Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
A new study from Penn State College of Medicine suggests that atypical eating behaviors may be a sign a child should be screened for autism. Researchers found that 70% of children with autism exhibit unusual eating habits, including limited food preferences and hypersensitivity to textures or temperatures.
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.