Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
A study of almost 2,500 families found that genetic alterations in shared biological pathways are a significant risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals with ASD had more CNVs affecting genes involved in brain development and synapse function.
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 proposed guidelines focus on study design, gene-variant implication, and database implications, emphasizing the need for detailed statistical analysis and evidence-based claims. Researchers highlight the importance of sharing genetic and clinical data to accelerate research and infrastructure development.
A recent study finds that older mothers are at higher risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly when combined with intellectual disability. The risk is lower for fathers, who experience a more gradual increase in ASD risk as their age advances.
Researchers found that maternal trauma, illness, or substance abuse activates a single gene in brain cells, leading to structural abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The study suggests that even minor environmental insults can permanently change how brain cells respond.
Researchers at UC Davis identified an association between the progressive neurodegenerative disorder fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and the formation of R-loops, which may be associated with the disorder's neurological symptoms. The study suggests that R-loops could be potential targets for drug development.
Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder exhibit atypical connectivity in theory of mind and mirror neuron system networks, associated with social impairment. The study suggests a link between abnormal ToM-MNS connectivity and sociocommunicative symptoms of ASD.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, head circumference and head tilting reflex, to screen for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at 9 months old. The study found that these infants were at risk for ASD or developmental language delay if they had a head circumference above the 75th percentile or failed the head tilting reflex test.
A novel screening process for early identification of infants at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental learning delay (DLD) has been developed. The study uses biomarkers such as abrupt head circumference acceleration and absence of head tilt reflex to identify infants at risk by 9 months.
A study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found prenatal SSRI exposure was nearly 3 times as likely in boys with ASD relative to typical development. Exposure during the first trimester increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while third trimester exposure elevated risk for developmental delays (DD) in boys.
Research found that dog ownership provides numerous benefits to families of children with autism, including reduced stress levels, improved social skills development, and increased responsibilities. Parents should consider their child's sensitivities when choosing a pet to ensure a suitable match.
A team of researchers has discovered a network of protein interactions among autism genes, shedding light on how different variants of the same protein could alter the wiring of the entire system. The study highlights the importance of considering alternative splice forms in understanding autism genetics.
A York University study found that abnormal lipid molecules in prenatal brain development can affect neural pathways, triggering autism. Environmental factors such as chemical exposure and medication use can also impact these lipids.
A recent study found that paternal obesity may be a greater risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in children than maternal obesity. The research analyzed data from over 90,000 Norwegian children and found a doubled risk of developing autism if the father was obese compared to a normal-weight father.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found a doubled risk of developing autism and Asperger's syndrome if a father is obese compared to a normal-weight father. The researchers also found that maternal obesity had little association with the development of autism in children.
Researchers have created a high-resolution blueprint for the developing human brain, mapping where genes are turned on and off during mid-pregnancy. This atlas provides insight into diseases like autism and the origins of human uniqueness, revealing key genetic hubs linked to social behavior and cognitive features.
Researchers have developed a new test that can detect fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a condition similar to Parkinson's disease, in individuals as young as 30 years old. The study found that brain abnormalities associated with FXTAS may begin to develop about two decades before symptoms occur.
Research suggests that prenatal origin of autism is related to disorganized cortical patches in the developing brain. The study found a 91% absence of cellular markers for several cortical layers in autistic case samples.
A study found that autism is caused by disruptions in early brain development, specifically in the formation of cortical layers. The researchers analyzed 25 genes in post-mortem brain tissue and discovered focal patches of disrupted development in most children with autism. These findings suggest that the brain can sometimes rewire con...
Researchers found that autism is caused by disrupted development of cortical layers in the brain, which leads to absent genetic markers and focal patches of abnormality. The study suggests that early treatment can lead to clinical improvement as the brain rewire connections to circumvent these defects.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that the DUF1220 gene family is linked to the severity of autism symptoms. The research suggests that increasing copies of this gene segment may be associated with more severe symptoms, particularly social deficits, communicative impairments, and repetitive behaviors.
Research in mice suggests that autism is characterized by reduced inhibitory neuron activity and increased excitatory neuron activity, but low doses of certain anxiety medications can restore balance. This finding provides a potential new treatment strategy for managing core autistic deficits.
High school students with autism can learn under CCSS, requiring tailored instruction to meet their diverse needs. Effective strategies include exposing them to assignments before class and delivering explicit instruction.
The Autism Speaks Weatherstone program supports nine fellows in autism research, including investigating histone methylation patterns and DNA methylation in genetic disorders. The fellows will work with top mentors to advance understanding of the brain biology of autism and develop new treatments.
A comprehensive study found that contagious yawning decreases with age and is not strongly related to variables like empathy or energy levels. However, age was the most important predictor of contagious yawning, accounting for only 8% of variability in the response.