Articles tagged with Autism
A new study published in Autism Research found that autistic adults are vulnerable to various negative life experiences, including financial hardship, domestic abuse, and social bullying. These experiences are associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression symptoms and lower life satisfaction in autistic adults.
Researchers have discovered that a gene called Memo1 is necessary for organizing the scaffolding of brain cells, which plays a critical role in proper brain development. Mutations in this gene are linked to autism and can disrupt neural circuit formation, leading to disorganized layers and neuronal misplacement.
A mother's workplace exposure to solvents may increase her child's risk of autism, according to a recent study. Mothers with autistic children were found to be more frequently exposed to solvents than those whose children weren't on the spectrum.
Researchers found a correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and problematic behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea were associated with different behaviors like anxiety and aggression.
Children who control their tics exhibit fewer and less significant problems when followed up after a year. Researchers identified factors predicting problematic tics at the one-year mark, including anxiety disorder history, vocal tic frequency, and autism spectrum behaviors.
Researchers have discovered differences in brain wiring diagrams between left and right auditory processing centers that may explain distinct speech processing functions. The study could lead to a better understanding of communication disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.
UCF researchers identify molecular changes caused by high levels of Propionic Acid, a common acid in processed foods, reducing neuron development in fetal brains. The study suggests a potential link between maternal diet and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers discovered that rare recessive mutations are more common in autism than previously thought, explaining up to 5% of all cases. The study identified 41 genes that were knocked out only in individuals with autism, providing a likely explanation for the underlying biology of the disorder.
Researchers develop new assessment tools using implicit signs like eye movement, pupillary dilation, and brain activity to measure vocabulary knowledge in individuals with severe autism spectrum disorder. These tools show potential to be more accurate than traditional behavioral assessments.
A mouse study published in the Endocrine Society's journal Endocrinology found that BPA exposure may contribute to autism by disrupting nerve cell connections in the brain. Mice exposed to BPA during pregnancy showed social behavioral deficits similar to autistic behavior.
Researchers at MIT and China create macaque monkeys with Shank3 gene mutation linked to autism, exhibiting behavioral traits similar to those seen in humans. The new model aims to study treatment options and potentially develop better medicines for severe neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers at MIT have identified a brain circuit that filters out distracting sensory stimuli, allowing us to focus on our chosen input. The circuit is controlled by the prefrontal cortex and involves the basal ganglia, which play a role in controlling attention.
Children with autism are more likely to experience bullying and it increases as they get older, according to a new research from Binghamton University. The study emphasizes the need for better definitions of bullying behaviors and standard assessments to identify different types.
Researchers have created a primate model of autism using genome-editing technology, revealing insights into the genetic basis and potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study's findings have significant implications for developing better treatment options for autism spectrum disorder.
A new study found that people with autistic traits show less empathy and reduced understanding of others' feelings. However, the researchers suggest that this lower empathy may have unforeseen benefits, such as selective empathy, which can lead to positive outcomes.
Studies using rodents demonstrate how sensory stimuli linked to social contacts modify neural connections involved in food choice, highlighting the importance of social transmission of food preferences. This mechanism may be deficient in individuals with autistic disorders, contributing to their social difficulties.
A mouse model of autism has shown that exercise eliminates excess connections between neurons characteristic of ASD. After one month of voluntary running, behavioral differences disappeared and structural brain differences were reduced.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a classification system for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on co-occurring conditions, revealing three subgroups within the cohort. The study found that certain conditions like gastrointestinal and immune disorders often co-occurred in children with autism.
A recent study has confirmed a link between gut problems and autism, revealing that the same gene mutations in the brain can also affect the gut nervous system. The discovery suggests that gastrointestinal issues may stem from the same mutations responsible for brain and behavioral issues in autism.
A study using mouse models reveals that gut bacteria directly contribute to autism-like behaviors, affecting gene expression and metabolite production. Researchers hope this discovery may lead to new treatments targeting the gut, rather than the brain.
A multicenter research team will scan the brains of 250 infants in North America using MRI scans while they are sleeping, from 6 and 12 months old, to analyze brain structure and function. The goal is to identify differences in the brain that accurately predict which children are most likely to develop autism spectrum disorder.
Research suggests that early lovastatin treatment in infancy can prevent learning problems in children with Fragile X Syndrome. The drug corrected memory and learning issues in rats with the genetic alteration, with benefits persisting for months after treatment ended.
Dr. Helen Genova of Kessler Foundation has received a $357,000 grant from the New Jersey Governor's Council to develop a virtual reality job training tool for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to improve interview skills and increase confidence among teens with autism.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze whole genomes of 1,790 individuals with autism and their unaffected parents and siblings. Noncoding mutations were found to be comparable in number to protein-coding mutations causing gene disablement.
A Princeton University-led team used AI to decode the functional impact of non-coding DNA mutations in people with autism. The researchers analyzed 1,790 family genomes and found thousands of potential genetic contributors. This breakthrough method is applicable to discovering genetic contributions to any disease.
A new study found that infants at high risk for autism were less able to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar speech patterns. The researchers suggest that interventions should begin during infancy for those at high risk.
Researchers are using novel experimental approaches to understand autism spectrum disorder, including studying networks of interacting genes and protein regulation. These studies aim to identify common molecular mechanisms underlying the disorder, which could lead to new treatments.
A new study found that infants who are later diagnosed with autism react adequately when others initiate joint attention, but seldom actively seek to establish such episodes themselves. This suggests that children with autism have reduced social motivation already as infants.
A recent study found that younger parental age significantly increases the risk of ADHD and Tourette's, while older parental age is associated with Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between parental age and offspring neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing an objective, brain-based test to diagnose autism. The study used fMRI to measure the response of autistic children to social cues, finding that their brains respond differently than typically developing children.
A two-year project aims to explore the link between the human microbiome and autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior. The study, funded by a $1.94 million grant, will analyze key metabolites produced by microbes in patients with central nervous system disorders.
A study of human brains found that gene activity in specific cells is associated with autism severity, targeting potential treatments. Researchers identified a common set of circuit changes in neurons and glial cells, which were closely correlated with behavioral symptoms.
A new study using single-cell analysis of brain cells from autism patients found that specific genetic changes in neural cells and brain circuits correlate with the clinical severity of autism. The research identified autism-specific genes that could represent high-priority targets for new therapeutic treatments.
A Rutgers study found that men over 45 experience decreased fertility and increased pregnancy complications in their partners. Infants born to older fathers are also at higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and childhood cancers.
Researchers used MRI scans to examine the brains of 1,327 individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals, finding that cortical anatomy varies significantly between groups. The study also found that brain differences are more pronounced in girls with ASD, particularly those with lower cognitive ability.
A new study published in JNeurosci finds that mice lacking the gene Shank3 display structural and functional deficits in the prefrontal cortex. These findings establish a role of Shank3 in maintaining prefrontal cortex connectivity, which may increase autism risk when disrupted.
Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia present two innovative studies on virtual reality technology for training children with autism to interact with police, and a routine developmental screening method to identify developmental deceleration. The studies show promise in improving early detection of autism spectrum disorder.
Two clinical trials found that modulating the vasopressin hormone's biological pathway enhanced social functioning in adults and children with ASD. The studies showed improvements in social behavior, adaptive skills, and reduced anxiety symptoms in treated individuals.
A study found a potential link between autistic-like behaviour in adult mice and exposure to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, in the womb. The researchers identified a treatment that improved memory loss and social interactions.
A recent study published in eLife has identified the gene SHANK3 as a key player in sleep problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. The research found that individuals with autism have trouble falling asleep due to difficulty regulating their body's circadian clock, which regulates the 24-hour day and night cycle.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that autism diagnoses become stable starting at 14 months, with a mean age of diagnosis being significantly lower than previously reported. This suggests that accurate screening and earlier treatment can result in improved therapeutic benefits for children with ASD.
Researchers found early ASD diagnoses remain stable and reliable in children aged 14-24 months, with 84% of initial diagnoses retained at final evaluation. The study suggests potential for earlier treatment with further research needed.
Research finds that placental hormone allopregnanolone plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, and its disruption can lead to brain injuries associated with ASD. The study suggests that subtle changes in utero may set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.
Adult mouse models of SYNGAP1 disorder show improvement in measures of seizure and memory after gene repair, suggesting potential for treatment at any stage of life. The study offers a path to measure the effectiveness of potential medications or therapies.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that autistic girls use more cognitive process words than boys, despite similar levels of autism severity. This suggests the need for sex-informed screening and diagnostic methods to identify girls with autism at an earlier age.
A study by MIT neuroscientists found that a genetic mutation linked to Williams Syndrome leads to thinning of the fatty layer that insulates neurons. Reversing this effect with drugs improved symptoms, suggesting a new direction for treatment.
Researchers developed an effective harmonization method to reduce site-related differences in resting-state fMRI data, reducing bias by 29% and improving signal-to-noise ratios by 40%. This allows for the development of practical brain-circuit-based biomarkers of psychiatric disorders regardless of imaging site.
Researchers at Yale University identified a possible biological cause for behavioral disorders in kids with autism: altered emotion regulation. They found reduced brain connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in autistic children exhibiting disruptive behavior.
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a significant increase in autism prevalence in New Jersey, with the rate rising 43 percent from 2010 to 2014. The state's autism rate is now one in 35 among 4-year-olds, significantly higher than the national average of 1.7 percent.
Leonardo da Vinci made penetrating insights into how the brain functions through exquisite drawings and scientific rigor. His pioneering experiments, including a study of the olfactory nerve and ventricles, challenged earlier authorities and introduced new methods.
A new study found that Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT) led to significant improvements in autism symptoms and gut health, persisting even two years post-treatment. Parents reported slow but steady reductions in ASD symptoms over time.
A new collaboration will create a centralized biobank of induced-pluripotent stem cells for Prader-Willi syndrome, enabling researchers to investigate the genetic basis of the disease and explore potential therapies. The biobank will provide high-quality cellular resources to accelerate research and development of new treatments.
A study of autistic adults reveals that traits associated with autism can be both beneficial and burdensome. The research found that autistic individuals often possess exceptional memory, attention to detail, and creative abilities, making them highly focused and tenacious. However, these same traits can also cause anxiety or exhaustion.
The Department of Defense is providing $7 million to investigate the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers aim to tailor ABA approaches to individual needs and explore lower intensity alternatives.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with autism lack the 'full body illusion', a test simulating an out-of-body experience. This is linked to a smaller peripersonal space, defining the boundaries of self, which may explain social difficulties and impaired empathy.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received four prestigious NSF CAREER Awards, totaling over $2 million in funding. The awards recognize faculty who exemplify outstanding research, education, and community engagement.
The EDC-MixRisk project reveals that current regulations underestimate health risks associated with combined exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, affecting fetal development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for a novel approach to mixture risk assessment and emphasizes the importance of considering...
A randomized clinical trial tested a wearable behavioral intervention to reinforce facial engagement and emotion recognition in children with ASD. The study found that the intervention improved social behavior in these children.
A multidisciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh is developing a novel intervention combining electroencephalography-guided brain-computer interface technology with virtual reality to enhance emotion regulation in individuals with autism. The approach involves creating social interaction scenarios and providing real-time feedba...