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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Azrieli Centre for Autism Research will foster innovations in therapy and a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will use advanced brain imaging techniques to map differences in children and adults living with ASD, leading to earlier diagnosis and effective intervention.
Researchers studied pair-bonded titi monkeys to understand jealousy and its consequences. The study found that male monkeys exhibited increased testosterone and cortisol levels when watching their partners with a stranger, and brain scans revealed heightened activity in areas associated with social exclusion and aggression.
Research found that astrocytes from children with autism exhibit innate inflammation, contributing to neuronal dysfunction. However, when normal astrocytes were co-cultured with autistic neurons, the latter reverted to normal functioning.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of autism that affects male mice more severely than females, leading to abnormal reward-learning behavior. This study sheds light on the sex differences in autism and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic signature for autism by analyzing the genomes of 516 autistic children and their families. The study found that individuals with autism are more likely to have multiple genetic variations, suggesting a complex interplay between genes in the development of the disorder.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that imbalances in the regulation of GABA, a crucial neurotransmitter, can lead to developmental brain disorders such as autism and seizure disorders. The research offers new hope for developing treatments by identifying a potential molecular switch controlling GABA production.
Researchers discovered that autism is often associated with the appearance of new mutations in both protein-coding and regulatory genome regions. These newly formed mutations are more likely to increase an individual's risk of developing autism, with a significant impact from as few as two mutations.
The center aims to identify unique talents in individuals on the spectrum and develop novel employment arrangements to enhance their quality of life. With research partners and community organizations, VCAI seeks to unlock the workforce potential of autistic individuals.
A new study found that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to limited access to healthcare providers. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children across the US and suggests that advances in screening techniques may not be the primary reason for the ...
A study of 220 Australian children found that a maternal immune-mediated subtype of autism is linked to poorer social outcomes. The researchers identified associations between maternal allergies or asthma and increased severity of social symptoms in children with ASD.
A new study found that state laws mandating autism coverage by private insurers resulted in a large jump in spending on care for children with autism. Children in states with mandates were more likely to receive treatment, with increased spending on outpatient services and a significant impact on their lives.
Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute found that the brain recalls larger concepts first when recalling information, then reconstructs details, reversing the traditional encoding and decoding process. This study sheds light on phenomena like eyewitness testimony and stereotyping.
Researchers found a direct connection between deletions in two genes in the 16p11.2 region of human chromosome 16 and certain brain and body traits, including seizures, hyperactivity, and obesity. The study suggests that multiple genes interact to produce various characteristics.
Researchers developed higher resolution genetic diagnostic tools to identify genetic anomalies in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study linked novel DLG2 promoters and coding exons to developmental delay and intellectual disability, providing a potential pathogenic role in these conditions.
A Drexel University-led study found that multivitamin use during pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism with intellectual disabilities by 30%. The study, published in BMJ, looked at data from over a decade and controlled for other factors. However, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between diet and autism development.
Research suggests that multivitamin use during pregnancy is associated with a lower likelihood of child autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with intellectual disability. However, study limitations and inconsistent findings warrant further investigation to verify these results.
A new study found that Twitter is a hub of anti-vaccine sentiment, particularly in affluent regions. The research used machine-learning algorithms to analyze over half a million tweets between 2009 and 2015, finding that half of online discussions about vaccines were negative.
A new study identifies the fragile X protein's role in regulating DNA packaging, offering clues for treatment. The protein oversees a set of genes that alter how DNA is packaged, and its absence leads to fragile X syndrome.
Human brains tend to miss objects that are mis-scaled, even when they're in view. Researchers found this phenomenon in eye-tracking studies, but not in computer vision algorithms like deep neural networks. This study aims to better understand human visual search strategies and improve computer vision.
A new analysis estimates that genetic factors account for 83% of the risk for autism spectrum disorder, while nonshared environmental influences contribute 17%. This estimate is higher than previous twin studies but more accurate than a lower estimate using traditional methods.
Researchers have identified networks of genes related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may also be involved in cancer, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study used a computational technique to account for gene interactions, revealing genes that could affect similar pathways.
The largest study to date finds a significant difference in autism recurrence risk based on sibling gender. Boys are more susceptible to autism, especially when an older female sibling has the condition. Meanwhile, female siblings with older brothers have lower risks.
Serotonin transporters play a crucial role in regulating serotonin levels, which is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and autism. Altering the regulation of these transporters may provide new treatment options with milder side effects.