Articles tagged with Autism
The Gordon & Llura Gund foundations have donated $3 million to Autism Speaks to support the Autism Ten Thousand Genomes program, sequencing over 3,000 genomes. This gift will enhance the organization's research and technology networks, leading to real-life medical impacts on individuals and families.
A large cohort study found that females diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders have a greater number of harmful genetic mutations than males. This suggests that the female brain requires more extreme genetic alterations to produce symptoms of ASD or neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study from Columbia University finds that the updated diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may lead to a 31% decrease in diagnoses. This change could result in thousands of children missing out on essential services and support.
Researchers Rhonda Patrick and Bruce Ames found a causal link between vitamin D, serotonin synthesis, and autism. Dietary interventions with vitamin D, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids may boost brain serotonin concentrations to prevent and treat symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Researchers demonstrate a clear causal effect of the mirror system on social understanding, finding that areas involved in action production also contribute to understanding others' actions. The study uses innovative magnetic stimulation techniques to reveal the brain's role in social cognition.
A collaborative study out of George Washington University found early signs of feeding and swallowing disruption in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. The research suggests that cranial nerves controlling food intake and swallowing are not developing correctly, leading to mis-coordination.
The Review finds that the number of recognized chemical causes of neurodevelopmental disorders has doubled, and the list of unregulated chemicals has expanded. Stringent controls could generate billions in savings and improve childhood health outcomes.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health identifies toxic chemicals as a major contributor to neurodevelopmental disabilities among children. The researchers propose mandatory testing and international regulation to control the use of these substances.
A new study shows that administering a drug to pregnant mice with models of autism prevents autistic behavior in their offspring. The researchers believe that abnormal chloride levels may cause the defective GABA switch associated with autism, and that these levels may be treatable beyond infancy.
Researchers found that oxytocin, the birth hormone, naturally reduces chloride levels in neurons, controlling the expression of autistic syndrome. Administering a diuretic treatment before birth corrects abnormal chloride levels and restores brain activity to normal levels.
Researchers found that two-thirds of chimpanzees are missing a genetic element linked to social bonding, leading to improved joint attention. The study suggests that this element may also play a role in autism spectrum disorders, potentially informing new diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that 6-month-old infants later diagnosed with autism diverted their gaze from facial features when a face was speaking. This suggests that these infants had difficulty maintaining attention to relevant social information from an early age, which could impact their social development and communication skills.
A study by IRCM neuroethics experts highlights shortcomings in transitional care, particularly among youth with complex health needs and disabilities. The research emphasizes the importance of respectful care, autonomy support, and personalized approaches to address transition challenges.
Researchers at European Molecular Biology Laboratory identify microglia cells as major players in brain wiring and behavior. Mice with fewer microglia display weaker connections between neurons and repetitive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University neuroscientists found that autistic children's brains produce more information when not actively engaging with the world. This excess information generation may explain their characteristic withdrawal into self, or introspection.
A new study from Autism Speaks found that a multipronged approach is needed to assess children for autism, increasing early detection rates. However, challenges remain, including limited follow-up care and shortages of specialists and therapy programs.
A new study found that combining autism with social communication disorder (SCD) would decrease estimated prevalence under DSM-5 criteria. The researchers discovered that 83% of children diagnosed with autism under the DSM-IV would also receive the diagnosis under DSM-5, while 14% were diagnosed with SCD.
Researchers will analyze genomes of three breeds to identify genes responsible for OCD-like behaviors. The study aims to provide insights for earlier diagnoses and innovative therapeutics, potentially benefiting children with autism.
Researchers have identified specific proteins disrupted by genetic mutations in people with schizophrenia, offering a new understanding of the disorder. The study also found an overlap between schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability.
A study by Concordia University researchers found that oxytocin can increase emotional sensitivity in healthy young adults, leading to an overreaction to social cues. The study's lead author warns against using oxytocin as a treatment for mild social anxiety without proper medical supervision.
A new report from the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders identifies 29 evidence-based practices for children and youth with autism, including technology-aided instruction and exercise. These practices can help reduce costs and improve outcomes for individuals with autism.
Ueli Rutishauser, a young scientist at Cedars-Sinai, has made significant contributions to understanding the brain's role in learning, memory, and decision-making. His research has improved our understanding of autism and learning disorders, as well as the effects of epilepsy on the nervous system.
Children with autism have difficulty integrating simultaneous information from their eyes and ears, according to a Vanderbilt study. The research suggests that deficits in sensory building blocks for language and communication can hamper social and communication skills in children with autism.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides a comprehensive review of autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing the importance of early detection and referral to intervention services. The article highlights best practices for pediatricians and family doctors, including behavioral interventions and personalized medicine.
A study found that families with higher levels of parental education and income use more CAM therapies for children with autism. Nearly 40% of children with autism used CAM treatments, compared to 30% with developmental delay. Most CAM users chose low-risk options.
The grants will focus on reducing the average age of diagnosis, increasing access to high-quality early intervention and understanding environmental risk factors for autism. Researchers will also develop effective treatments and assess the benefits of early interventions in urban settings.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that hospital-diagnosed maternal bacterial infections during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The study included 407 children with autism and 2,075 matched children who did not have autism.
A study found that a single change in the oxytocin receptor gene structure affects face memory skills, suggesting an important role of oxytocin in social information processing. This discovery may lead to new strategies for improving social cognition in disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study published in Cell journal strengthens the understanding that gut microbes can affect brain function and behavior, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Feeding mice a beneficial type of bacteria has been shown to reduce autism-like behaviors.
A systematic review found that non-specialist providers can deliver effective treatments for children with intellectual disabilities or lower-functioning autism spectrum disorders. The studies showed improvements in developmental, behavioral, and family outcomes with various psychosocial interventions.
Researchers found that using hot baths to raise body temperature and worm eggs to stimulate immunoregulatory factors may attenuate symptoms of autism. The study suggests that inflammation may contribute to the disorder, and these novel approaches could be future treatment options.
Research suggests that epigenetic changes, unrelated to genetic mutations, may contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. Older fathers' sperm show a decrease in DNA methylation, which affects gene expression in offspring.
Researchers at Caltech found that altering gut bacteria can improve autism-like behaviors in mice, reducing GI problems and improving communication and social interactions. The probiotic treatment corrected a 'leaky' gut characteristic associated with autism.
Researchers found that gut bacteria changes are associated with autism-like behaviors in mice, which improved when treated with beneficial bacteria. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for probiotics in treating gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms of autism.
A single dose of oxytocin has been shown to temporarily normalize brain regions responsible for social deficits in children with autism. The hormone facilitates social attunement, allowing brain regions involved in social behavior and cognition to activate more for social stimuli.
A study by USC scientists found that air pollution exposure amplifies the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder in children who carry a genetic variant associated with the disorder. The research, published in Epidemiology, suggests that gene-environment interactions play a significant role in autism risk.
Researchers analyzed minute movements to diagnose autism and determine its severity in children and young adults. The study found that fluctuations in hand movements can indicate the degree of autism spectrum disorder, allowing for subtyping and improved diagnosis. This breakthrough may lead to more tailored treatments.
Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for malaria by targeting the parasite's vulnerability to oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone. Oxytocin has been shown to enhance brain activity while processing social information in children with autism spectrum disorders.
A novel approach to treating autism spectrum disorder teaches affected children to control their autonomic nervous system using computerized biofeedback and clinical hypnosis. The method recognizes symptoms as an effort to self-regulate inner turmoil, allowing children to feel better and be more socially engaging.
Researchers found that occupational therapy using sensory integration (OT-SI) provided better outcomes than standard care for children with autism. OT-SI therapy helps improve processing of sensation, leading to better participation in everyday activities.
A large Danish study of over 600,000 children found no significant link between antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the risk of autism. After adjusting for parental psychiatric diagnoses, the researchers determined that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not further increase the risk of autism.
A Yale-led team identified common neural circuits affected by autism-risk genes and when they exert their effects on the developing human brain. The findings suggest new targeted treatments for autism may be possible, focusing on specific neural circuits at specific times.
A study led by UCSF scientists pinpointed the disruption of a single cell type in the prefrontal cortex during fetal development as a significant factor in autism emergence. The finding suggests that though hundreds of genes contribute to autism, the underlying biological mechanisms will be far fewer.
Researchers found that newborn babies show signs of body awareness by differentiating their own bodies from others. They exhibit interest in looking at another baby's face when it is stroked synchronously with their own, suggesting a mechanism for self-perception already in place.
Scientists at UCLA have made a breakthrough in understanding the biology of autism by mapping groups of autism-risk genes by function. They found that gene variants are expressed in the developing brain during critical processes, disrupting neural circuits and leading to miswiring between brain regions.
Researchers recorded individual nerve cells in the amygdala of patients with high-functioning autism and found a specific type of neuron responding abnormally to the mouth region. The study provides new insights into mechanisms underlying autism symptoms and opens the door for further studies.
Researchers found specific neurons in the amygdala of autistic individuals respond differently to faces, with reduced processing of the eye region compared to control-group individuals. These neurons also responded more strongly to mouths than eyes, shedding light on abnormal face processing in autism.
Researchers found that boys with autism who had access to screens in their bedrooms spent less time sleeping. Video-game exposure was also linked to reduced sleep among the boys with ASD. The study highlights the need for parents to monitor and limit screen use before bedtime for children with autism.
A study found that synaesthesia occurs in 18.9% of people with autism, compared to 7.2% of typical individuals. The researchers suggest that both conditions involve neural over-connectivity, leading to atypical connections between brain areas.
The Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation (CHICA) system has improved autism screening rates by identifying at-risk children at the 24-month visit. This personalized and automated patient screening process prompts pediatricians to follow up in needed areas, leading to timely diagnosis and treatment.
A cognitive-behavioral intervention called problem-solving education (PSE) may help reduce parental stress and depressive symptoms immediately after a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mothers of children with ASD report high levels of parental stress, depressive symptoms, and social isolation.
Research suggests hyper-connected neurons may cause social symptoms in autistic children, leading to potential new treatment strategies and early detection methods. The study found a link between brain connectivity and severity of social impairment in individuals with autism.
Researchers have identified a steady decline in attention to others' eyes in 2-6 month old infants later diagnosed with autism. This finding suggests that social engagement skills are intact shortly after birth in children with autism, and could lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study by the UC Davis MIND Institute found that children with autism are six-to-eight times more likely to have gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and sensitivity to foods. These symptoms are related to behavioral issues such as social withdrawal, irritability, and repetitive behaviors.
Researchers identified declining attention to others' eyes in infants later diagnosed with autism, starting from 2 months old. This finding has profound implications for early intervention strategies and suggests that interventions could build on existing levels of eye contact.
Research suggests that depressed levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) may be a biomarker for autism occurrence. Breastfeeding could serve as a natural source of IGF, potentially lowering the risk of autism development.
Researchers found a strong genetic connection between family members with autism and those with specific language impairment, characterized by speech and language difficulties. The study suggests that genes responsible for oral and written language impairments can result in similar behavioral characteristics.
The Weatherstone Fellowship program supports the development of rising talent in autism research, providing critical resources for building early careers. The five 2013 recipients will work directly with mentors and collaborate with others to share knowledge and experiences.
Researchers found an association between autism spectrum disorder risk and prenatal weight gain, after accounting for important related factors. The study suggests that weight gain during pregnancy may serve as an important marker for autism's underlying gestational etiology.
A UNC School of Medicine researcher found that three specific drugs affect three different kinds of neurotransmitter receptors crucial in Fragile X syndrome. This discovery suggests that therapies acting through different receptors may improve behavioral symptoms and intellectual outcomes for people with Fragile X.