Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully applied their big data-based approach to evaluating possible treatments for autism. The findings have the potential to accelerate the development of successful medical interventions by analyzing correlations between metabolite concentrations and adaptive behavior.
Researchers developed a blood test to diagnose autism and applied a big data-based approach to evaluate potential treatments. They used machine-learning algorithms to analyze complex data sets, revealing correlations between metabolite concentrations and changes in behavior.
Researchers have found a link between autism, serotonin levels and digestive issues in zebrafish. By replicating a mutation in the SHANK3 gene, they discovered a drastic reduction in serotonin-producing cells, which may lead to treatments for gastrointestinal symptoms.
A Swedish study involving over 500,000 siblings found that lower birth weight was associated with a small but significant increased risk for several psychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. After controlling for family-related factors, the study fo...
Researchers created an interactive audio map of nonverbal vocal communication, revealing 24 kinds of emotion conveyed through 'vocal bursts'. The study suggests humans are attuned to subtle differences in nonverbal signals, allowing for nuanced understanding of emotional states.
Researchers have pinpointed a type of cell that helps the brain navigate and remember important locations, providing insight into psychiatric disorders. The discovery focuses on VIP-expressing cells in the hippocampus, which play a key role in directing flexibility in brain activity.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that cannabis treatment showed significant improvement in symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in over 80% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated and improved quality of life, mood, and ability to perform daily activities.
Researchers have created a novel mouse model that demonstrates how epigenetic changes can negatively impact a key gene involved in neurodevelopment and behavior. The study provides direct causal evidence linking this gene to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behavior.
Researchers found reduced RNA editing in the brain's frontal cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum of individuals with autism. The study identifies two proteins, FMRP and FXR1P, that regulate abnormal RNA editing in autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found a correlation between increased blood flow and social deficits in ASD, suggesting a compensatory mechanism. They also discovered lower levels of healthy neurons were linked to higher brain activity.
Researchers at UAB identified overconnectivity in unimodal-subcortical connections and underconnectivity in supramodal-subcortical connections in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This finding may help understand the expression of ASD and develop biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.
Researchers developed a new test to examine theory of mind in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism struggle with tracking Sally's beliefs about the environment and making logical conclusions about her behavior. This understanding can help develop treatments for autism in the future.
A recent study found that positive well-being is associated with a lower risk of depression in adults with autism. The research followed 36 newly employed adults with autism and discovered that interventions targeting mental health and well-being in the workplace may be necessary to improve outcomes.
Researchers found that inhibition decreases in autistic mice brains but does not affect spiking rates, instead stabilizing brain activity through compensation. This finding challenges the 'inhibition' theory of autism and suggests other mechanisms may contribute to disease symptoms.
A population-based study of 49 individuals with autism who died by suicide found a significant increase in cumulative incidence rates compared to non-autistic peers. The majority of suicides occurred among women with autism, which was higher than the general population.
Scientists at Tufts University have discovered a new molecular mechanism that controls brain plasticity, which they can target to restore it in aged brains. By focusing on specific nerve cell connections, researchers may develop treatments with reduced side effects for conditions like autism and stroke.
Research suggests that auditory dysfunction can be a clue to monitor children for autism, and early detection can lead to optimized interventions. Hearing issues identified at birth may benefit both children with autism and those without, improving their quality of life.
Researchers found that adults with autism can quickly recognize regret and relief emotions in characters, even outperforming neurotypical individuals. The study used eye-tracking technology to monitor participants' responses to stories, revealing a previously overlooked strength in adults with ASD.
A study suggests that a PAC1R mutation may be associated with more severe social problems and disrupted brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found high levels of PAC1R expression in key brain regions, particularly in male brains during fetal development and female brains during childhood.
Researchers evaluated a video game-based treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring attention/deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that children engaged well with the treatment, showed improved attention, and reported high satisfaction rates.
Researchers from Brigham Young University successfully conducted structural and functional MRI scans of 37 children and adolescents with autism, including those with low verbal and cognitive performance, without sedation. The study found that the brains of individuals with autism exhibited decreased activity between hemispheres and hig...
A comprehensive meta-analysis of adults with autism found significant impairments in four key domains: theory of mind, emotion perception and knowledge, processing speed, and verbal learning and memory. The study highlights the importance of a broader approach to treating autism in adults, including non-social cognitive domains.
A new study by Nicolas Davidenko and colleagues reveals that a small tilt of the head can reduce the left-gaze bias and increase the upper-eye bias when viewing faces, making people more approachable. This finding has potential implications for individuals with autism and amblyopia.
Researchers from Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine published four scientific papers highlighting their work on brain genomics and psychiatric diseases. They analyzed over 2,000 brains to identify non-coding functional genomic elements associated with schizophrenia risk, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder.
A new study found that noncoding mutations in promoter regions contribute to autism risk. The researchers analyzed data from 1,902 families and identified de novo mutations in genes involved in neuronal differentiation and developmental delay.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of the human brain has revealed new insights into its development, variability, and links to neuropsychiatric illnesses. Researchers found that genetic risk variants can influence brain function early in life and manifest themselves later in distinct groupings.
Research on brain activity shows that sensory responses to visual patterns change between childhood and adulthood in people with autism, mirroring a genetic change associated with autism in fruit flies. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying sensory issues in autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
Later-born siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at higher risk of developing the same disorder. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 siblings and found that those born after an older child with ASD or ADHD were more likely to be diagnosed with either condition.
Later-born siblings of children with ASD or ADHD are at higher risk for developing the same conditions. The study found that families with a child diagnosed with ASD have a 30 times higher chance of their younger sibling being diagnosed with ASD, while those with a child diagnosed with ADHD have a 13 times higher chance.
Researchers found associations between infections and higher risk of treated mental disorders in children and adolescents. Infections requiring hospitalization or treatment with antibiotics were linked to increased risks of subsequent mental disorder hospitalizations and psychotropic medication use.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found a connection between autism spectrum disorders and stem cell dysfunction. Gene mutations in certain genes were linked to abnormalities in neuronal network formation and function in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.
According to a national survey, 2.8% of US children have ever been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while 2.5% currently have the condition. Despite treatment, 30% of children with ASD remain untreated.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine has developed a method to diagnose autism in children using short home videos, expanding on previous feasibility studies. The researchers employed machine learning to determine relevant behavioral features and devised an algorithm to provide an overall diagnostic score.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found a large-scale association between molecular gene expression activity and neural responses to speech in toddlers with autism. The researchers identified widespread gene expression activity across the genome, which was linked to whole-brain neural response to speech.
A 15-year study of thousands of children reveals that core language skills are stable from infancy to adolescence, with early intervention recommended for lagging development. Individual differences in language competency persist over time, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions.
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.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that mice with a SETD5 mutation have brains less flexible, leading to difficulties in forming new memories and adapting to situations. The researchers also discovered that the gene cooperates with other proteins to regulate gene expression during learning and memory formation.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.