Articles tagged with Autism
A study published in Cell reveals that the thalamic reticular nucleus acts as a 'switchboard' directing sensory signals during wakefulness and internal information during sleep. This 'switchboard' is crucial in attention and sleep, with faulty cells potentially disrupting filtering of information in psychiatric disorders.
Researchers developed a new model explaining how autism occurs, with genetically-controlled brain plasticity mechanisms potentially determining autistic capabilities and subtypes. The 'Trigger-Threshold-Target' model suggests focusing on developing children's unique strengths rather than solely correcting behaviors.
A Japanese research group found that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have decreased activity in the extrastriate body area when imitated, indicating a lack of proper understanding of movement. This study provides new insights into ASD and can be used to evaluate behavioral interventions for alleviating the disorder.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that blood-oxytocin levels are within the normal range in children with autism. The researchers discovered that higher oxytocin levels are linked to better social functioning in all groups, including those with autism, their siblings, and unrelated children.
Valerie Hu, a GW University researcher, has received a $435K grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate how environmental factors affect the gene RORA in individuals with autism. Her research aims to understand how endocrine-disrupting compounds may contribute to increased risk for autism.
Scientists discovered consistent alterations in integrative processing of the insular cortex across autism mouse models, with a disturbed balance between excitation and inhibition. Pharmacological interventions, such as Diazepam, restored sensory integration capacity and reduced stereotypic behaviors.
The study reveals that early neurons make many connections but correct mistakes, while later neurons are highly accurate in their target selection skills. The findings provide insight into normal brain development and have implications for understanding autism and other disorders.
Researchers found decreased structural brain connections in specific sensory regions for children with SPD, differing from those with autism. This study provides new insights into the neural underpinnings of these conditions.
Children with autism have a relatively inflexible brain at switching from rest to task performance, leading to increased restrictive and repetitive behaviors. The study found that autistic brains showed reduced connectivity in key networks compared to typically developing peers.
George Washington University researcher Anthony-Samuel LaMantia will investigate the link between autism and brain development using a valid animal model with a genetic mutation highly associated with autism. The research team will examine connectivity, behaviors related to autism, and their relationship during development.
Researchers have identified two mutations in the CC2D1A gene that prevent its expression, leading to intellectual disability, autism, and seizures. The gene regulates a critical signaling pathway controlling neuronal balance.
Early joint attention before one year is linked to later autism symptoms in high-risk siblings. Babies with lower levels of initiating joint attention without smiling are more likely to have elevated ASD symptoms by 30 months.
A new study doubles the number of documented Christianson Syndrome cases and proposes the first diagnostic criteria for the condition. The criteria include symptoms such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and hyperactivity, and are based on genetic analysis that reveals distinct mutations in the SLC9A6 gene.
Using new statistical tools, researchers found that about 52% of autism cases are linked to common genes, while spontaneous mutations account for only 2.6%. Inheritability outweighs environmental risk in the disorder.
A recent study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that nearly 60% of autism risk is caused by inherited variant genes common in the population. Rare genetic factors, such as de novo mutations, also contribute to the disorder, but only account for a small fraction of total risk.
Researchers funded by NIH found that common gene variants account for most genetic risk for autism, outweighing other factors. The study used a large Swedish sample and new statistical methods to detect common genetic variation associated with risk.
Neuroscientists report defects in Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) may explain pathology in schizophrenia and autism. Genetic disruption of Fabps in mice mimics disease behaviors seen in patients, suggesting a common link underlying these mental disorders.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the CHD8 mutation and autism, affecting approximately half of those with the condition. The study found that individuals with this mutation often exhibit gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, and distinctive physical characteristics.
A large Danish population-based cohort study found that children born to women with fertility problems have a higher risk of psychiatric disorders than naturally conceived children. The increased risk persists throughout childhood and into young adulthood.
The study found that the Internet-based trial was a valuable platform for conducting the randomized clinical trial and proved to be both cost and time effective. The researchers successfully enrolled 57 children from 28 states into the trial, which was completed in three months with a high completion rate.
The Meixner Postdoctoral Fellowship program invests in rising talent within the autism research community, focusing on neuroinflammation, genetic interactions, neural biomarkers, and novel intervention programs. The new postdoctoral fellows will advance Autism Speaks' mission to develop effective treatments for ASD.
Researchers at Drexel University found a significant spike in Google searches for autism in April, with an average increase of 26 percent between March and April. The study analyzed web search trends from 2004 to 2014 and also found a long-term increasing trend for Asperger's disorder searches.
A new study published by Drexel University found significant differences in self-reported driving behaviors and perceptions of driving ability among autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults. Adults with autism reported driving less frequently, restricting their behaviors, and experiencing more traffic violations.
Autism Speaks has awarded over $1 million in research grants to explore environmental risk factors, whole genome sequencing, and effective early diagnosis programs for underserved communities. The funding will support projects led by researchers at the University of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and other institutions.
A recent study revealed that less than 25% of young adults with ASD secure employment, live independently, and possess adequate social networks. Cheak-Zamora's research aims to develop resources for youth, families, and health care providers to increase independence among young adults with autism.
A large-scale clinical study found that adults with Asperger Syndrome are nine times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. The study also revealed a significant link between depression and increased risk of suicidal ideation in this group.
A California-based study found that pregnant women living near fields with chemical pesticide applications had a higher risk of having children with autism or developmental delays. The study identified associations between specific classes of pesticides and increased risks of these conditions.
A UCSF study found that families with an autistic child are one-third less likely to have more children. The study analyzed California state health records and found that reproductive stoppage, or the decision not to have more children due to a genetic disorder, is a real phenomenon.
Families whose first child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder had lower birth rates compared to control families. Women who changed partners also experienced a stronger reduction in reproductive behavior.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme in the placenta that translates maternal stress into a reprogramming signal for the brain before birth. This enzyme, OGT, is linked to brain mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A neuroscientist proposes a novel explanation for habituation, which allows the brain to filter out insignificant environmental stimuli. The 'negative-image model' explains how repeated activation of neurons leads to increased inhibition, altering responses in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that an almost century-old drug approved for treating sleeping sickness also restores normal cellular signaling in a mouse model of autism, reversing symptoms of the neurological disorder in animals.
Researchers found that deleting the APC gene from select neurons in the mouse brain led to reduced social behavior, increased repetitive behavior, and impaired learning and memory formation. The study provides insights into how the loss of APC affects brain development, learning, and behavior.
Seven research projects funded to study genetic changes associated with autism spectrum disorders and improve diagnostics for hereditary cancers. Funding aims to advance understanding and treatment of these conditions, impacting families worldwide.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania estimates that lifetime costs for autism spectrum disorder can range from $1.4 million to $2.4 million per patient in the US and UK. The study found that costs are significantly higher for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with a lifetime cost of $2.4 million in the US.
A study estimates the lifetime cost of supporting a patient with ASD and intellectual disability at $2.4 million, while supporting an individual with only ASD costs $1.4 million in the US and equivalent amounts in the UK. The largest segments of cost are special education services and loss of parental productivity.
Researchers have uncovered three gene networks in autism that could lead to new treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. The networks, which affect neurotransmitter signaling, may also provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying autism.
A new study reveals that exposure to air pollution early in life can produce harmful changes in the brains of mice, including enlargement of the lateral ventricles seen in humans with autism and schizophrenia. The findings are consistent with recent studies showing a link between air pollution and autism in children.
Researchers found elevated levels of steroid hormones, including testosterone and progesterone, in the amniotic fluid of boys later diagnosed with autism. This discovery may help explain why autism is more common in males than females.
A new study from Drexel University suggests that in utero exposure to antidepressant medications may contribute to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study analyzed large population-based registers and found a two-fold increased risk for ASD associated with in utero exposure to SSRIs.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that environmental influences, not gene mutations, contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in some cases. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that older mothers face a similar risk to older fathers and may be linked to epigenetic alterations in cheek cells.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found a link between autism and two biological pathways in mice with Mohawk-like hairstyles. The study suggests that reversing these effects could lead to potential treatments for the disease.
Researchers at Duke University have developed software that tracks and records infants' activity during videotaped autism screening tests. The program is as good as experts giving the test themselves and better than non-expert medical clinicians and students in training, showing promise in identifying early signs of autism.
A system of slowly conducting nerves in the skin respond to gentle touch, triggering rewarding sensations. This 'soft touch wiring' plays a crucial role in human social behavior and may be disrupted in individuals with autism.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have altered gut bacteria and distinct metabolite profiles, potentially affecting brain function and neurotransmitter balance. The study found lower levels of homovanillate and N,N-dimethylglycine, as well as a higher glutamine/glutamate ratio, in children with ASD.
The Autism BrainNet consortium will collect, store and distribute brain tissue resources to understand the neurobiology and genetics of autism. Researchers have made important discoveries using donated brain tissue, showing structural differences in autistic brains and changes in gene expression.
Children of fathers in technical occupations are more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder, with increased risks associated with engineering, finance, and healthcare jobs. The study suggests that parental occupation may be indicative of autistic-like behaviors and preferences, influencing diagnosis and severity.
Researchers from around the world presented their findings on detecting early symptoms of autism, treating anxiety and depression in adults with ASD, and the potential for 'course correction' in development. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was shown to rescue synaptic and motor deficits in a mouse model of autism.
A study published in Neuron reveals that Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) plays a critical role in the development of addiction-related behaviors. FMRP is also linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders and controls brain connections during normal development.
A new simulation-based training program helps adults with autism improve their job interview skills and confidence. The program, developed by Northwestern University, uses virtual reality technology to provide repeated practice and feedback on interviewing skills.
A study confirms mitochondrial deficits in children with autism, which affect the functioning of granulocytes and lead to increased oxidative stress. The findings suggest that deficiencies in energy metabolism may contribute to cognitive impairments associated with autism.
A recent study reveals that black and Hispanic children with autism are more likely to experience developmental regression, losing language, motor, or social skills. This phenomenon is observed at a rate of 27%, with black children being twice as likely to regress compared to white children.
A large family study found that genetic relatedness in families increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, while unique environmental factors also play a significant role. The study used a population-based sample of over two million Swedish children and revealed a strong link between genetic and environmental influences.
A large-scale study published in JAMA found that environmental factors contribute equally to the causes of autism as genetic factors, with individual risk increasing according to family ties. The study suggests that shared and unique environments play a significant role in autism development.
A Swedish study found that genetic and environmental factors have a similar influence on the risk of autism. The research estimated the heritability of ASD at approximately 50 percent and found a 10-fold increased risk of recurrence among siblings of family members with ASD.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that malfunctions in five genes - AUTS2, CDH8, MECP2, HUWE1, and TRAPPC9 - contribute to pathology in schizophrenia, autism, and intellectual disability. These genes play a crucial role in epigenetic regulation of transcription and may be essential for normal brain development.
A new study reveals that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, including constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The research highlights the need for standardized screening instruments and clinical guidelines to detect and address GI symptoms in ASD patients.
Researchers found that mutations in the PTEN gene result in specific social interaction deficits in mice, despite broader brain overgrowth. The study suggests a selective effect on behavior and cognitive development, with sex-specific impairments observed.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found a relationship between motor skill deficiencies and the severity of autism symptoms in very young children. Fine and gross motor skills development should be included in treatment plans for young children with autism.
The study found that copy number variant (CNV) genetic testing can help diagnose and treat autism more effectively. CNV testing uncovered dozens of cases where autism-linked gene changes were associated with additional health risks warranting medical attention.