Articles tagged with Autism
Defects in a nuclear receptor, LXRβ, in the brain's dentate gyrus have been linked to autism spectrum disorders. Early changes in neurogenesis of this region may provide an aberrant template for social function circuitry.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that romidepsin, an FDA-approved anti-cancer drug, restored gene expression and alleviated social deficits in mice deficient in the Shank 3 gene, a key risk factor for autism. The treatment had a profound and prolonged effect, lasting several years in humans.
A new study found that genetics contribute to individual differences in empathy, with genetic variants associated with lower empathy linked to higher autism risk. Women are also more empathetic than men, but this difference is not due to DNA, suggesting non-genetic factors at play.
A study by McMaster University researchers has pinpointed a gene responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. The study found that alterations of the thousand and one amino-acid kinase 2 (TAOK2) gene play a direct role in these disorders.
The UTSA lab conducts behavioral assessments and studies food preferences, finding that children with autism commonly reject vegetables and fruits while preferring high-carbohydrate foods. Researchers develop evidence-based practices to help health providers and parents address feeding challenges and promote healthier diets.
Scientists have discovered genes linked to individual differences in brain anatomy in autistic children, with variation in cortex thickness and gene activity involved. The study provides the first evidence linking differences in the autistic brain to specific genes with atypical gene activity.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri has identified 286 genes associated with autism, including 193 new genes not found in previous studies. This breakthrough could lead to the development of screening tools and interventions for young children and improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new test that can detect damage to proteins in blood plasma, which may indicate autism spectrum disorders. The test has shown promise in distinguishing between children with ASD and healthy controls.
A UCLA-led study has found significant overlap in gene expression patterns among autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, with distinct differences also observed. Researchers have identified a molecular pathological signature for these disorders, providing a large step forward in understanding their underlying causes.
A new study reveals that genetic factors causing autism spectrum disorders diminish brain cognitive functions, leading to lower non-verbal IQ. Motor skills also correlate with de novo mutations in ASD, making them a sensitive indicator of damage.
A six-year study found that cognitive enhancement therapy (CET) significantly improved neurocognitive function in adults with autism, particularly in attention and social understanding. In contrast, enriched supportive therapy (EST) showed slower but still significant improvements in social cognition.
Researchers found that androgens increase cell spread and prevent death, potentially predisposing boys to autism. The study identified key genes regulated by testosterone that contribute to the risk of autism.
Researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School developed a two-minute questionnaire to detect autism in toddlers. The Psychological Development Questionnaire (PDQ-1) correctly identified children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from all socioeconomic communities.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered a molecule called progranulin that plays a crucial role in strengthening and eliminating synapses in the brain. This process is essential for developing neural circuits, but genetic or environmental mutations can disrupt it, leading to disorders such as autism and dementia.
The US expects 45% of emerging adults with ASD to enroll in a post-secondary institution, but completion rates are lower compared to general population and disability groups. College experiences for students with ASD cover topics such as bullying, parental insights, and evidence-based programs.
Studies show kids with autism may not be rewarded by social interactions as typically developing peers, but can still benefit from understanding reward value. Researchers also highlight importance of sensitivity to sensory experiences in clinical interventions.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that exposure to valproic acid, a migraine treatment, causes characteristics similar to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in zebrafish. The study validated zebrafish as a model for studying ASD and its causes, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional rodent models.
A new study suggests that infants who pay little attention to synchronous sights and sounds may be at elevated risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers found significant group differences in the infants' gaze patterns, with those with ASD showing no preference for audiovisual synchrony.
Researchers at Indiana University and Rutgers University found a correlation between subtle changes in movement and autism diagnoses, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection. The study assessed volunteers' arm movements using high-speed sensors, revealing hidden fluctuations that corresponded to previous autism diagnoses.
A new study published in Child Development suggests that bilingualism may increase cognitive flexibility in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Bilingual children with ASD outperformed their monolingual peers in shifting tasks, indicating a potential benefit of language exposure on executive functions.
A recent study has identified over 2,000 regulatory regions involved in learning that are strongly associated with autism. The research team found a genetic mutation linked to increased risk of developing autism in one of these regions, offering a promising new approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new dynamic statistical model to visualize changing patterns in networks, including gene expression during developmental periods of the brain. The model, Persistent Communities by Eigenvector Smoothing (PisCES), combines information across multiple networks over time to identif...
A new study identified a key brain region controlling social behavior and found that altering its activity may contribute to social deficits in autism. Increasing activity led to social problems, while decreasing it prevented social issues.
The December 2017 issue of Family Medicine and Community Health Journal explores various topics in family medicine, including the assessment of family physicians' knowledge of childhood autism. The study found a lack of knowledge about autism among family physicians, highlighting the need for training to improve early detection and int...
A new study finds that girls with autism often struggle more than boys with performing routine tasks and making small talk, even when standardized tests are normalized for sex. This suggests that girls with autism may be 'camouflaging' their symptoms, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
A large Israeli study found that mothers who took folic acid and multivitamin supplements before and during pregnancy had a lower likelihood of having children with autism spectrum disorder. However, the researchers note that other factors may explain this association.
A recent study found that the frequency of autism spectrum disorder among US children and adolescents remained stable between 2014-2016. The study analyzed data from a nationally representative annual survey and included 30,502 participants. No apparent increase in ASD prevalence was detected during this three-year period.
Research published in eNeuro reveals that fragile X syndrome affects the development of sound-processing neurons in the brainstem. The study found reduced cell sizes in mice with FXS, indicating a role for FMRP in auditory system development.
A new study examined the social functioning of 169 middle-aged adults with autism spectrum disorders, revealing unmet needs in areas such as employment, social relationships, and community participation.
The new journal will publish evidence-based original articles, review articles, and analysis on various aspects of adult autism, including physical and mental health, research methodology, and policy change. The journal aims to provide authoritative insights and promote practice, systems, and policy changes for adults with ASD.
Research led by Professor Stephen Wood at Orygen found that individuals with autism traits and psychosis are at a greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that identifying autism traits can help identify those most at risk of suicide, highlighting the need for better training and assessments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made a breakthrough in treating autistic children with neuromodulation, which restored social impairments. The study found that stimulating a specific part of the cerebellum improved social behaviors in both mice and humans, offering new hope for autism treatment.
A researcher at Case Western Reserve University is investigating the link between abnormal embryonic brain development and autism. The study aims to understand how cell-signaling defects lead to excessive early brain-cell growth and enlarged neonatal brains, resulting in long-term alterations in brain circuitry.
A new virtual child software is being developed to train professionals in behavioral intervention techniques for children with autism spectrum disorder. The software will feature a virtual child programmed with learning difficulties associated with autism, allowing users to practice and master treatment methods.
Researchers at Princeton University used optogenetics to study social behavior in mice, revealing a neural substrate for social learning that could lead to new treatments for autism. The study also highlights the importance of spatial learning in social interactions, which are essential for humans.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine identified a type of cell in the brain's primary processing area that responds to sound, providing new insights into early sensory development. This breakthrough has implications for diagnosing autism and other cognitive deficits emerging early in development.
A study by Georgia State University found that black parents reported significantly fewer concerns related to autism symptoms than white parents. This disparity may affect healthcare providers' abilities to identify children who need further screening or evaluation, potentially leading to missed or delayed diagnoses in black children.
A new study found that error-related negativity, a brain signal response, is related to social anxiety symptoms in youth with ASD. Those with more severe symptoms may have difficulty identifying their performance anxieties.
A study published on Scientific Reports reveals that hand preference is already defined at the 18th week of gestation. Foetal kinematics analysis predicts manual dominance with an accuracy of 89-100% in boys and girls, which may lead to early recognition of pathologies like depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders.
A genetic variation linked to autism spectrum disorders stunts the growth of dendrites in rat cells and a mouse model of autism. This excessive pruning may contribute to differences in neuronal connectivity underlying social and communication deficits observed in autism.
A study published in Brain Connectivity found significant differences in functional architecture and interactivity of the default mode network in adolescent and young adult males with autism spectrum disorder compared to those without ASD. These findings could lead to the development of new imaging-based diagnostic markers for autism.
A recent study of 27,940 Chinese newborns found that low vitamin D levels at birth were associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at age 3. The risk was significantly increased in each lower quartile of vitamin D level compared to the highest quartile.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that individuals on the autism spectrum exhibit distinct reactions to 'smells of fear' and 'calm sweat', including changes in anxiety levels. This suggests a possible underlying connection between smell, social cues, and early brain development in autism.
Research suggests mothers of teenagers with ASD experience high levels of stress and negative psychological symptoms. However, an optimistic outlook can serve as a buffer against these effects, allowing them to better cope with parenting challenges.
A study published in Autism Research found a correlation between shorter time intervals between pregnancies and increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in second-born children. The researchers suggested that couples planning pregnancy should discuss their options with a trusted doctor or healthcare provider.
A new video game-based training program has shown significant improvements in balance and posture for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. The six-week program, which rewards participants for holding 'ninja' poses, also improved in-game performance outside the gaming environment.
A new study at Boston Medical Center is testing a two-part intervention to engage parents in early intervention services and training. The goal is to improve social communication skills, development, and reduce ASD symptoms in children with autism.
Researchers found that social and emotional exclusion in mainstream schools can lead to increased isolation and low self-esteem in pupils with autism. Creating a culture of acceptance is crucial for long-term wellbeing.
A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.
Researchers have tested a potential new drug, NitroSynapsin, in a mouse model of an autism disorder and found it largely corrected electrical, behavioral and brain abnormalities. The candidate drug is intended to restore the signaling imbalance found in virtually all forms of autism spectrum disorder.
New research from Duke University reveals that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the development and function of synapses in the brain. The study found that three proteins control the web-like structure of each astrocyte, which directly impacts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural connections.
A selective PDE4D inhibitor, BPN14770, has shown promise in treating Fragile X syndrome by reducing hyperarousal and improving social interactions. The treatment also exhibited long-term benefits, with no tolerance observed.
University of Geneva researchers found that delayed neuronal migration in the fetus causes behavior disorders comparable to autism. They also discovered that correcting late neuron activity can restore interneuronal connections and prevent behavioral problems.
A study found that women with PCOS are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The research also showed that children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a potential new treatment for Fragile X Syndrome by targeting chromatin remodeling proteins, which play a key role in the disease's symptoms. The study found that inhibiting these proteins can alleviate symptoms and improve neuronal function.
A study from Washington University School of Medicine found that a defective gene linked to autism influences how neurons connect and communicate in the brain. Mice lacking this gene formed more connections, leading to difficulties in learning and social interactions.
A new study demonstrates that babies can learn, remember and use contextual cues in a scene to guide their search for objects of interest. The study found that 6-month-old babies showed steady improvement in finding faces in repeated scenes, but didn't get any quicker or more accurate in finding faces in new scenes.
Researchers at George Washington University will follow children with autism through adolescence and into adulthood to understand differences in ASD risk between boys and girls. The study aims to identify biomarkers of developmental pathways that might differ for boys and girls, and generate insights on how to further explore the data.
Researchers analyzed blood and brain tissue data to find epigenetic marks that control gene expression, revealing key connections between genes and immune function. This study suggests that understanding epigenetic connections could lead to new treatments for autism by targeting specific biological pathways.
A UK study aims to improve mental health identification in autistic individuals with learning difficulties, who face unique challenges. The research will develop an assessment tool to distinguish between anxiety/depression and physical health-related distress.