Articles tagged with Autism
A new study reveals that autistic college students face dramatically higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their non-autistic peers. The research highlights the need for more mental health support for this underrepresented population.
Researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy can program long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in children through epigenetic alterations. This led to autistic-like behaviors in male mice, correlating with altered gene regulation in the cortex and hippocampus.
A new study found a link between parents' workplace chemical exposure and their child's autism severity, with certain chemicals associated with cognitive deficits and developmental delays. The research emphasizes the need for workplace safety measures to protect not only workers but also their future children.
A large-scale study has identified 48 genes linked to stuttering, shedding light on the neurological pathways of risk. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis with autism, depression, and musicality, providing a foundation for future research.
Researchers discovered a two-step mechanism where inhibitory neurons release nitric oxide to rapidly dilate blood vessels, followed by slower, localized vasodilation via astrocyte activation. This breakthrough sheds light on how neural signals are translated into blood volume changes in brain imaging.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that 44% of autistic teens can mask their diagnosis in school settings, showing faster brain responses to faces and reduced emotional reactivity. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better support for these teens.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute recommend testing for specific groups, citing inadequate recognition by healthcare providers. The group of genetic conditions affects learning, development, and behavior, with millions of people unaware they carry the premutation.
Researchers from Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined hospitalizations for mental health conditions in autistic adults and found that nearly 1.5 times more autistic adults were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of initial discharge compared to non-autistic adults.
Researchers found that early sensory processing, including touch and hearing, diverge in people with autism compared to those without the condition. The study suggests that understanding these early differences may lead to breakthroughs in treating autism.
The article highlights the need for healthcare providers to understand autism and its diversity, as well as actively ask about patients' lived experiences. Additionally, suggestions are provided on adapting healthcare delivery and environments, tailoring communications, and addressing barriers faced by autistic individuals with margina...
A study by autistic researchers reveals the challenges of navigating nonverbal cues, including body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Autistic adults often struggle to process these signals in real-time, leading to misunderstandings and social anxiety.
Researchers found that adults with autism perceive visual body information similarly to neurotypical adults, challenging long-standing assumptions about social difficulties in ASD. The study used fMRI to compare brain activity patterns in adults with autism and typically developing adults while viewing images of body parts.
Researchers identified four distinct groups of autism linked to specific genetic variants and biological processes. The study's person-centered approach analyzing phenotypic and genotypic data from SPARK enabled more precise diagnoses and personalized support.
A new online support package aims to empower parents of young autistic children to look after their dental health. The toolkit provides practical, tailored solutions focusing on toothbrushing, dentist visits, and eating habits, featuring videos and downloadable resources.
Researchers identified four clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of autism, each with distinct developmental, medical, behavioral, and psychiatric traits. The study linked subtypes to genetic profiles and developmental trajectories, offering new insights into the biology underlying autism.
Researchers found that inhibitory neurons born later in brain development mature faster than those produced earlier, ensuring a balanced neural network. This regulation is controlled by genetic mechanisms and may contribute to developmental disorders.
Researchers developed an AI-powered diagnostic approach using quantitative biomarkers and biometrics to rapidly assess neurodivergent disorders. The method has the potential to diagnose autism or ADHD in as little as 15 minutes, providing healthcare providers with additional tools to tailor treatments.
Biomolecular condensates play a critical role in organizing and regulating proteins within the postsynaptic density of neurons. Prof. Strømgaard's research aims to develop condensate-modifying compounds that restore normal function in SYNGAP1-related disorders, offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
A clinical trial found that vitamin D3 nanoemulsion significantly improved core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children, including language development and adaptive behavior. The nanoemulsion form was shown to be more effective than conventional oral supplementation.
A new research paper introduces DoliClock, a biological aging clock based on lipid profiles in the human brain, showing accelerated brain aging in individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and Down syndrome. The study found that dolichol levels serve as reliable biomarkers of aging.
A new nutritional epigenetics study protocol aims to reduce lead and mercury exposures in pregnant women to prevent childhood autism and ADHD. The protocol provides a valid method for measuring changes in ultra-processed food intake and diet, which may impact child neurodevelopment.
PTEN-deficient mouse models exhibit ASD-like characteristics due to circuit imbalance and altered behavior. The study reveals specific circuit changes in the amygdala resulting from PTEN loss in inhibitory neurons, providing new insights into the underlying circuit alterations that contribute to heightened fear and anxiety.
Scientists have discovered a link between autism spectrum disorders and congenital heart disease, finding that tiny hair-like structures called cilia underlie the shared biology of both conditions. This study offers hope for early diagnosis and intervention, with potential benefits for children with autism.
Mark Ramos developed software to help therapists measure children's skill development in autism therapy, providing a more accurate estimate of mastery. The tool, called MIEBL, employs Bayesian estimates to set performance criteria based on predicted success and observed data.
A controlled clinical trial found that two-thirds of participants showed behavioral improvements with CBD treatment, highlighting its potential benefits. However, the study also revealed a significant placebo effect, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand CBD's therapeutic potential.
The Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) has released a comprehensive dataset of over 1,500 children with autism, ages 4-20, providing valuable insights into their phenotypic and genetic profiles. The data includes measures of behavior, communication, emotion regulation, and more.
Despite clinical recommendations, genetic testing is underutilized among Medicaid-enrolled children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The study found stark racial disparities, with Black children less likely to receive genetic testing than their white peers.
Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can alleviate some autistic behaviors and improve mental flexibility by reducing neural rigidity. The study's results provide a biological explanation for the coexistence of diverse behavioral traits in ASD.
Researchers found that playing Dixit helped evoke emotions in autistic participants, covering three main themes: anxiety, social relationships, and sensory experiences. The study suggests the game could be an effective tool for bridging gaps between autistic and neurotypical people.
Researchers from Japan conducted a cross-cultural analysis to compare mentalizing difficulties in British and Japanese autistic and non-autistic adults. They found that Japanese autistic participants outperformed both groups of British participants, suggesting cultural differences in interpreting social cues.
A large-scale study from Karolinska Institutet reports that individuals with an autism diagnosis are four times more likely to develop early-onset Parkinson's disease. The researchers believe that shared underlying biological mechanisms may be at play, particularly involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.
A new study from UC San Diego School of Medicine reports no clinical differences in core autism traits between female and male autistic children aged 12-48 months. The researchers found sex differences in typically developing females, but not in autistic children.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children whose mothers took triptan medications before or during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 pregnancies and followed the children for an average of eight years.
Researchers have identified a four-amino-acid mini-exon in the PTPδ gene that plays a critical role in brain development and behavior. The study found that deleting this mini-exon led to anxiety-like behavior and reduced movement in mice, highlighting its essential role in maintaining synaptic balance.
A recent epigenetic study identified RABGGTB as a promising biomarker for autism spectrum disorder, revealing extensive DNA methylation abnormalities in key brain regions. The findings suggest that studying this gene could unlock new doors to understanding ASD and lead to future diagnostic breakthroughs.
Researchers at KAIST have developed an AI-powered app called AACessTalk that enables meaningful communication between children with autism and their parents. The app uses personalized vocabulary cards and customized prompts to foster mutual engagement in dialogue.
Researchers found that social difficulties faced by autistic individuals are primarily due to differences in communication styles, rather than a lack of social ability. Autistic people often communicate more directly, but struggle with reading social cues, leading to varying conversation dynamics compared to non-autistic peers.
Children with autism who engage in whole-body movement show improved executive functioning and cognitive performance compared to those who participate in sedentary play. The study, led by University of Delaware professor Anjana Bhat, found that exercise increases blood supply to the prefrontal cortex and enhances attention span and lea...
The Human Exposome is a global scientific effort to understand the environmental factors that underpin disease and health. The Exposome Moonshot Forum aims to chart this exposome, providing usable metrics and data points for targeted public health interventions.
The PEERS for Preschoolers program is an evidence-based solution designed to help young children on the autism spectrum learn fundamental social skills needed to form lasting friendships. The program focuses on key areas such as turn-taking, sharing, cooperative play, and good sportsmanship.
Researchers analyzed the genetic information of over 70,000 infants to discover 11 genetic markers that influence when babies take their first steps. This study suggests that genetics plays a significant role in determining when children start walking, with some kids naturally starting earlier or later due to their genetic propensity.
A new study published by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that targeted coaching for caregivers of infants as young as 8 months significantly enhances babies' communication and cognitive development. This early intervention model empowers families to learn strategies to increase their infant's engagement and communication.
A new study reports a substantial increase in mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses among publicly insured children between 2010-19. The percentage of diagnoses rose from 10.7% to 16.5%, with a significant increase observed even before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Researchers identified how the brain assigns positivity or negativity to social experiences through a complex neural circuitry involving the hippocampus. They discovered that serotonin and neurotensin release opposing signals in the ventral CA1 region, which can be leveraged for future therapies.
A virtual crisis prevention program for autistic children and their families has shown significant improvement in confidence, preparedness, and knowledge around crisis management. The 3-session program guided caregivers through a four-stage framework, equipping them with practical tools to navigate challenging situations.
The Coalition of Autism Scientists rejects false narratives about autism incidence and causes, urging HHS to focus on established research approaches. The group demands respect for autism research and calls for the Secretary's plan to be registered, with public comment and data sharing.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers have identified a molecular pathway that disrupts brain development in children with myotonic dystrophy, leading to symptoms of autism. The study reveals how genetic mutations affect the splicing process, resulting in characteristic features of autism.
A randomized clinical trial of transcranial pulsed current stimulation found significant improvements in social functioning and sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment, which targeted the prefrontal-cerebellar region, was well-tolerated and showed promise as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical interventions.
Scientists have uncovered a genetic link between autism spectrum disorder and myotonic dystrophy type 1, suggesting a new mechanism for social behaviors in ASD. The study found that the genetic variation causing DM1 affects brain development and leads to protein imbalance, mis-splicing of genes involved in brain function.
The CDC report found an overall prevalence of autism of 1 in 31 among 8-year-olds, with significant differences by racial and ethnic background. Among Maryland 4-year-olds, the prevalence was 1 in 41, with boys being more likely to be identified with autism than girls.
Researchers at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that behavior at 9 months old can indicate a 1-year-old's likelihood of being at risk for autism. Parent surveys reported fussiness, irritability, and difficulty calming down were associated with early signs of autism by 12 months.
The SynGAP Research Fund has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees, bringing diverse expertise to the organization's mission. Jaime Aranda, Steve Gore, Heather Mestemaker, and Brian Smith will succeed outgoing Trustees, driving the development of therapies and enhancing SYNGAP1 quality of life.
Scientists at UNIGE identified a defect in communication pathway between two brain structures, leading to rapid redirection of attention deficits. The discovery paves the way for better prediction of development and more targeted interventions.
A new USC study suggests that gut imbalances in children with autism may disrupt neurotransmitter production and influence behavioral symptoms. The research connects the dots between the 'gut-brain' axis and autism, raising possibilities for new treatments.
Researchers studied active and passive touch tasks using virtual reality and EEG to better understand how people with autism process touch. The study found that individuals with autism showed little variation in brain response to active and passive touch, suggesting difficulty predicting consequences of actions.
The study highlights the need for better identification of autism in mothers and their children, as well as increased awareness of sensory reactivity and anxiety. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized care and collaboration with diverse groups to break down barriers surrounding motherhood and diversity.
Researchers have found that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity patterns in individuals with a rare genetic disorder tied to autism. The study suggests that synaptic dysfunction during development may contribute to the condition's behavioral challenges.
A cross-disciplinary research team from HKU has found a connection between oral microbiota and ASD, identifying 11 bacterial species as potential biomarkers. The study developed a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for early detection, paving the way for non-invasive screening tools during dental check-ups.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a method to track tiny facial movements that can help scientists better understand social communication in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism express emotions like everyone else but their facial expressions may be too subtle for the human eye to detect.