Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Researchers at Scripps Florida identified a memory suppressor microRNA called miR-980, which regulates neuronal excitability and inhibiting it improves memory. The study found links between miR-980 and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that the microRNA may contribute to the development of the condition.
A Yale University study found that infant girls at risk for autism exhibit better social attention and observational skills than boys, which may help prevent or mitigate the severity of autism symptoms in high-risk females.
A new study by Cohen Children's Medical Center suggests that over a quarter million school-age children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders wander away from adult supervision annually. Public places are the most common location for wandering, which poses significant risks to safety and well-being.
Researchers discovered a critical period during embryonic brain development that establishes normal social behavior and linked it with abnormalities in specific adult brain structures. Treating mice during fetal development reversed the deficits that lead to social and repetitive behavior disorders.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that a blood pressure medication, propranolol, can improve some social functions in individuals with autism. A study involving 20 participants showed that those taking propranolol scored higher on conversational skills than those receiving a placebo.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between autism and maternal obesity-diabetes, with pregnant mothers 1.5 times more likely to have a child with ASD. The study used electronic medical records and analyzed birth data from over 35,000 mothers.
Research at King's College London identified altered brain connections in men with ASD, particularly in the frontal lobe and arcuate bundle. These differences were associated with delays in language development and social interaction skills, but may be reversible.
Researchers found that immune responses similar to viral infections in pregnant mice altered brain structure and caused behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder. Blocking the action of a specific immune cell population restored normal behavior and brain structure in offspring.
A study identified a subset of immune signaling proteins associated with autism development in mice. Blocking these proteins during pregnancy eliminated autism-like behavior in offspring, hinting at a potential prevention method.
A new study published in Science found that viral infection during pregnancy can cause autism-like behaviors in mice offspring, characterized by deficits in social approach behavior and repetitive behaviors. Blocking the immune response with antibodies restored normal brain structure and function.
Researchers have found that carnitine deficiency can interfere with neural stem cell development, increasing autism risk. Supplementing carnitine may help offset this effect, particularly in cases involving genetic mutations associated with TMLHE gene variants.
Researchers found that immune cells activated during severe maternal inflammation produce IL-17, which interferes with brain development. Blocking this signal restored normal behavior and brain structure in mice. The study suggests a possible mechanism for how maternal infection may lead to autism-like behavior.
Researchers at Drexel University found that mothers who took B2AR agonist drugs during pregnancy were 30% more likely to have children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests that these medications may influence a newborn's neurodevelopment, highlighting the need for further research on potential risks.
A study has identified a gene, RANBP1, that appears to play a significant role in raising the risk of severe subtypes of autism and other genetic diseases. The findings suggest that disruptions in brain signaling networks may be good targets for future research and potentially lead to new treatment opportunities.
A trio of molecules, hevin, neurexins, and neuroligins, orchestrate neuron connections in the developing brain that are responsible for processing sensory information. The study may provide insight into brain disorders including autism, depression, and addiction.
A new study found that 23% of youths with gender dysphoria possibly or likely had Asperger syndrome. The researchers recommend routine assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in youth presenting to a gender dysphoria clinic for optimal clinical care.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin discovered a brain mechanism that allows us to play back memories in fast forward, compressing information needed for memory retrieval, imagination, or planning. This finding has implications for research into schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease.
UCLA scientists have discovered a crucial role for the Rbfox1 gene in regulating genes that contribute to autism risk. The study highlights an untapped region in brain cells as a goldmine of drug targets for new treatments.
Researchers highlight the need for early planning and support for teens with autism and their caregivers to transition into adulthood successfully. Caregivers are encouraged to start discussing future plans with their children as early as age 12 or 13.
A large study published in Translational Psychiatry found no evidence that prenatal antidepressant exposure increases the risk of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research team analyzed medical records data from over 1,200 children with an autism-related diagnosis and nearly 3,800 control children. Matern...
Researchers have identified a novel drug target for treating Rett Syndrome and other forms of autism-spectrum disorders. By increasing KCC2 function in diseased nerve cells, the treatment may alleviate symptoms and improve brain development.
A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that extremely premature babies who later develop autism show distinct brain differences as early as the neonatal period. The study suggests that environmental factors can play a key role in the development of autism.
A recent study found a significant network of genes influencing cognitive abilities in both healthy individuals and those with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. The discovery provides an alternate starting point for developing therapies targeting these disorders.
Researchers have discovered a direct link between autism symptoms and reduced action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. The study suggests that increasing brain concentrations of GABA may have potential as an autism treatment.
Researchers found that individuals with autism have lower levels of GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, which suggests a breakdown in the signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to early intervention efforts through visual screening tests for younger children.
Researchers at New York University found that individuals with autism have unstable blood vessels, disrupting brain function and circulation. The study identified a correlation between angiogenesis and neurogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions.
A new parent-led therapy, PASS, has been successfully tested in India and Pakistan, showing improved interaction between autistic children and their parents. The study, funded by Autism Speaks, adapted a UK therapy method to address language and cultural differences in lower-income countries.
A brain imaging study reveals disruptions in the brain's ToM circuitry in children with autism, leading to difficulties in understanding mental states and making social connections. This finding provides valuable insight into the neural mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that antidepressants used during the final two trimesters of pregnancy were associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The study, which analyzed data on over 145,000 pregnancies and infants, found a significant increase in ASD diagnoses among children exp...
Research identifies abnormal cell cycle gene activity as a common underlying factor for brain overgrowth and undergrowth in autistic toddlers. The study found that disruptions in cell cycle networks, which control prenatal neuron production, contribute to abnormal early brain growth.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of autism in children. The study analyzed data from over 145,000 pregnancies and found an 87% increased risk of autism when antidepressants were used during the second or third trimester.
A recent study has identified the Shank3 gene as a key contributor to both autism and schizophrenia. The researchers found that two different mutations of the gene produce distinct molecular and behavioral effects in mice, shedding light on how a single gene can play a role in multiple diseases.
Researchers found female infants have larger gray matter volumes around the temporal-parietal junction, which integrates social information processing. By age two, myelination of long fiber tracks is more developed in males than females, a potential clue to autism risk disparities.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded $1.5 million Distinguished Investigator Grants to 15 scientists conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research. The grants aim to understand and treat psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found a significant link between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study, which analyzed data from over 24,000 ASD cases and 200,000 controls, suggests that exposure to sex hormones early in life may play a role in the development of ASD.
Researchers develop compound SR1078, which increases expression of genes linked to autism, reducing autistic behavior in mice. Studies with human brain cells also show increased gene expression, offering new hope for treating the underlying disorder.
A study using fMRI found that individuals with ASD exhibit different neural activity patterns when viewing emotional faces compared to typically developing participants. This suggests that ASD is not a uniform condition and may be linked to differences in how the brain processes emotional stimuli.
A new video inventory developed at McGill University may aid in diagnosing disorders that make it hard for individuals to recognize non-literal speech like sarcasm and teasing. This is particularly challenging for men and people with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a new potential treatment for MECP2 duplication syndrome by normalizing MeCP2 levels using antisense oligonucleotides. This approach largely reversed behavioral, molecular, and other deficits in mice, providing hope for human treatment.
Researchers found that brain activation patterns of individuals with autism spectrum disorder adapt differently during implicit learning, with slower recognition of familiar patterns. The severity of symptoms correlates with the degree of brain adaptation, suggesting a link between neural characteristics and core ASD symptoms.
The research demonstrates that increasing oxytocin levels can improve social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, the study reveals a link between oxytocin and anandamide production, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating ASD.
A Rutgers study finds that adults with ASD in New Jersey primarily rely on family members for transportation, leading to stress and negative employment consequences. The report offers recommendations to address these challenges, including establishing a research center and developing training programs for vehicle operators.
Researchers found that treatment with Lovastatin can correct high levels of protein production in the brain linked to intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that different types of intellectual disabilities may share common disease mechanisms, which could benefit from common therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have discovered that autism-relevant biomarkers can be measured in adult saliva, providing a promising avenue for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment. The study, which analyzed levels of 10 biomarkers in saliva from neurotypical adults, brings us closer to effectively diagnosing and treating autism.
Researchers at Monash University have found that perforin-like proteins control the release of a critical growth factor governing head and tail development in fruit flies. This discovery may provide new opportunities for treating brain developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A five-week oxytocin treatment improved social, emotional and behavioral issues in young children with autism. The study found significant improvements in social responsiveness at home and in therapy settings.
York U researchers list products expectant mothers should avoid during first trimester, including cleaning solvents, pesticides, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can disrupt brain development and increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders.
A team of scientists from the University of Michigan Medical School has discovered a new way for RNA to regulate genetic activity on the X chromosome in females. The finding, which could lead to better treatment for sex-linked disorders, shows that female cells produce a special type of RNA called XistAR to silence one of their two X c...
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that premature babies have weaker brain connections, particularly in networks linked to attention, communication, and emotions. Early intervention may improve outcomes for these children.
The Autism & Beyond app, developed by Duke University researchers, uses smartphone questionnaires and video analysis to gather information about children's development. The six-month study aims to detect early signs of autism and other developmental disorders, with the potential to provide broader access to mental health screening.
A new study by researchers at SISSA found that individuals with autism have difficulty interpreting facial expressions due to impaired facial mimicry, which can be exacerbated when making joint attention. The study suggests that understanding the interaction between these two functions is crucial for social interaction.
Youths with high-functioning ASD exhibit underdeveloped and insufficiently networked social brain areas, with increased blood flow in frontal regions important for navigating social interactions. Reduced long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes may explain impairment in social responsiveness.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) responds differently to others' good fortune depending on an individual's level of empathy. Participants with high empathy scores showed a specialized ACC response only when another person was likely to win, while those with low empathy ...
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder struggle to transfer learned knowledge to new contexts when trained through repetition. In contrast, breaks in repetition allow autistic individuals to learn efficiently and generalize, promoting broader concept understanding.
Researchers have uncovered a significant relationship between a chemical transmitting brain signals and genetic mutations in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Targeting a specific serotonin receptor, 5-HT2cR, can reverse social deficits in mouse models of the autism risk gene Pten.
A Vanderbilt study found significant differences in social ability among children with autism who participated in a 10-week theatre-based program compared to those who did not. The program improved social cognition, interaction, and communication skills, including face recognition and group play.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.2 million grant to develop a graduate program preparing teachers to work with students with autism spectrum disorder. The program will provide tuition support and state endorsement for teachers earning a master's degree in ASD.
Researchers at UCI have found a biomarker for diagnosing certain forms of autism, which involves a cellular calcium signaling process. The study also points to potential new drug discovery advances by targeting the inositol trisphosphate receptor, a key player in this process.
A recent analysis suggests that devastating ultra-rare mutations in vulnerable genes play a causal role in roughly half of all ASD cases. The study identifies 239 genes whose 'vulnerability' to such mutations makes them priority research targets.
A $13 million NIH grant will fund a collaborative effort to build reproducible assays to model autism spectrum disorder. The project, called COPACABANA, uses a universal stem cell model derived from patient tissue to study the effects of individual genetic variation on mental health diseases.