Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The review provides clarity on assessing functional abilities and disabilities in autistic patients, shedding light on the complexities of autism spectrum disorder. Key findings highlight the importance of understanding ability and disability in individuals of all ages, allowing for more effective diagnosis and treatment.
The Autism Science Foundation has awarded $2.3 million in grants to support innovative autism research and training programs. The funding will go towards pre- and post-doctoral fellowships, undergraduate summer research grants, and other initiatives aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing effective treatments.
A new study using eye-tracker technology shows that children with autism spectrum disorder fixate longer on a speaker's mouth rather than the eyes when the conversation turns emotional. The findings could affect speech therapy treatment, as children with ASD may miss social cues in facial expressions.
A study found that autism diagnoses are still being made at an average age of 4.5 years, with some children not diagnosed until 30 months old. Early intervention can improve social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that remote eye gaze tracking can differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder from those without ASD. The researchers developed an Autism Risk Index based on eye gaze patterns, which correctly identified 4 out of 5 cases of ASD.
A Kyoto University study found that premature infants, aged 6 and 12 months, showed reduced interest in social stimuli compared to full-term infants. This could be an early indicator of atypical social development, including autism. The research used eye-tracking technology to assess gaze patterns and social interaction skills.
Researchers found chemicals in commonly used fungicides alter gene expression in mouse brain cells similar to those in people with autism and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests these chemicals may impact brain function, including synaptic transmission and inflammation.
A study by researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute found that a cancer gene is nearly twice as likely to be defective in children with autism spectrum disorder and their fathers. The correlation is particularly high among children with more severe ASD, suggesting a link between DNA repair capacity and genomic instability.
Researchers at the University of Miami studied dynamic functional network connectivity in the insular cortex, revealing unique and overlapping profiles of its subdivisions. The findings suggest that changes in connection patterns between brain areas may contribute to the region's flexibility in multiple cognitive processes.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports dispels the myth that autistic individuals are cold and unempathetic. In fact, research suggests that people with autism exhibit an empathic response similar to those without autism when faced with moral dilemmas. The study found that individuals with high-functioning autism were more like...
A new study found that autistic and non-autistic adults equally condemn actions requiring harm for the greater good. Researchers identified two facets of autistic personality: increased self-oriented distress and reduced empathy, which counterbalance each other.
A recent study found that only 17.9% of published autism intervention studies reported racial and ethnic diversity of participants, with white children making up a majority. This lack of diversity presents a problem as response to interventions is not guaranteed, and it's unclear why some children respond positively while others don't.
Researchers found a wide variety of genetic changes contributing to autism, including simple deletions and complex 'structural variants'. These mutations often disrupt genes involved in brain development, highlighting potential new targets for treatment.
New research suggests genetic risk underlying autism spectrum disorders affects a range of behavioral and developmental traits across the population. Those diagnosed with ASD represent a severe presentation of these traits, which also occur in unaffected individuals.
Researchers develop mouse model of Jacobsen syndrome, a rare inherited disease that affects social behavior and brain function. The study finds that the anti-anxiety drug clonazepam reduces autistic features in mice, suggesting potential for new therapies.
A survey of hundreds of UK parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlights severe challenges in accessing adequate services. Only one per cent of parents were able to access dietary services that resolved their child's problems, despite many reporting health and behavioural progress following dietary changes.
A new study reveals that immune cells called microglia play a crucial role in rewiring brain connections, a process essential for neuroplasticity and learning. By 'pruning' unwanted connections, microglia enable the formation of new pathways between neurons.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that children with autism do not have a unique pattern of abnormal results on endoscopy or other tests for gastrointestinal disorders. The researchers analyzed the results of diagnostic tests in 61 children with autism being evaluated for GI sympt...
Early screening is crucial for detecting autism in toddlers, as it can diagnose symptoms around the second birthday, compared to a fourth birthday without screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening, which has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in diagnosis.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to estimate mutation rates based on nearby DNA sequences, revealing genetic risk factors for complex human diseases. The model predicts up to 93% of variability in mutation occurrence and identifies new sequences prone to mutation beyond CpG sites.
A study published in eLife identified a novel mechanism that causes abnormal brain development in autism, a group of highly inheritable behavioral disorders. The research reveals how a specific microRNA regulates gene expression to impair brain development, leading to the characteristic symptoms of autism.
A recent study from the University of Missouri found a strong association between difficulty sleeping and behavioral problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research, which surveyed parents of 81 children with ASD, revealed that sleep difficulties are highly related to daytime behavioral issues such as aggression,...
The USPSTF found adequate evidence that screening tests can detect ASD among children aged 18-30 months but inadequate direct evidence on the benefits of screening for toddlers and preschool-age children. Treatment studies were generally small and lacked randomized trials, making it difficult to determine efficacy.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that mothers' positive attitudes towards involving their children in everyday activities and feeling competent as parents significantly contribute to their children's successful participation. The research suggests that mothers should prioritize their own self-care and interests to promote their chil...