Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
Researchers found that video-based group instruction promotes far-reaching gains for students with ASD in social behaviors. The method has been shown to be effective and practical, even with limited resources.
Researchers at Brandeis University observed a neural firing-rate set point in neocortical neurons, which remains stable even during sensory deprivation or sleep. This homeostatic mechanism could lead to new approaches for neurological disorders.
A study published in BMJ Open found that the number of newly diagnosed autism cases in the UK has leveled off after a five-fold increase during the 1990s. In contrast, US data show a 78% rise in prevalence among 8-year-olds between 2004 and 2008.
A study led by researchers at Mount Sinai found that individuals with autism were more likely to have gene deletions than those without the disorder, which may contribute to miswiring of brain neurons. The study suggests that these deletions could impact genetic testing and have clinical significance.
A study of over 14,000 children found that autistic kids had poorer sleep quality, including shorter total sleep duration and more frequent wake-ups at night. The researchers suggest that this may be due to impaired melatonin production, which could impact neuronal development.
A team of scientists has developed a process to connect an autism-linked gene to its function. They found that mutations in the NHE9 gene cause communication problems among brain cells, contributing to autism. The study used a step-wise strategy to screen variants and identified changes that affect endosomal pH, altering cell traffic.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute found that none of the children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome met strict diagnostic criteria for autism. Evaluations should be performed to assess autism and guide therapy selection based on symptoms such as language delay.
Research suggests oxytocin could improve social cognition and reduce repetitive behaviors in patients with autism spectrum disorders. In schizophrenia, some studies have reported encouraging effects on severity and social cognition.
Researchers have identified a genetic deficiency linked to autism that impairs neuronal growth and connectivity. By compensating for the deficient molecular mechanisms, they found that growth could be restored, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that autistic toddlers and preschoolers with better motor skills were more adept at socializing and communicating. Motor skills development is crucial for social skills, and the study highlights the importance of addressing this deficit in early interventions.
Researchers found that oxytocin plays a unique role in one-on-one bonding, which likely evolved from an existing affinity for group living. The discovery has implications for neurological disorders like autism and suggests possible new treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.
A study of over 850,000 Danish children found a significant increase in ADHD medication use from 2003 to 2010. The prescription rates of stimulant medications for ADHD, ASD, and other psychiatric disorders rose by 61%, 16% and 3% respectively during this period.
A study found that young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant difficulties in transitioning into employment. Only half of this group had ever worked for pay outside the home, and only a third were employed at the time of the survey. However, outcomes improved for those who were older, from higher income househ...
The new center aims to better explain the brain and generate ideas for addressing disorders like autism. Brown University will establish a COBRE Center for Central Nervous System Function to study key questions in neuroscience of attention and related behaviors.
Two studies found that young adults on the autism spectrum have worse employment outcomes, including lower pay rates, and are less likely to live independently after high school. Despite this, half of young adults with ASDs did become employed, suggesting potential for improvement with effective preparation and support.
Mental and substance use disorders were the leading cause of non-fatal illness worldwide in 2010, with depressive disorders accounting for 40% of the burden. The analysis also found that mental and substance use disorders were responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, with opioids causing the greatest health burden.
A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex found that high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children's difficulty understanding visual cues and sounds improves during adolescence. The researchers tested 222 children aged 5 to 17, including those with ASD, on their ability to integrate auditory and visual speech signals.
New research suggests that UK children are far less likely to be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their US counterparts. The study found that only 1.5% of parents in the UK reported a diagnosis of ADHD in children aged between 6-8, in contrast to 6.3% in the USA.
A study by University of North Carolina Health Care researchers found that problems with topoisomerases can affect brain development and potentially lead to autism spectrum disorder. The discovery has significant implications for ASD detection and prevention, as inhibiting these enzymes could have a profound effect on neurodevelopment.
Researchers at the Seaver Autism Center will test Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in children with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a severe type of autism. IGF-1 has shown preclinical promise in reversing nerve cell communication deficits and restoring learning and memory abilities.
A Danish study of siblings found the recurrence risk for autism spectrum disorders varied from 4.5 percent to 10.5 percent depending on the birth years. The study suggests an almost seven-fold increase in ASDs risk if an older sibling had an ASD diagnosis, highlighting the role of genetics and maternal intrauterine environment.
The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) has received a $1.2 million grant to create a confidential registry of individuals diagnosed with autism in the state. The registry aims to improve diagnoses and treatments by connecting families with clinical experts and researchers.
Children with autism exhibit exceptional math skills compared to non-autistic peers, linked to altered patterns of brain activity in visual object processing areas. The study suggests that atypical brain development can lead to remarkable cognitive strengths, contradicting the idea that autism only brings deficits.
A new study found that oxytocin increases responses to social stimuli in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a potential treatment approach for the condition. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, used functional imaging scans to examine brain activity in participants with ASD and healthy controls.
A large retrospective analysis found that induced and augmented labor may be associated with increased risk of autism, especially among male children. The study suggests a 35% higher risk for male children undergoing both induction and augmentation compared to those who received neither treatment.
The Yerkes National Primate Research Center will explore how oxytocin affects brain communication and mental processing of social experiences in humans with autism and schizophrenia. The team aims to develop novel treatment strategies for improving social cognition in these disorders.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates support for the DSM-5 symptom structure for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers found that the DSM-5 model was a better fit to the data than other models used during toddler assessment.
A study of North Carolina birth records found that induced and augmented childbirth may be associated with a higher risk of autism diagnosis in childhood. The analysis of over 625,000 births revealed a significant association between labor induction/augmentation and increased odds of autism, particularly in male children.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has discovered substantial overlap of genetic risk factors among bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. This finding may lead to the development of new therapeutic avenues for treating these conditions.
A large-scale international study has identified 25 new mutations on nine key genes behind severe childhood epilepsy, including two new genes never before associated with the disorder. The findings suggest a new direction for developing genome-wide diagnostic screens and precise therapies for the condition.
The estate of Charles Meixner has donated $3 million to Autism Speaks, supporting translational postdoctoral fellowships and research into autism spectrum disorder. The gift will contribute to the development of new treatments and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by ASD.
A new study reveals that autism affects the brain of females and males differently, with females showing 'masculinization' in atypical brain areas. This finding suggests a need to re-evaluate research methods and understanding of autism's neurobiology.
UC Davis researchers discover how cancer chemotherapy agent Topotecan acts on gene causing Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. The study highlights the significance of epigenetics in understanding both rare and common neurodevelopmental disorders.
A genetic alteration in the TOP3B gene has been identified as a risk factor for schizophrenia and intellectual impairment. The study reveals a common biological pathway between schizophrenia and Fragile X syndrome, which is associated with autism and learning difficulties.
NYU Langone researchers have identified the type of inhibitory interneurons responsible for oxytocin's effects on brain function. The study found that oxytocin increases the reliability of stimulated impulses, improving brain function and potentially relevant to autism-spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that moving attention fluidly and orienting to social information are not key components of autism. Children with high-functioning autism and those without autism showed similar signatures in shifting attention and responding to social stimuli.
A Virginia Commonwealth University study demonstrates that intensive job training can lead to high levels of competitive employment for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program, called Project SEARCH with Autism Supports, achieved an 87% job placement rate among participants.
A study has identified two networked groupings from 26 genes associated with autism that are overexpressed in the cerebellar cortex. The findings suggest specific brain regions implicated in pathology and complement genomic and neuroimaging analyses to obtain a broader picture of the autistic brain.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no correlation between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum-like behaviors among children in the Republic of Seychelles. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,700 participants, suggests that low-level exposure to mercury may not contribute to developmental problems.
The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) brings together researchers, physicians, scientists, service providers, educators, and parents to collaborate on research, education, and advocacy projects. The consortium aims to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders with autism spectrum disorders by promoting coll...
A large study led by researchers at the University of New South Wales found that oxytocin nasal spray did not improve symptoms of children with autism. The study suggests caution in recommending oxytocin as a general treatment for young people with autism, possibly due to impaired oxytocin receptor systems.
Researchers cracked the 'RNA control code' to understand how it dictates gene expression and movement. The team identified patterns in RNA molecules that can be used to identify new treatments for conditions like autism.
A collaborative effort by Autism Speaks has found full genome sequencing examining the entire DNA code of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their family members. The study identified genetic variations associated with risk for ASD, including de novo, X-linked, and inherited DNA lesions in four new genes.
A Vanderbilt research program trains community pediatricians to diagnose autism, leading to a significant increase in diagnoses within their practices. The training improved diagnostic accuracy and shifted the comfort level of discussing ASD diagnoses with caregivers.
A new study using whole genome sequencing identifies 19% of deleterious de novo mutations and 31% X-linked or autosomal inherited alterations in autism spectrum disorder. The findings also reveal genetic variants in several risk genes, including CAPRIN1, AFF2, VIP, SCN2A, KCNQ2, NRXN1, and CHD7.
Researchers developed a computer-based tool to analyze babies' cries for subtle acoustic features that can indicate neurological problems or developmental disorders. The new analyzer uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate over 80 parameters, offering non-invasive ways to measure disruptions in young babies' brains and behavior.
Researchers found that infants with later-diagnosed autism had excessive cerebrospinal fluid and enlarged brains, raising the possibility of using these as potential biomarkers. These anomalies were detectable by MRI at 6-9 months and remained elevated between 18-24 months.
Researchers have found quantifiable differences in brain structure among children with sensory processing disorders (SPD), which are often overlooked and misunderstood. The study provides a potential biological basis for the disease, using advanced MRI techniques to examine white matter tracts in the brain.
Researchers have identified a specific risk factor for autism, known as MAR autism, linked to maternal antibodies attacking fetal brain proteins. The study found that mothers of children with autism were more than 21 times likely to have these antibodies, offering a potential biomarker for drug development and early diagnosis.
Researchers have identified a risk factor for autism in children, linking prenatal exposure to maternal antibodies to changes in brain development that affect behavior. The study found altered patterns of neurodevelopment and social behavior in offspring exposed to specific antibodies.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower diversity of gut bacteria and decreased amounts of three critical bacteria. This finding implies that a diverse gut microbiome is essential for maintaining a robust bacterial community, and may be linked to the development of ASD symptoms.