Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher has detected a potential association between soy formula and seizures in children with autism. The study found excess seizures among girls and in the total sample of 1,949 children who consumed soy-based infant formula.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genital malformations in newborn males and increased rates of autism and intellectual disability. County-level analysis revealed that every one percent increase in malformations was associated with a 283% increase in autism rates.
Researchers at UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute recommend teaching independence to adolescents with autism to enhance their chances for post-high school success. Studies show that high schoolers with autism possess superior visual thinking skills, which can be emphasized in teaching independence. Visual schedules a...
A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more gender variance, a wish to be the other gender, than their typically developing peers. The study also revealed higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among these children.
A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are 7.59 times and 6.64 times more likely to express gender variance than their peers without these conditions. Participants with gender variance also experienced elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but to a lesser extent among...
Recent years have seen progress in ASD research, with updates on genetic causes, effective treatments, and promoting success for young people with ASD entering college. The special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry highlights six key areas of research.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has revised key parameters for evaluating and treating autism, emphasizing early diagnosis and a team approach to care. Researchers led by Fred Volkmar recommend a coordinated medical, psychological, and communication evaluation to differentiate between autism and other disorders.
A new program from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute prepares students with autism for life after high school by focusing on emotions, friendships, and literacy skills. Early results show improved social interactions and confidence among participants.
Researchers detected atypical development in nearly half of the younger siblings of children with autism by 12 months. The study found that many of these children showed delays in social, communication, cognitive, or motor development, particularly in social-communication domains.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.