Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Researchers at the University of York found that individuals with 'detail focus', a trait linked to autism, led to realistic cave drawings across Europe. They argued that drugs were unlikely behind this art movement.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found a genetic signal common to both cerebral palsy and autism in children. Cell lines from 182 individuals with cerebral palsy showed disruptions in cell signalling and inflammatory pathways, similar to those seen in some children with autism.
Researchers have found significantly elevated levels of 4-ethylphenylsulfate (4-EPS) in serum samples from children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. Elevated 4-EPS levels were also associated with worse social performance, indicating its possible role in ASD pathology.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method for generating brain cells from skin cells, opening up new possibilities for studying neurologic diseases. The study found over 70 new recipes or codes for neuronal production and discovered that synthetic neurons can grow synapses and communicate with each other.
Dr. Karun Singh is a leader in stem cell research, human genetics and brain development. His work has made significant impact on our knowledge of signaling mechanisms that regulate brain development and genetic risk factors underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Infants who develop autism react more strongly to sudden changes in light at 9-10 months old, according to a new study. The findings support the role of sensory processing in autism development and provide insights into early detection.
Research from the University of Kansas found that minority students with autism are widely underrepresented in special education, with dramatic disparities seen across states. The study showed that African-American and Hispanic students were underidentified at high rates, while Pacific Islander and Asian students were not identified at...
Researchers discovered that visual experience triggers changes in brain protein expression, which enhances learning and processing of sensory information in tadpoles. This finding suggests a possible new role for proteins in sensory processing in people with autism spectrum disorder.
Research suggests that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at higher risk of being bullied due to their willingness to accept unfair behavior and reduced reciprocation in trading games. The study found that children with ASD were 37% less likely to reciprocate fair offers and three times more likely to accept unfair offers...
A new study links low vasopressin levels in cerebrospinal fluid to impaired social abilities in monkeys and children with autism, suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. The researchers hope to further explore the hormone's role in autism diagnosis.
Children diagnosed with autism are able to create and play with imaginary companions, but at a later age than typically developing children. The quality of the play is similar, suggesting that imaginary companions could be used in future therapies for autistic youngsters.
Researchers found a potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in monkeys with low social behavior, which had lower arginine vasopressin concentrations in their cerebrospinal fluid. This discovery suggests that AVP may be a target for developing new drugs to alleviate social impairment in ASD patients.
Researchers discovered that rhesus macaques and children with autism spectrum disorder have lower vasopressin levels, linked to reduced sociability. The study suggests vasopressin as a potential biomarker for social deficits in autism.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze EEG signals from infants at high risk for autism, accurately predicting ASD with over 95% accuracy by 9 months. Early detection may lead to better outcomes and prevention of behaviors associated with ASD.
The US autism prevalence has increased by an average of 15 percent, reaching a national rate of 1.7 percent among childhood population, while New Jersey remains the state with the highest autism rate at 2.9 percent, according to a report by Rutgers researchers.
A new study funded by a $4.7 million gift from the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation aims to investigate the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol for children with severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. The study will involve clinical assessments and basic research to better understand how CBD interacts with neural activity.
A study from York University shows that cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve children's emotional regulation, including anxiety and other emotional challenges. The intervention, involving a computer program and family support, led to improved mental health outcomes in children with autism.
Researchers found that adults on the autism spectrum have increased use of primary care, mental health services, and laboratory services, but lower use of gynecology visits and cervical cancer screening. The study highlights the importance of considering autism throughout the lifespan and emphasizes the need for better access to afford...
Using advanced imaging technology, researchers found structural changes in the connections between neurons that strengthen to enable learning. The molecules involved in sending and receiving signals appeared to be organized in clumps or 'nanomodules' that both dance and multiply when stimulated by learning-like signals.
Researchers are using cutting-edge techniques to shed new light on the intricate circuitry behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Innovative nanocapsules could improve drug delivery for Autism Spectrum Disorder, while mapping brain circuits with rabies and herpes viruses provides insights into learning and memory.
A recent study identified rare inherited variants in non-coding DNA as a contributor to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These variants disrupt neighboring DNA control elements that regulate gene expression. The findings suggest that the inherited genetic contribution from mothers and fathers may be qualitatively different.
A recent study published in Molecular Autism found that pediatrician Hans Asperger cooperated with the Nazi regime and referred profoundly disabled children to a clinic involved in child euthanasia. The research challenges the long-held narrative of Asperger as an opponent of the Nazi regime.
A new mechanism regulating axon pathfinding has been identified in zebrafish embryos, suggesting that neuronal activity can influence brain connectivity. The research found that optogenetic stimulation of an inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor was necessary for axons to properly cross the midline.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a genetic mutation associated with intellectual disability, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and congenital cardiac anomalies. The mutation, in the NAA15 gene, is linked to Ogden syndrome, a more severe condition also caused by a mutation in the NAA10 gene.
A large-scale study finds that women with PCOS are prone to mental health disorders and their children have a greater risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders to improve their quality of life.
Scientists have discovered a mutation in the catnap2 gene that causes seizures in people with autism spectrum disorder. The mutation shrinks brain neurons' branches, disrupting message delivery and leading to seizures.
A new study by Swansea University found that children with intellectual disability or autism are more likely to be given antipsychotic medication, leading to higher rates of depression, injury, and hospitalization. The research also highlights the potential long-term health implications of treating behavioral problems in this way.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that children with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and mood disorders. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,300 children, revealed that these psychiatric conditions were more prevalent in ol...
A recent study developed a model to predict the effect of genetic variants on cognitive traits, opening the way for better interpretation of genetic analyzes and early care for children at risk. The discovery paves the way for clinicians to estimate cognitive impact of rare genetic variants.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found that a clinician-driven virtual learning platform improves social competency and socio-emotional abilities in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. The study reveals increased activation in the brain's socio-cognition hub, leading to improved empathy and social interaction.
Researchers found abnormal brain connectivity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder, which may underlie the disorder's abnormal development and contribute to its mechanisms. The study suggests that these altered patterns could be used as potential imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that children with autism spectrum disorders and their younger siblings are less likely to receive full vaccinations. The study analyzed data from over 3,700 children with ASD and nearly 500,000 children without ASD, as well as their siblings born between 1995 and 2014.
Researchers found that children with autism have too many amygdala neurons early on and then lose them as they age. Typically developing children, however, gain more amygdala neurons over time, suggesting a link between excessive neuron growth and anxiety in autism.
A study found that simple praise statements increase physical activity in young adults with autism, regardless of delivery method. Praise delivered through technology shows promise for producing more exercise, as participants maintained their performances even without constant support.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute identified the MVP gene as essential for homeostatic plasticity in neurons with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, a common genetic cause of autism. The study found that reduced MVP levels disrupted neural circuit adjustments to experience, leading to impaired learning and memory.
A new study found that children born to mothers with a larger waist size (80 cm or more) before pregnancy are at a 65% higher risk of developing autism. The research suggests inflammation may play a key role in this link.
A new study found that people's misconceptions about the association between the MMR vaccine and autism significantly influence their willingness to receive a Zika vaccine. The study also revealed that individuals who believe in science's power to solve problems are more likely to intend to use a Zika vaccine.
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.