Articles tagged with Autism
A study of nearly all births in Vancouver found that air pollution exposure, particularly nitric oxide, was associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The findings suggest environmental contaminants and air pollution may be potential risk factors for ASD.
Researchers at University of Utah Health discovered sustained connections between brain regions in individuals with autism. The study found that these prolonged connections may contribute to the symptoms of autism, including social dysfunction and difficulty shifting between activities.
A large-scale study analyzing over 600,000 people found that females scored higher on average in empathy, while males scored higher on average in systemizing. The results supported both the empathizing-systemizing and extreme male brain theories of sex differences and autism.
The study tested over half a million people, confirming two psychological theories of sex differences and autism. Autistic individuals showed a 'masculinized' shift on systemizing and autistic traits tests, with empathy scores lower than typical males.
A three-year study found that children with autism improved in various skills, including social interaction and vocal skills, when taught alongside typically developing peers. The results suggest that mainstream pre-schools can provide suitable environments for supporting children with autism.
Researchers discovered a mechanistic link between zinc levels in neurons and the development of autism spectrum disorders, highlighting zinc's role in shaping synaptic connections. Zinc deficiency may contribute to autism through impaired synaptic maturation and neuronal circuit formation.
A saliva-based RNA panel and algorithm can differentiate children with autism from non-autistic peers with 85% accuracy. This test could improve early diagnosis, enabling earlier intensive behavioral therapy to improve symptoms.
Researchers discovered that toddlers with autism spectrum disorder display enhanced anger and frustration but decreased fear in response to naturalistic situations. The capacity to experience joy appears intact in the early stages of the disorder, which may help harness emotional competence for therapeutic purposes.
A Monash University study found a strong link between air pollution and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, and other sources increased the risk of ASD by up to 78%. The study adds to previous research on prenatal air pollution ex...
Researchers found that music-based therapy improved autistic children's social communication skills and family quality of life. The study also showed increased brain connectivity between auditory and motor regions, potentially explaining the benefits. Music intervention was effective even after only eight to 12 weekly sessions.
Researchers identified a link between MIR-137 and complex brain disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Mice lacking MIR-137 displayed learning and memory deficits, repetitive behaviors, and impaired sociability, suggesting potential treatment targets.
Research highlights long-lasting effects of early life stress on the genome, gut, and brain, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder. Novel strategies, such as inhibiting stress hormone production or resetting immune cells, may help combat these effects.
Donnelly Centre researchers have identified a genetic network linked to autism, revealing a mechanism underlying alternative splicing events. The study reveals that microexons, small protein-coding gene segments, are disrupted in autism and could be targeted for therapeutic applications.
Research suggests that prenatal exposure to most common medications does not increase the risk of autism, contrary to previous studies. Instead, a mother's general health before pregnancy appears to play a more significant role in her child's development.
A team of researchers at Kanazawa University used magnetoencephalography to monitor brainwaves in children with autism spectrum disorder and those developing typically. The study found significant differences in motor-related gamma oscillations, suggesting a potential biomarker for autism diagnosis.
Research at San Diego State University discovered unique patterns of neural communication in the brains of children with autism. The study found weaker connections between the amygdala and the occipital cortex, as well as an absence of expected strengthening of connections during adolescence.
A new study introduces a 17-item questionnaire to identify gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism, which can lead to behavioral problems. The screening tool correctly identified over 80% of children with GI disorders, offering hope for more effective treatment.
A new study reveals that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays are up to 50% more likely to be overweight or obese compared to the general population. Children with severe ASD symptoms are at an even higher risk, being 1.7 times more likely to be classified as overweight or obese.
Facial scans aim to identify Phelan-McDermid syndrome in children by analyzing characteristic flattening and brow shape. This could enable quicker diagnoses and better treatment options for affected families.
Researchers found that drug treatment at a young age can reverse social impairments in mice with tuberous sclerosis, but not at an older age. The study identifies a sensitive period for reversing social deficits, with treatment initiated in young adulthood showing promise in rescuing social behaviors.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has acquired a two-photon holographic microscope to understand how incorrect wiring impacts brain function. This device will enable researchers to activate specific pathways in the brain and train neurons to respond to specific patterns of synaptic activity.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers are studying the interaction between the gut microbiome and its effects on autism spectrum disorders. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can predict the development of ASD in genetically predisposed infants.
Scientists have discovered a compound that promotes social interaction among laboratory mice with autistic traits, offering new hope for treating autism. The finding builds on previous research showing oxytocin's potential benefits and develops a drug candidate to overcome its limitations.
Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children found that microglia play a crucial role in shaping behavior during adolescence, with different effects in males and females. The study suggests that this process could improve understanding of normal behavioral changes and neuropsychiatric disorders that emerge during adolescence.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a physiological test to predict autism risk in pregnant mothers. The study found that differences in plasma metabolites indicate an increased risk of having a child with ASD, with a relative risk of 18.7 percent vs 1.7 percent.
A new scientific study reveals that drumming can significantly improve the ability of autistic children to follow instructions, interact with peers, and exhibit positive changes in behavior. The research found pupils' movement control improved while playing drums and performing daily tasks.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a grant to develop an innovative parent-assisted treatment program for infants as young as 6 months at risk for autism spectrum disorder. The project aims to identify biomarkers correlated with later autism diagnosis through electroencephalographic (EEG) technology.
A study in Japanese patients found that common genetic variations, including copy number variations (CNVs), underlie both autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The researchers identified 12 CNV loci associated with these disorders and observed an overlap of pathogenic CNVs between the two conditions.
Chronic diseases are linked to disrupted healing cycles caused by cellular miscommunication, preventing the completion of the natural healing process. This blocks the cycle, leading to persistent conditions like cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
A new biomarker panel identified in a large metabolomic study could accelerate autism diagnoses, detecting around 17 percent of children with ASD. The panel analyzes amino acid metabolism and shows promise for developing an ASD biomarker test.
A new study discovered two clusters of abnormal cerebellum connectivity in young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD), supporting a crucial role for the cerebellum in ASD. The finding highlights the cerebellum as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target.
Research found individuals with autism spectrum disorders, especially without intellectual disability, have greater risk of depression in young adulthood. This association highlights the importance of identifying and treating depression in people with ASD to improve their quality of life.
Researchers discovered that children without autism who participated in music classes with autistic peers displayed increased empathy and a decrease in antisocial emotions. Children with autism reported feeling less victimized after participating in music lessons, which could lead to improved social interactions and reduced bullying.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism behind variable penetrance, where identical gene mutations have varying effects on disease severity. They found an enrichment of combinations of regulatory and coding variants that act as protective against disease by decreasing the penetrance of coding variants.
A new study found an association between maternal pesticide levels and autism in children, with elevated DDE levels increasing the risk of autism by twofold. The study suggests a potential biomarker-based link between maternal exposure to insecticides and autism among offspring.
A new study by Carnegie Institution researchers found that defects in the Fmr1 gene can lead to difficulties in creating large protein structures, potentially contributing to autism-related disorders like fragile X syndrome. The study used fruit fly eggs to demonstrate how Fmr1 helps produce essential large proteins.
A Finnish national birth cohort study linked DDT metabolite exposure to increased autism risk in offspring. Maternal blood analyzed for DDE and PCBs found higher odds of autism with intellectual disability among offspring exposed to elevated DDE levels, persisting after adjusting for confounding factors.
Researchers discovered CPEB4, a molecule regulating protein synthesis, is impaired in most autism cases. The study found defects in CPEB4 lead to dysregulation of hundreds of genes associated with autism.
A novel saliva-based panel is being developed to aid clinicians in the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder based on changes in oral microbial communities. The study found altered microbial gene expression patterns associated with energy processing and lysine degradation, indicating potential biomarkers for ASD.
A new study shows that a University of Missouri program significantly reduces diagnostic wait times for young children at highest risk for autism. The ECHO Autism program provides hands-on training, virtual discussions and practice to help primary care providers diagnose autism in young children, saving families an average of 172.7 mil...
Researchers have identified altered brain waves and movement abnormalities in young children with autism spectrum disorder, which can be detected as early as infancy using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques. These findings may represent an objective approach to diagnosing autism in young children.
A large study of over 80,000 children found no increased risk of autism spectrum disorder after prenatal Tdap vaccination. The study's lead author says pregnant women can be reassured that receiving the vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of autism.
Researchers discover that autistic disorders are caused by poor maturation of synapses in the reward system, leading to impaired social communication. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers found that releasing serotonin in a specific part of the brain enhanced social behavior in mice, providing insights into autism spectrum disorder and potentially leading to new treatments. The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit could ameliorate social deficits in individuals with these disorders.
A new therapy using Google Glass and a smartphone app has been shown to improve social skills in children with autism by helping them recognize facial expressions. The treatment, called 'Superpower Glass,' uses machine learning to identify eight core emotions and provides instant rewards for correct identifications.
Researchers found a significant link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the risk of having an autistic child. Women with PCOS were 2.3% more likely to have an autistic child, compared to those without PCOS.
Researchers identified brain cells crucial for zebrafish socialization, mirroring human social behavior problems seen in autism and schizophrenia. The study's findings provide a new avenue for research on the biological underpinnings of social behavior.
Researchers at George Washington University are investigating the CC2D1A gene's role in making males more susceptible to autism than females. The study aims to identify molecular mechanisms underlying this disparity and potentially develop sex-specific therapies.
Researchers found that a mother's microbiome determines the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in her offspring. By manipulating the microbiome through diet or probiotics, it may be possible to prevent autism-like disorders.
In a new study, researchers have identified the protein p53 as a key component in irregularly excited brain cells associated with autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. The protein's role in regulating neural excitability has significant implications for understanding these developmental disabilities.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found structural and functional abnormalities in the brain's mesolimbic reward pathway in children with autism. The research supports the social motivation theory of autism, suggesting that social interaction is inherently less appealing to those with the disorder.
Researchers found that boys with autism had lower fractal dimension in the right cerebellar cortex, indicating a flatter surface structure related to communication difficulties. This finding suggests rethinking the role of cerebellar function and structure in young individuals at risk for atypical brain development.
A recent study by University of Queensland researchers has uncovered a new brain pathway that enables zebrafish to detect and respond to visual threats from predators. The findings reveal that the thalamus plays a crucial role in processing visual information, which is then transmitted to other parts of the brain for escape responses.
Researchers have identified O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) as a key molecule responsible for the sex-specific patterns of gene expression. High levels of H3K27me3 in the female placenta produce resilience to stress, which may explain why females are less susceptible to neurodevelopmental disorders than males.
Research suggests that antidepressant Prozac can alter brain circuit development in mice, leading to social and repetitive behaviors reminiscent of autism. Reversibility of these changes is uncertain, with some alterations permanently changed by fluoxetine exposure.
A new study using fruit flies identifies complex gene interactions underlying a common cause of autism. The research reveals that multiple genes interact to modulate variable symptoms, challenging the traditional single-gene approach.
Research from Florida State University and Emory University found that teachers receiving SCERTS training significantly improved student outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder. The study showed that trained teachers led to increased student participation, back-and-forth conversations, and better emotional regulation.
A new type of personalized machine learning helps robots accurately assess children's engagement and interest during autism therapy, with a correlation score of 60% compared to human experts. This technology aims to augment human therapists with key information to personalize therapy content and create more engaging interactions.
A team of scientists from McGill University discovered a key role for the GRIN2B gene in early neural stem cell development and autism. They used genetic engineering to reprogram skin cells into brain cells with the patient's mutation, showing how improper protein production leads to impaired brain development.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio used gene editing to decrease repetitive behaviors in mice with fragile X syndrome, an inherited cause of autism spectrum disorders. The approach resulted in significant reduction of symptoms, including digging behavior slowed by 30 percent and leaping behavior reduced by 70 percent.