the development of therapies for people with autism and related conditions.
Boston Children's Hospital will provide clinical research coordination for the IMPACT Network, a multisite clinical trial infrastructure enabling rapid and effective therapeutic development for autism. The grant, from ARIA, will support the development of study design protocols, recruitment strategies, and efficient workflows.
Researchers found that ADHD enables high entrepreneurial alertness and risk-taking, while dyslexia fosters advanced delegation strategies. Bipolar traits correlate with creativity and a willingness to pursue bold ventures. The study advocates for business environments that value neurodiverse strengths, rather than seeking normalcy.
A new study describes a three-hit metabolic signaling model that reframes autism as a treatable disorder of cellular communication and energy metabolism. The model suggests that up to half of all autism cases might be prevented or reduced with prenatal and early-life interventions.
A study suggests that one in two individuals arrested and detained in London may have undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while one in 20 may have undiagnosed autism. Screening for neurodivergence could enable better support for vulnerable individuals.
A new report from the University of Maryland School of Medicine presents a five-year data model demonstrating how a state-funded, multidisciplinary care approach can improve health outcomes and quality of life for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that this model can serv...
A new guide published by Oxford University Press provides essential resources for parents of adolescents with autism. The book covers various challenges they face during this critical period, including social connections, puberty, and sexuality. It also offers extensive lists of resources to support these young individuals.
A new study from City St George's University of London found that people's newspaper reading habits are a reliable predictor of their attitudes towards autism. The research reveals that around 10% of the differences in automatic, unconscious bias were linked to what newspapers people read.
A survey of adults in the US found that most people prefer the American Medical Association's (AMA) guidance on vaccine safety over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC), citing concerns about the CDC's recent changes to its website. According to the survey, 35% of Americans would accept the AMA's recommendation, while...
Researchers discovered a low-dose mixture of zinc, serine, and branch-chain amino acids can alleviate behavioral deficits in mouse models of autism by promoting neuronal communication and improving social behaviors. The combination was found to be effective at low doses, whereas individual supplements had no effect.
Research from the University of Cambridge reveals autistic adults report higher rates of suicide-related behaviors and psychological distress, even with no history of trauma. The study identifies unique aspects of autism that contribute to trauma's impact on mental health.
A new study found that maternal thyroid hormones are crucial for fetal neurodevelopment, and gestational thyroid imbalance increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Women with persistent thyroid dysfunction across pregnancy were at a higher risk of having children with autism.
A USC study mapped tiny structural differences in white matter among children and young adults with autism, pinpointing patterns that earlier methods would have missed. The findings highlight the importance of developing new methods to better understand brain differences in autism.
Researchers at UCSF found distinctive brain patterns in children with sensory processing disorder, which could help clinicians refine treatments for tantrums and emotional volatility. The study suggests that over-responsive children's brains dial up inward-focused networks to gain self-control.
A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.
Researchers conclude that the hypothesis of a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and autism is unsupported by science. Key findings include inadequate sample sizes and flawed statistical methods in studies attempting to establish this link. The authors argue for a more rigorous approach to studying this topic.
Researchers found a novel link between shared brain-gene patterns and autism symptom severity in children with autism and ADHD. The study suggests that focusing on specific symptom dimensions and their biological correlates may lead to more precise recognition and treatment approaches.
Research finds existing evidence on paracetamol use during pregnancy does not clearly link it to autism or ADHD in children; studies suggest shared genetic and environmental factors within families may explain the observed risk. Women can be advised to take paracetamol when needed for pain and fever during pregnancy.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. The study offers reassurance for pregnant women, public health agenci...
A research team, including Dr. Yong Xu, will use the grant to investigate genetic changes affecting hypothalamic pathways and their impact on metabolism and behavior in humans and animals. The study aims to unravel the precise way brain wiring controls instinctive behavior across species.
Recent studies have identified hundreds of genes contributing to individual experiences of autism, as well as gene-environment interactions affecting symptoms. Additionally, decreased stigma and new screening techniques have led to more diagnoses, particularly among adults and medically underserved communities.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey finds that most American adults are unclear about the dangers of measles and the value of vaccination. The survey also shows a decline in support for MMR vaccination among parents, from 90% in November 2024 to 82% in August 2025.