Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
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 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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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 used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to reduce repetitive behavior in mice with fragile X syndrome, a common cause of autism spectrum disorder. The technique successfully edited the receptor responsible for excessive signaling between neurons, leading to reduced repetitive behaviors such as digging and leaping.
A recent study has linked increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to mothers with the three main types of diabetes. The research, published in JAMA Network, suggests a higher risk for children exposed in utero to maternal preexisting type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes diagnosed by 26 weeks.
The study analyzed over 900,000 genomes to identify genetic overlap among psychiatric diseases and personality traits. Schizophrenia was found to correlate with most psychiatric disorders, while anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder demonstrated significant overlap.
Researchers find subplate neurons don't die but become part of the adult cerebral cortex, influencing brain disorders. They identify a connection between subplate neurons and certain brain conditions and outline innovative stem cell techniques for treatment.
A new blood test for autism has been validated for its exceptional success, predicting autism spectrum disorder with 88% accuracy in a second trial. The test uses an algorithm to analyze metabolites in a blood sample, offering a potential solution to lower the age of diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that teenagers with autism and social communication difficulties are more likely to experience depressive symptoms when bullied. The research suggests that targeting bullying interventions could help reduce depression in autistic teens.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have uncovered the biological role of the CHD8 gene in developing oligodendrocytes, cells that form a protective insulation around nerves. Modulating CHD8 activity may help restore neuronal connections and reduce symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that BPA exposure in grandparents of mice led to altered vocalization patterns in their offspring, potentially affecting parental care. The study suggests multigenerational effects of BPA on communication deficits in humans with autism or neurobehavioral disorders.
The €115 million AIMS-2-Trials grant aims to understand autism, develop personalized therapies, and improve quality of life for autistic individuals. It will create a European clinical trials network and partner with charities, governments, and industry to rapidly determine therapy effectiveness.
A study by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School analyzed search results for 'vaccines autism' and found that 10%-24% of websites had a negative stance on vaccines, with some ranking highly in different languages. The research highlights the potential impact of misinformation on public health.
A significant study reveals autistic adults are over-represented among the homeless population, with 12.3% showing autistic traits. The researchers call for further investigation into the link between autism and homelessness to improve support.
A new study identified genetic missense mutations that contribute to disease risk in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The framework successfully prioritized these mutations, which are more likely to occur in autistic children than their siblings.
Research reveals the potential for new brain treatments by targeting specific brain circuits. Lead author Elif Engin suggests that augmenting GABAA receptor activity could be useful in treating disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A significant positive association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and common allergic conditions, particularly food allergy, was found in a nationally representative sample of US children. Children with ASD were more likely to report having food, respiratory, and skin allergies compared to those without ASD.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that children with ASD are over twice as likely to suffer from a food allergy compared to those without ASD. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 children and suggests a possible link between immunological dysfunction and ASD development.
A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia has identified a link between neurotransmitter imbalance and brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found that those with low functional connectivity tended to have impaired listening comprehension and reduced balance of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter levels.
A Duke University study finds an iPhone app easy to use, liked by parents, and good at producing reliable scientific data. The app collects videos of young children's reactions while watching movies designed to elicit autism risk behaviors, which are then analyzed for emotional responses.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a fundamental process by which brains are built, involving the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This finding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and epilepsy.
A Penn Medicine study reveals that early-life seizures can lead to premature activation of synapses tied to learning and language skills in children with autism. The researchers found that an antiepileptic drug may keep these synapses 'silent' longer, allowing the brain to develop normally.
A study found that oxytocin and vasopressin reduce aggression and increase cooperation in male rhesus macaques, flattening the social hierarchy and promoting egalitarian behavior. The hormones also synchronize behaviors, enabling non-verbal communication between animals.
A new study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reduced ability to detect lies, making them more susceptible to manipulation. The researchers suggest training individuals with ASD to improve their deception detection skills, which could enhance their lives.
A major study on pregnant women's fish consumption found no link between mercury exposure and autism. Mercury was only associated with poor social cognition in mothers who avoided eating fish. The study confirms current advice for pregnant women to eat fish at least twice a week is safe.
A Canadian research team has discovered how brain stem cells collaborate to build brain circuits during development. This understanding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The study also suggests that manipulating these brain-resident stem cells could promote brain repair.
A CAMH study analyzed over 1,000 brain scans to provide new insights into brain networks in people with autism. The personalized brain mapping approach showed that each person's brain has unique differences in network functioning despite sharing the same diagnosis.