Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a technique to visualize AMPA receptors in live mice, revealing that tickling increases receptor levels and strengthens synapses. This discovery has broad applications for studying learning and neurological disorders like autism, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.
A recent study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that induced or augmented labor is not associated with an increased risk of Autism spectrum disorder. The research analyzed data from over 166,000 children and found no link between labor induction/augmentation and ASD diagnosis.
Researchers mapped 184 genetic duplications to aid in the interpretation of copy number variations (CNVs) found in individuals referred for genetic testing. The study found that most CNVs were inherited from a parent and often disrupted nearby genes, making it difficult to pinpoint particular genes responsible for medical conditions.
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
A study of 421 preschool children with autism spectrum disorder reveals two distinct trajectory groups for autistic symptom severity and three for adaptive functioning. Researchers found that sex, age at diagnosis, and language scores were associated with these trajectories.
Researchers used fMRI to show that autistic individuals have significantly different brain activity related to emotion regulation compared to non-autistic individuals. The study suggests that improving prefrontal cortex activity could help autistic people regulate their emotions and reduce severe symptoms.
A recent study of 340 whole genomes from 85 families with two children affected by autism found that most siblings share different autism-linked genes. The research, led by Stephen Scherer, provides new insights into the complex genetic underpinnings of autism and suggests that each child with autism is unique.
A recent brain study has confirmed significant differences in play behavior, brain activation patterns, and stress levels between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children. The research suggests that some children with autism may experience social engagement as stressful or aversive.
A new project at the University of Washington is working to ensure that children with autism are identified and helped early enough to prevent problems later on. The initiative uses a Web-based screening system and simple play-based interventions to identify and treat toddlers at risk for autism.
New research published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that video-based therapy can modify the emergence of autism-related behaviors and symptoms in infants at risk of autism. The therapy showed improvements in infant engagement, attention, and social behavior, with a moderate effect on reducing some children's risk of autism.
A new study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder tend to display uniquely individualistic brain organization patterns. The researchers suggest that these idiosyncrasies may be a result of disrupted interactions with the environment.
New research reveals that individuals with autism display 'idiosyncratic' brain synchronization patterns, which are distinct from those of typically developing individuals. This finding has significant implications for early diagnosis and future treatments of the disorder.
Researchers used a century-old drug, suramin, to reverse environmental and genetic autism-like symptoms in mice. The approach blocked the cellular danger response signal, allowing cells to restore normal communication and reversing ASD symptoms.
Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have developed a brain-imaging technique that can detect autism spectrum disorder in children. The test, which involves measuring perspective-tracking responses, has shown promising diagnostic potential and may revolutionize the way autism is diagnosed.
Advanced 3D facial imaging may aid in early detection of autism. Researchers identified three distinct subgroups of children with autism who had similar measurement patterns in their facial features.
A recent survey of parents found that families with higher incomes are more likely to resort to litigation when disagreeing with school officials about their children's education. The study also found links between the strength of parent-school partnerships and greater use of mediation or due process.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that pediatricians often fail to detect autism risk during brief checkups, with experts also missing referrals. The study emphasizes the importance of universal screening, formalized screening instruments, and parent involvement to improve early identification and intervention.
Research suggests that circumcised boys are more likely to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) before the age of 10. The study found a higher risk of infantile autism and hyperactivity disorder among circumcised boys in non-Muslim families.
A new study by Duke researchers has identified a protein called hevin that plays a critical role in forming brain connections, particularly in the cortex. The discovery sheds light on how disruptions in this process may contribute to conditions such as autism and depression.
Research by University of Missouri-Columbia reveals that children with autism living with pets display improved social skills, particularly in initiating interactions and responding to others. The presence of a pet serves as a catalyst for social interaction, facilitating greater assertiveness among these individuals.
A molecular network composed of 119 proteins has been identified as a crucial contributor to autism spectrum disorders. The network shows strong enrichment for known autism genes and is linked to disruptions in brain circuitry, particularly the corpus callosum.
A large-scale analysis of hundreds of patients and nearly 1000 genes found that diverse genetic mutations lead to different disease outcomes in autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed that more damaging mutations usually result in worse outcomes, while high-IQ cases are often triggered by milder mutations.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered that microexons, small segments of genes, influence protein interactions in the nervous system. The study found that misregulation of this process can have major effects on how proteins function, particularly in individuals with autism.
A new deep learning model has revealed unexpected genetic determinants of autism, colon cancer, and spinal muscular atrophy by analyzing mutations in 'gene splicing.' This approach has led to the identification of 39 new genes potentially linked to autism spectrum disorder, a 40% increase from previously known genes.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, may increase the risk of autism in children. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 female nurses and found a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and autism risk.
Researchers at the University of Toronto developed a machine learning method to rank genetic mutations based on their likelihood of causing disease. The technique successfully predicted 94% of known genetic culprits behind diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and colorectal cancer, and identified novel genes in autism susceptibility.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered that the gene AUTS2, linked to autism spectrum disorders, stimulates other genes in early brain development. The study suggests that AUTS2 may play a key role in controlling a transcriptional program during early brain development.
Using state-of-the-art sequencing technology, researchers identified thousands of differences in gene expression across six life stages and found that genes containing these regions were crucial to the maturation process of neurons during fetal development. The study's findings suggest a 'signature' found in cells from the earliest sta...
Researchers identified a possible therapy to treat NF1 by reversing anatomical defects in the cerebellum with an ERK pathway inhibitor. This approach may reverse some aspects of the disease despite embryonic gene loss.
Researchers found that microglia cells in autism brains are perpetually activated and their genes for inflammation responses are turned on. The study is the largest so far of gene expression in autism brains, analyzing data from 104 brain samples.
A large study found that mothers of children with autism were over twice as likely to have had preeclampsia pregnancies. Children with autism and developmental delay also showed greater cognitive impairment when their mothers experienced preeclampsia. The study suggests a potential link between preeclampsia and autism development.
The insula is essential for selecting salient stimuli, and dysfunction can lead to deficits in attention, social, and cognitive processes. Mapping the structure and function of the insular cortex may provide targeted treatments for developmental and degenerative disorders.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used brain-reading techniques to identify altered 'thought-markers' of autism, detecting changes in the way certain concepts are represented in the brains of autistic individuals. This biological approach shows promise for complementing clinical assessments and enabling quicker diagnoses.
Case studies of high-functioning individuals with ASD and gender dysphoria reveal complexities in providing psychotherapy for these patients. Suggested techniques offer hope for helping them explore their gender identities and potentially benefiting from gender transition.
A study by Indiana University researchers has found that subtle variations in movement patterns among individuals with autism spectrum disorder are indicators of the disorder's severity. The study also identified a pattern of random minute speed fluctuations in some parents of children with autism, suggesting a genetic role in movement...
Researchers identify chemical pathway disrupting behaviour in Fragile X patients and find potential treatment using cancer drug cercosporamide. The drug blocks the pathway, improving sociability in mice with the condition.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.
Researchers found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make mixed judgments when presented with neutral facial expressions in photographic images, unlike control group participants. However, the results remained consistent when synthetic images were used, suggesting that it's not the judgment process itself that differs.
A mouse study identified a malfunctioning neural circuit as the root of motor impairments seen in autism, where abnormal synaptic pruning and Purkinje cell function contribute to motor learning deficits. The findings may shed light on the intense world syndrome phenomenon in autism.
Scientists have pinpointed a novel role of FMRP in the embryonic development of the brain cortex, leading to delays in proper formation and affecting postnatal life and brain connectivity. The study may provide insights into cellular mechanisms affected in patients with Fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
A new international study led by the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre has identified a molecule that puts a brake on brain processing and when removed, brain function and memory recall are improved. The study found that suppressing the production of molecules required for building new memories leads to stronger con...
Research at Brunel University found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have trouble interpreting changing facial expressions. This impaired ability affects their judgment of others' emotional states and identity.
A new mouse model demonstrates that a genetic mutation in the FOXP1 gene leads to brain degeneration, causing perception and behavior problems. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying autism.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that moving forward trains the brain to perceive the world normally and calibrates time perception. The study's findings have implications for treating sensory processing disorders like autism and could lead to retraining the brain after stroke or other conditions.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine implicated a new gene in non-syndromic autism, suggesting similar molecular pathways among different types of autism. The study used mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cells and the 'Tooth Fairy' project to identify TRPC6 as a novel predisposing gene for ASD.
A study by a University of Kansas professor found that black and Hispanic children were significantly underrepresented in autism identification rates from 2000 to 2007, despite the overall increase in diagnoses. This disparity may reflect unequal access to services and diagnosis, with white students receiving more intensive supports.
A Danish study found that changes in diagnostic criteria and registration systems account for most of the increase in autism cases since the 1990s. The study analyzed data from over 677,000 individuals born between 1980-1991.
A new article provides 10 practical tips to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), empowering them to participate in their communities and receive personalized care. The 'Ten Tips' offer a framework for clinical practice and global advocacy, prioritizing the individual's hopes, dreams, and self-determination.
Researchers will collect location-specific information from tens of thousands of individuals with autism and their families nationwide to investigate potential environmental influences. The study aims to link self-reported data to relevant social and environmental stressors using geospatial technology.
Researchers found that brain anatomy in MRI scans of people with autism above age six is mostly indistinguishable from that of typically developing individuals. The study's findings suggest that anatomical measures alone are likely to be of low scientific and clinical significance for identifying children, adolescents and adults with A...
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that changes in reporting practices in Denmark contributed significantly to the rise in autism diagnoses. The researchers analyzed data from 677,915 children born between 1980 and 1991, concluding that 60% of the increase was due to changes in diagnostic criteria and the inclusion of outpatien...
A Florida State University study reveals that parent-led social intervention can improve developmental levels, social communication skills, and autism symptoms in toddlers. The treatment model is affordable, efficient, and accessible to any early intervention system.
A research team led by Carnegie Mellon University's Kathryn Roeder and the University of Pittsburgh's Bernie Devlin has identified 33 genes that contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study analyzed data from over 14,000 DNA samples and found that small differences in some of possibly 1,000 risk genes can increase autism risk.
Researchers have identified 107 genes that contribute to the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting three key pathways: synaptic function, chromatin remodeling, and transcription. These findings provide a better understanding of genetic and cellular changes in ASD and may eventually lead to potential therapies.
A groundbreaking study has identified over two dozen high-confidence autism genes, shedding light on the disorder's genetic architecture. The research also reveals a difference in genetic basis between 'higher-IQ' and 'lower-IQ' autism, with implications for early interventions.
Researchers found that de novo mutations, including missense and likely gene-disrupting mutations, contribute significantly to autism. The study also identified recurrent gene-disrupting mutations in 27 genes as causal factors in severe cases.
Two major genetic studies have implicated dozens of genes in autism, affecting communication networks and fundamental biological mechanisms. The research provides a clear path forward for understanding the biology of autism and finding new treatments.
Researchers discovered over 70 additional likely ASD genes, with small differences in as many as 1,000 genes contributing to autism risk. The study found three pathways required for healthy development linked to greater autism risk, including chromatin remodeling.
A new study at the University of Kentucky aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with autism as they complete high school and prepare for adulthood. The Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS) will be adapted for young adults, focusing on skills training, social support, and transition planning.
A new study shows that Integrated Play Groups are effective in teaching children with autism to interact with peers and engage in symbolic play. The model, developed by Pamela Wolfberg, focuses on collaborative rather than adult-directed activities, allowing children to learn social skills through interactions with peers.