Articles tagged with Autism
An international team of scientists has identified variants of the EBF3 gene causing a developmental disorder with features in common with autism. The discovery opens the possibility of diagnosing other patients with similar clinical disorders, providing relief to their parents and improving genetic diagnosis.
Adolescents with autism face significant stress as they transition to adulthood, with difficulties in accessing services and adapting to change being major concerns. Social workers can play a vital role in supporting families by coordinating essential services such as medical treatment and independent living.
Researchers induced autistic-like behavior in mice by lowering nSR100 protein levels, showing its causative role in autism. The study identifies nSR100 as a hub that channels molecular miscues contributing to the disorder.
A Penn Medicine study found that elevated levels of mutations in essential genes are significantly associated with an increased risk for ASD and decreased social skills. Researchers identified high-priority essential genes that could serve as targets for future studies and treatments.
Researchers found that young paternal fathers produced offspring with impaired vocal communication, while older fathers resulted in hyperlocomotion. The study provides insight into the potential mechanisms underlying the rise of these disorders.
A new method devised by Drexel University professor Connor Kerns to diagnose anxiety symptoms in children with autism has been proven effective. The Autism Spectrum Addendum (ASA) adds new questions to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule - Child/Parent, helping determine behaviors related to autism versus anxiety.
Researchers challenged a popular autism hypothesis by studying brain responses to repeated visual and tactile stimuli. The findings showed that brain responses were as stable as those of healthy controls, contradicting the idea that unreliable brain activity causes autism symptoms.
A new UCLA study confirms and extends earlier findings that the brains of people with autism have a distinctive pattern of unusual gene activity. This abnormality suggests possible targets for future autism drugs, and provides insights into brain development during the first decade of life.
Researchers identified a new genetic cause of syndromic autism linked to the SLC7A5 gene, which transports amino acids into the brain. The study found that treating neurological abnormalities in mice with this gene mutation improved behavioral symptoms.
A recent study by Duke University researchers has identified a crucial link between autism and pain sensation, suggesting that the SHANK3 protein plays a key role in transmitting pain signals. The findings have significant implications for understanding autism-related sensory problems and developing effective treatments.
A national study led by Baylor College of Medicine aims to understand the link between antibiotic use and improvements in autism symptoms in some children. The research, funded by N of One: Autism Research Foundation, will examine the gut microbiome and metabolome for two years to identify potential causes and effects.
Researchers at SDSU found that brain connections in individuals with autism are more symmetrical across hemispheres, impacting cognitive development. This asymmetry may contribute to difficulties in assembling information into a cohesive narrative.
A study analyzing brain region connectivity found that people with more flexible brain states perform better on executive-function tasks. The researchers discovered five general brain patterns, with those in the most flexible states excelling in high-level cognition.
A large study of over 196,000 children found no association between a mother having an influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. While there was a suggestion of increased risk with maternal vaccination in the first trimester, this finding was not statistically significant after adjusting f...
A study found that musical training increases brain fiber connections in children, particularly in the minor forceps area of the frontal cortex, which is linked to cognitive abilities and disorders like autism and ADHD. This new understanding may lead to targeted strategies for intervention.
A recent trial suggests vitamin D3 supplementation improves symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children, including hyperactivity and social withdrawal. The study found significant improvements after four months of treatment, but not with a placebo.
Researchers study how young children with autism pay attention to others' eyes and find they look less at the eyes due to missing social cues. They do not actively avoid eye contact like previously thought.
Research reveals that over 68% of individuals with different types of autism share a common set of epigenetic modifications in the brain. This finding suggests that a single global epigenetic pattern could underlie diverse manifestations of the psychiatric disease. Epigenetic drugs may hold potential as novel treatments for ASD.
A new study explores the experiences of undiagnosed adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), revealing key themes such as managing self-doubt and finding a sense of belonging. The research aims to help healthcare professionals identify undiagnosed adults with ASD, reducing their risk of depression and anxiety.
Researchers found microstructural brain alternations in autism spectrum disorder using Automated Fiber Quantification technique, which provides increased sensitivity to white matter changes. The study supports the hypothesis that autism is caused by large-scale disruptions in brain connectivity.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found significant changes in the brain makeup of fetuses and newborn rats exposed to allergens during pregnancy. Animals exposed before birth showed signs of hyperactivity, antisocial behavior, and decreased anxiety, similar to ADHD. The study could help explain the links between maternal al...
Researchers developed two approaches to improve behavioral therapy for children with autism. Functional MRI can predict which children will benefit from Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) with high accuracy, while oxytocin administration may enhance social motivation and reward brain circuits in children with autism. These findings have ...
Researchers from Scripps Florida have identified a biochemical cascade called the mTOR pathway that regulates growth in the developing brain as a key factor in autism. Mutations in PTEN affect the assembly of connections between brain areas important for social cue processing, leading to abnormal activity and deficits.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to discover that brain activity in both the child and mother is low during gazing, but increases with parental responses. This study provides new insights into social interactions and child development for children with autism spectrum disorder.
A recent study suggests that individuals with autism may have played an important role in their social groups due to their exceptional memory skills and heightened perception. Collaborative morality, which emerged around 100,000 years ago, allowed for the acceptance and respect of people with autistic traits.
Researchers developed a smartphone app that tracks eye movement to detect signs of autism spectrum disorder, with an accuracy rating of 93.96% and potential for earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.
A new study found that intensive multidisciplinary treatment can eliminate dependence on tube feeding in 71% of children with pediatric feeding disorder at discharge. Treatment also leads to increased oral intake and reduced caregiver stress.
Researchers at Indiana University and UC San Diego create a collaborative network to study movement signatures in children with learning difficulties. They will analyze bodily movements, face expressions, and eye-tracking data to reveal biologically measurable signs of learning disorders like ADHD, autism, and dystonia.
Researchers found a genetic alteration in the DIXDC1 gene that affects brain cell growth and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This discovery holds promise for identifying new medications targeting core symptoms of autism.
Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a genetic link between mitochondrial DNA and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that autistic children had more than twice as many harmful mtDNA mutations compared to their non-autistic siblings. This finding may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of children with ...
A study of 903 children with autism spectrum disorder found that they have more harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations than their unaffected siblings. These mutations can be inherited from the mother or result from spontaneous mutation during development, increasing the risk of neurological and developmental problems.
Researchers warn that current ADHD screening tools may not work for children with autism spectrum disorders, leading to misdiagnosis and potentially ineffective treatments. The study recommends refining the tool and supplementing it with clinical interviews to better identify the correct disorder.
A study published in The Lancet found that parent-led early intervention for autism can significantly reduce symptom severity, especially social communication and repetitive behaviors. The six-year follow-up analysis showed a reduction of 17% in severe symptoms among children who received the intervention.
Researchers found that mutations in the NF1 gene contribute to autistic behaviors in nearly half of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The study provides insights into the genetic roots of autism and may lead to better treatments for children with NF1 and autism.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a defect in mitochondrial recycling in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder associated with autism. The study found that two existing classes of drugs, carbamazepine and mTOR inhibitors, can enhance autophagy and replenish healthy mitochondria.
A placebo-controlled trial found that high-dose folinic acid significantly improved verbal communication skills in children with autism. The treatment also showed promise for predicting response to treatment through specific biomarkers.
Research at King's College London reveals that individuals with autism are more likely to make rational decisions by following their heads rather than their hearts. This is due to impaired emotional awareness and reduced susceptibility to the Framing Effect.
A new study found that using Shakespeare's rhythmic language paired with physical gestures improved social interaction and language skills in children with autism. The 'Hunter Heartbeat Method' intervention showed significant improvement in facial expression recognition and social relationships.
A recent case report highlights the dangers of alternative therapies in children, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, and weight loss. In another case, a woman developed tick-borne illness, including seizures and multiorgan failure, after removing a tick from her skin.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a unique genetic basis for autism that may enable earlier diagnosis. The study found distinct genomic characteristics and evolutionary forces shaping autism genes, which could help identify new candidate genes.
A recent study found that parents who reproduce later in life are more likely to have children with autism disorders, while older mothers are associated with reduced risks. In contrast, advanced paternal ages were linked to increased risks of most autistic disorders in offspring.
A Duke University study found that three genetic causes of microcephaly in mice share a common mechanism, involving the regulation of p53 protein. The research may improve understanding of microcephaly, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have identified a drug target that shows promise in improving social interaction in individuals with some forms of autism spectrum disorder. The breakthrough comes from a study using a new mouse model that reveals the molecular underpinnings of ASD-related behavior and brain physiology.
A study by researchers at UW Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute found a link between exposure to diagnostic ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy and increased autism symptom severity. The study suggests that current FDA guidelines may need to be revised to account for this potential risk.
A new reading comprehension intervention is being developed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a disorder affecting one in 68 children in the US. The program aims to improve academic success and reduce learning issues by using interest-based text, and will be tested over three years.
Researchers have developed an iPad game that can help identify autism in children by tracking their hand movements, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis. The study found that movement patterns are a key differentiator in gameplay data, highlighting the importance of motor skills in autism.
Scientists at HKUST discover how PSD proteins form in living cells via phase-transition, revealing a possible answer to the long-standing question of PSD formation. The study also found that defects in these proteins can alter synaptic signaling activity and contribute to brain disorders.
Researchers found that metformin effectively reduced body mass index scores in overweight children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who take antipsychotic medications. The double-blind clinical trial also showed metformin was well-tolerated and did not cause behavioral changes.
A clinical trial found metformin to be effective in reducing weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that metformin may offer a potential treatment option to mitigate the risks of diabetes linked to weight gain.
Research suggests that prenatal exposure to certain organochlorine chemicals may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that children born after being exposed to high levels of these chemicals during pregnancy were 80% more likely to be diagnosed with autism.
Researchers investigate prenatal infections and their link to developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. A five-year NIH grant supports studies on the effects of early-life immune responses and sex differences in brain vulnerability.
Researchers have created low-cost and sensitive assays to analyze Fragile X-related disorders, enabling preclinical and clinical research on this genetic mutation. The new tests can detect even small changes in DNA methylation and may be suitable for initial patient screening.
A recent study by Princeton University and Simons Foundation researchers has identified over 2,500 candidate genes that may contribute to autism spectrum disorder. The machine-learning program analyzed the human genome to predict which genes are at risk of causing the condition.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that the risk of younger siblings developing an autism spectrum disorder is significantly higher if an older sibling has ASD. The study also found a gender difference in autism diagnosis rates among younger siblings, with boys being more likely to be affected.
A new Autism Speaks MSSNG study has expanded understanding of autism's complex causes, highlighting the role of non-coding DNA and environmental factors in gene changes. The research found a clear difference between de novo mutations from the mother and father, with clustered mutations from the mother linked to copy number variations.
The Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University is conducting a three-year study on the impact of tree canopy on symptoms of children with autism. The research aims to investigate the relationship between nature walks, memory, and stress responses in children with autism.
A team of Princeton researchers has developed a machine-learning approach that analyzes the entire human genome to predict which genes may cause autism spectrum disorder. By identifying 2,500 potential autism genes, this new method provides a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic basis of autism.
A joint article by Dr Melissa Trimingham and Professor Nicola Shaughnessy presents pioneering research using drama with autistic children, demonstrating how 'intermediality' unlocks languages used by autistic children. The study aims to help families through teaching new play skills using drama and puppetry.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Photovoice, a method using photographs, helps adolescents with autism express concerns and stress as they transition to adulthood. The research reveals themes of isolation, socialization challenges, and the comfort animals bring in combating loneliness.
Researchers found similar brain impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The study linked these impairments to symptoms that occur across different conditions.