Articles tagged with Autism
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that children with autism spectrum disorder tend to prefer predictable movements, which could serve as an early indicator of the condition. This preference may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships and is a key characteristic of repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that mothers' adverse childhood experiences increase risk of children developing ADHD and autism. In contrast, fathers' childhood experiences show no association with their children's neurodevelopmental disorders. The researchers call for a broader approach to parental support.
Researchers have developed a novel wearable brain scanner that measures high frequency brain waves, revealing changes in E-I balance with age. This new technology allows for unprecedented precision in studying brain function in young children, potentially leading to better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
A new system for early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been developed using virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The system, which uses biomarkers related to behavior, motor activity, and gaze direction, achieves an accuracy of over 85%, surpassing traditional methods.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) will hold its 24th Annual Meeting in Seattle, featuring 1600 posters, 28 oral sessions, and keynotes on topics such as daily challenges faced by the autism community and implementation science aimed at enhancing systems of care.
Researchers found that immune molecule IL-17 influences brain regions to induce either anxiety in the amygdala or sociable behavior in the somatosensory cortex. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems.
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.
A new study by McGill University researchers sheds light on the disruption of calcium transport in the brain's AMPA receptors, linking it to autism and intellectual disability. The findings could pave the way for treatments targeting these receptors, offering hope for patients with related neurological disorders.
A research team has uncovered a fundamental brain circuit that distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear, with the locus coeruleus playing a crucial role in processing fear. The study reveals a lateralized LC-NAergic system that separates personal from socially learned fear, shedding light on empathy and social learning.
A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.
Researchers used large language models to analyze healthcare records of over 1,000 children with suspected autism, finding that current criteria prioritize socialization skills and not enough on interests and natural behaviors. The study suggests revising the criteria to focus more on repetitive behaviors and special interests.
Researchers used a large language model to analyze clinical reports of autism patients and found that repetitive behaviors and special interests are most indicative of an autism diagnosis. The study aims to improve diagnostic guidelines by reducing the focus on social factors.
The study used AI analysis on over 4,200 clinical reports to identify key factors in autism diagnosis. Criteria related to repetitive movements and special interests were strongly linked to an autism diagnosis, while socialization criteria were not highly specific.
A study by Dr. LEE Seung-Hee reveals how the brain dynamically adjusts sensory input prioritization depending on movement, with vision taking priority for navigation. The posterior parietal cortex and secondary motor cortex play key roles in this process.
Researchers found significant differences in brain connectivity between children with autism and typically developing children, particularly in the left hemisphere. The study identified specific white matter tracts linked to core ASD symptoms, providing new insights into how structural differences relate to behavior.
Dr. Vikaas Sohal's research focuses on cognitive flexibility and prefrontal gamma oscillations to improve cognitive function in individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders. The grant aims to confirm findings in Syngap1 mutant mice and explore new therapeutic strategies.
A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.
A new community-based screening model, RITA-T, has been shown to improve early autism diagnosis in toddlers from underserved communities, reducing diagnosis delays of up to 20 minutes. The tool uses direct observation and is accessible for families facing barriers to care.
Dr. Julia Dallman has been awarded a $65,000 grant by the SynGAP Research Fund to screen pro-GI motility compounds for reducing gut transit time in her zebrafish SYNGAP1 model. The project aims to identify therapeutic options that can alleviate severe GI symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders.
New VCU research suggests that employer neurodiversity training, coupled with candidates' disclosure of their autism diagnosis during the hiring process, can help level the playing field for autistic job seekers. The study found that such training persisted in improving hiring outcomes even two months after the training.
A new study by Maira E. Ezerins finds that autistic job applicants face increased anxiety in interviews and have concerns about their traits being viewed by employers. The research proposes concrete steps to improve the interview process, including flexibility, general questions, and skill showcases.
A new Clinical Research Center of Excellence will improve care for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders and expand the Natural History Study to include Prospective Multidisciplinary Multisite Study. The center, established at Children's Hospital Colorado, aims to accelerate research and provide specialized care.
A study by Dr. Keum Sehoon's team identified key neural ensembles in the anterior cingulate cortex that encode empathic freezing, a behavioral response to witnessing distress in others. The researchers found that observing another's pain triggers activation in the ACC as if the observer were experiencing pain themselves.
The study found that nearly 1-in-3 young people now live with pediatric onset conditions that significantly affect their lives. Young adults are more likely to develop chronic conditions if they have lower socioeconomic status.
Researchers discovered genetic variants in ITSN1 significantly increase Parkinson's disease risk, especially among rare mutations. The study highlights ITSN1 as a promising therapeutic target and underscores the value of large-scale genetic sequencing.