Articles tagged with Autism
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a virtual reality driving environment specifically designed for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. The system, called VADIA, gathers information on users' reactions and adjusts difficulty levels to provide personalized training.
Researchers identified an inner ear deficiency in children with Autism that affects speech recognition. The non-invasive test measures otoacoustic emissions to detect cochlear impairment, correlating it with ASD symptom severity.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found no association between induced labor and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. The study analyzed Swedish birth registry data, comparing siblings discordant for labor induction, and found no increased risk of ASDs among offspring born via induced labor.
A large study found no association between induced labor and increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The research suggests that concern about autism risk should not factor into clinical decisions about inducing labor.
Researchers suggest that widespread brain alterations in infants at risk for autism may affect multiple systems, rather than just social brain networks. Early behavioral and imaging studies provide evidence for general abnormalities during the first year of life.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that Zyprexa (olanzapine) is linked to the highest risk of weight gain, while Geodon (ziprasidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) were not associated with an increase in body mass index. The study suggests balancing treatment risks and benefits for children and teens with ASD.
A new study finds that variations in the 16p11.2 genomic region are distinctively linked to specific cognitive domains in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Differences emerged between deletion and duplication carriers, suggesting a complex association between genetic alterations and brain function.
Researchers created a mini-brain model to study idiopathic autism, revealing early neuronal overgrowth and dysfunctional cortical networks. The model shows a defective Wnt pathway and misregulated neurotransmitters, leading to reduced excitatory synapses and functional defects.
Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of rhesus monkey brain development, revealing how gene expression changes across time. The study highlights the importance of understanding primate brain development to identify neurodevelopmental processes involved in disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at UVA discover that the immune system directly affects social behavior, with blocking a specific molecule causing abnormal hyperactivity in mice. Restoring the molecule restored normal brain connectivity and behavior.
The MI-LEND program aims to improve the health of infants, children and adolescents with disabilities by training individuals from diverse disciplines. The program will address the complex needs of those with autism and other disabilities by increasing graduate students prepared to address their needs.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze caregiver responses and identified five ADI-R questions that maintained 95% of the instrument's performance. This could reduce administrative time and customize questions for individualized intervention. The study suggests a more data-informed approach to autism diagnosis and support.
State insurance mandates requiring coverage for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were associated with increased diagnoses. The treated prevalence of ASD was higher in states with mandates compared to those without, suggesting that the mandates have had a positive effect on identifying children with ASD.
New research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that state insurance mandates have led to a significant increase in children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from three major health insurers and found that mandates resulted in a 12.7% i...
A new study co-led by Salk Institute scientists found that some people with autism spectrum disorder have brains that grow faster than usual, often before diagnosis. The researchers used stem cell reprogramming technologies to model the earliest stages of complex disorders and evaluate potential therapeutic drugs.
The grant will enable further development of SPEAKmore! and related mobile technologies for advanced speech and language training. The company aims to help individuals produce more complex sentences and generalize newly learned language concepts, improving their communication skills.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identified a novel astroglia-mediated pathogenic mechanism contributing to fragile X syndrome symptoms. The study found that disrupting an astrocyte-specific glutamate transporter contributed to FXS-like symptoms, which were reversed by restoring FMRP and glutamate signaling.
A joint study between CARD and Chapman University analyzed over 800 children with ASD, finding that Board Certified Behavioral Analyst experience and hours of therapy are crucial for successful treatment. The research provides insights into optimizing treatment plans and improving outcomes.
A consensus statement from Project TENDR highlights the link between environmental toxins and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. The alliance calls for immediate reduction of toxic chemical exposures through policy changes and industry action.
A consensus statement from Project TENDR highlights a link between toxic chemical exposures and neurodevelopmental disorders. The alliance calls for immediate action to reduce exposure levels to chemicals like organophosphate pesticides, PBDEs, and lead.
A new study finds that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may increase attention-related symptoms, hyperactivity, and autism spectrum symptoms in children. Researchers found a 30% higher risk of attention function detriment and two clinical autism symptoms in boys exposed to paracetamol during pregnancy.
A study by CHOP researchers found gaps in knowledge and communication about ASD treatment choices, leading to difficulties in sharing treatment decisions. The authors suggest using tools like decision aids and practice guidelines to foster effective communication between families and pediatricians.
A study by University of Missouri researchers identified three types of apparel-related barriers: mechanical, cultural, and sensory sensitivity barriers. These barriers prevent people with disabilities from engaging in their communities, including job interviews, court appearances, and team sports.
Researchers found that diabetic women were three times more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies, which may be linked to increased inflammation and neurodevelopmental conditions in children. The study suggests that metabolic conditions during pregnancy may alter maternal immune tolerance to the fetus.
A study found that people with a first-degree relative with epilepsy are at higher risk of being diagnosed with autism. Siblings and offspring of those with epilepsy were 63% more likely to develop autism than their peers without a family history.
Researchers found that adding a specific bacterial species to the guts of mice with autism-like social behavior reversed their deficits, improving social interaction and oxytocin levels. The study suggests using probiotics as a potential treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
A single species of gut bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri, has been identified as a key player in reversing social deficits in mice with autism-like behaviors. The bacteria promotes the production of oxytocin, a hormone crucial for social behavior, and restores synaptic function in reward areas of the brain.
Researchers found a link between maternal immune dysfunction during pregnancy and autism combined with intellectual disability. The study identified distinct immune profiles for mothers of children with both conditions, as well as those with intellectual disability without autism.
Researchers have observed a link between stress exposure during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. Mothers carrying a specific variant of a stress-sensitive gene reported higher levels of stress, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
Researchers used tadpoles to study sensory integration in the brain, finding that immature brains overreact to simultaneous stimuli. As brains mature, inhibitory neurons gain balance with excitatory neurons, allowing for more refined discrimination between simultaneous and non-simultaneous inputs.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that individuals with a strong drive to understand and build systems, known as systemizing, tend to excel at hacking. This skillset is positively correlated with code-breaking performance, suggesting new opportunities for autistic individuals in security professions.
A meta-analysis of 39 studies found that one in ten youths treated with an antipsychotic have autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. The study suggests that more youths with autism or intellectual disability have received antipsychotics, raising concerns over their efficacy and potential side effects.
A new MU program trains primary care providers to screen and manage autism spectrum disorders, improving confidence and utilization of resources. Early diagnosis is critical for children with autism, and the program aims to reduce disparities for rural and underserved children.
A study by MIT neuroscientists reveals that the Shank gene plays a crucial role in the formation and maturation of synapses. In fruit flies lacking this gene, researchers found reduced functional synapses and improper development, which could impair neural circuit development and contribute to autism symptoms.
A federally funded pilot study shows telehealth training successfully improved social communication skills in children with autism, with parents seeing benefits regardless of coaching sessions. The study suggests that telehealth can fill a gap in autism services, especially for rural and underrepresented communities.
Researchers at CanChild Centre developed an autism classification system that defines levels of social communications ability among children with autism spectrum disorder. The new system, called the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication, provides a standardized and simplified way for clinicians to talk about...
SPARK, the nation's largest autism research study, aims to collect data from 50,000 individuals with autism and their families to accelerate research and discovery. The study, led by Children's Hospital Colorado, will utilize web-based registry and DNA analysis to improve understanding of the causes of autism and develop new treatments.
Researchers found that high levels of folate and vitamin B12 after giving birth double and triple the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder. The study analyzed data from 1,391 mother-child pairs and recommends optimal folate levels to ensure offspring's health.
A national survey found that social and emotional wellbeing is crucial for the success of autistic children in mainstream schools. The report highlights the need for teachers to be flexible and agile to meet individual needs, with many children experiencing difficulties in school due to their autism.
A new mouse model of a genetically-linked type of autism has been developed to study the role of genes in the disorder and its underlying brain changes. The researchers found that targeting a specific brain receptor could ease repetitive behaviors and improve learning in some animals.
A study by University of Miami researchers found that Hispanic parents of children with autism exhibit stress-buffering qualities like optimism and use religious faith as a positive coping strategy. The team hopes to tailor clinical interventions to strengthen these personal characteristics and responses.
A new study suggests a genetic overlap between bipolar disorder and autism, adding to the growing understanding that many psychiatric diseases share common roots. The research identified 84 rare genetic variations linked to bipolar disorder that were also associated with schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers identified 43 genes with autism susceptibility also linked to cancer, potentially leading to repurposed treatments. Common biological mechanisms may enable personalized medicines for neurodevelopmental disorders.
The report found that 60% of people with autism who received services from Vocational Rehabilitation left the program with jobs, but the median weekly earnings were low, with part-time workers earning $160/week and full-time workers earning $380/week. State variations in employment rates and wages were also noted.
A study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting finds that universal screening for autism at 18 and 24 months significantly reduces diagnosis age, affecting all ethnic groups. This shift has critical implications for early intervention and outcomes.
A study of 1,420 autistic children found that one-third had wandered away within the past 12 months. The researchers identified behavioral traits that increase the likelihood of elopement, highlighting the need for effective strategies to prevent such tragedies.
New research reveals a disproportionate increase in chronic health conditions among US children living in poverty. Children with asthma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism are more likely to have co-existing medical conditions, such as developmental delays or depression.
Research suggests that aerial pesticide spraying may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays among children. Children living in areas where aerial pesticide spraying occurs are approximately 25% more likely to have an autism diagnosis or documented developmental delay.
A new study reveals that a genetic risk factor for five major psychiatric diseases may be linked to the death of newborn brain cells, which can disrupt learning, mood, and anxiety. The researchers found that a compound currently being developed could potentially prevent this cell death and have therapeutic value for these diseases.
A new study from UC Davis Health System found significant disparities in state funding for autism services among racial and ethnic groups. Compared to white children aged 3-17, African Americans and Hispanics received significantly lower per-person spending, while adults with ASD over 18 saw a nearly $13,000 difference.
Researchers found that mice with autism-like genetic mutations had fewer neurons in the gut, slower gut movement, and poor gut lining. Increasing serotonin activity during development prevented these changes. The study suggests a shared underlying abnormality for some patients with autism and gastrointestinal problems.
SPARK aims to advance our understanding of autism's causes by collecting DNA from 50,000 individuals with autism and their families. Researchers will study genetic mechanisms and environmental factors to develop new supports and treatments.
A recent review of published studies on autism spectrum disorder found significant discrepancies in reported brain abnormalities. Experts emphasize the need for more extensive research to better understand these variations.
Researchers developed a new method to map and track brain circuits affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys using brain imaging. This approach provides a physical measure of progress with behavioral and/or drug treatments, a tool previously elusive in ASD treatment.
Researchers developed a computer algorithm that accurately identified autism spectrum disorders using fMRI brain scans. The classifier worked across diverse populations, including Japanese and American adults, with an average accuracy of 85% and 75%, respectively.
Researchers found patients with autism have higher gene mutations that drive cancer, but lower cancer rates. Autistic patients have significantly higher rates of DNA variation in oncogenes and are less likely to have a co-occurring diagnosis of cancer.
A new University of Iowa study shows that telehealth can help parents with children on the autism spectrum address challenging behavior at a lower cost. Specialists can train parents in applied behavior analysis via computer, reducing travel expenses and staff hours.
UM College of Arts & Sciences psychology researchers found associations between specific dopamine genes and initiating joint attention in high-risk siblings. Early levels of joint attention have been linked to later ASD symptoms, suggesting that dopamine genes may help explain differences in early communication.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System found that state spending on autism services increases dramatically with age. On average, people aged 18 and over receive nearly two and a half times more funding than younger individuals with ASD.
A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has identified key biological processes involved in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including the overlap of two major signaling pathways. The study highlights the importance of understanding how these pathways interact to develop more effective treatments.