Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
A new study analyzed DNA from over 2,100 children with autism and found evidence of a recessive, inherited genetic contribution in cases with significant intellectual disability. The research suggests that runs of homozygosity, or long strands of identical DNA, may harbor deleterious variants that increase disease susceptibility.
Researchers found that IVF treatments for severe male infertility are associated with a small increased risk of intellectual disability (18%) but not autism. ICSI procedures, particularly those involving surgically extracted sperm and fresh embryos, carry a higher risk of intellectual disability and autism.
A Swedish study of over 2.5 million children found a small, statistically significant increased risk of mental retardation after in vitro fertilization (IVF), but no association with autistic disorder. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of IVF.
Valerie Hu's study reveals RORA regulates more than 2,500 genes, many involved in neuronal development and functions. The gene's expression is reduced in RORA-deficient brain tissues from individuals with autism.
A new study published in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly found that children with autism who struggled with motor skills such as catching and throwing had more severe social and communication skills. Developing motor skills can be crucial for children, enabling them to participate in physical activities and socialize with peers.
Autism Speaks has committed nearly $199 million to research projects aiming to advance understanding of autism causes, prevention, treatment, and cure. The organization supports six translational postdoctoral fellowships focusing on brain studies, sleep patterns, and social cues in individuals with autism.
A new study from SDSU found that autism affects a broad range of sensory and motor systems, not just social abilities. The research suggests that the diagnostic criteria for autism may fail to consider the full spectrum of problems children with autism experience.
The collaboration aims to lower the average age of diagnosis from four to five years to six to 12 months in the African American community. Autism Speaks will provide materials and guidance to churches and parents on recognizing signs of autism and accessing services.
Researchers identified a molecular program controlling neuronal output connection growth via mitochondrial capture. The LKB1-NUAK1 signaling pathway spurs axon branching, pointing to its potential role in developmental brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism have higher levels of gluten antibodies than those without autism. The researchers also discovered an association between the elevated antibodies and gastrointestinal symptoms in affected children. However, no connection was found to celiac disease.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that women exposed to high levels of air pollution while pregnant were up to twice as likely to have a child with autism. The study examined data from over 116,000 nurses and found associations between air pollution and autism risk in children.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that brain regions tailored to respond to voices are poorly connected to reward-processing circuits in children with high-functioning autism. This weakness may impede their ability to experience speech as pleasurable, contributing to communication deficits.
A study at MassGeneral Hospital found significant disparities in the use of specialty services among African-American and Hispanic children with autism. Minority children were less likely to receive subspecialty care or procedures related to gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
A Northwestern University study found that male offspring of rat mothers who were given alcohol during pregnancy exhibit social impairment and altered levels of autism-related genes. Low doses of thyroid hormone thyroxin reversed social impairments and expression of these genes, suggesting a potential treatment target for both disorders.
A new rodent study found that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder share common molecular vulnerabilities. Low-dose thyroxin treatment appears to alleviate some effects of alcohol exposure on offspring. The study suggests a potential biochemical marker for identifying children at risk for ASD.
Researchers from the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai identified common clinical symptoms of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, including severe to profound intellectual disability, seizures, and low muscle tone. The study provides important guidance for developing a standardized assessment methodology for this disorder.
Research on mice reveals that over-producing a normal autism-linked gene can cause cognitive problems, while under-producing it leads to arrested development. The findings suggest narrow windows of opportunity for effective gene therapies.
Research reveals nearly one-third of children with autism also experience clinically significant ADHD symptoms, leading to greater impairments in cognitive, social, and adaptive functioning. Children with co-occurring ASD and ADHD are more likely to display severe autism mannerisms and have significant cognitive delays.
Researchers found individuals with autism spectrum disorders have significantly decreased metabolism of amino acid L-tryptophan, leading to potential early blood screening tests. The study also identified genes involved in L-tryptophan metabolism, paving the way for therapeutic options.
Researchers will develop computerized models of social tasks requiring physical coordination and social interaction to understand the link between cognition and action.
Researchers at UCLA found abnormal brain networks in Fragile X syndrome, a common cause of inherited autism and intellectual disability. The study suggests that neuronal excitability may be the basis for symptoms in children with FXS, including disrupted sleep, seizures, and learning disabilities.
A new study found that 2-year-old children with autism's brain responses to words predicted their linguistic, cognitive, and adaptive skills at ages 4 and 6. Children with less severe social impairments showed similar brain responses as typically developing children.
A UCI study found that a low-cost, at-home treatment involving sensory exercises with common household items significantly improved the behaviors and cognitive function of children with autism. After six months of therapy, 42% of children showed significant improvement in behaviors commonly affected by autism.
A new study suggests that environmental enrichment, which involves sensory stimulation and play, can significantly improve behaviors in autistic children. The therapy was found to be effective even for older children up to age 12, whereas traditional treatments are typically most effective at a young age.
Research from Durham University suggests that brain frontal lobes are not disproportionately enlarged relative to other areas in humans and other species. The study found that supposedly 'primitive' areas like the cerebellum played an equally important role in expanding the human brain.
BIDMC's Dennis P. Wall has developed a new method to diagnose autism in young children quickly and accurately, enabling rapid online assessments. This approach has shown promise in clinical environments, with the potential to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
A new study found that children with autism perceive motion twice as quickly as their peers, suggesting a fundamental cause for the developmental disorder. This heightened sensitivity to motion may contribute to painful sensory experiences and complex social and behavioral deficits.
The Autism BrainNet network will acquire, process, store, and distribute brain tissue resources to accelerate understanding of the biological basis of autism. The network aims to broaden the reach of existing brain donation programs, expanding access to research for scientists and families affected by autism.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have found that babies born with abnormal fetal growth are at a higher risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 child health records in Sweden and found that larger or smaller babies were more susceptible to autism.
The Early Start Denver Model has been shown to improve social skills and brain responses in toddlers with ASD, while minimizing therapies required through the school years. The study found that ESDM-receiving children required significantly fewer hours of special education services and individual therapies.
Researchers at UCSB's Koegel Autism Center successfully treat autism in infants by replacing distressing games with preferred activities and teaching parents how to implement the protocol. The study found significant improvements in infant reactions to stimuli, with two out of three infants having normal reactions and one showing very ...
A new study found that up to 10% of children have specific learning disabilities, and these co-occur more often than expected. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are particularly affected, with 33-45% also suffering from dyslexia and 11% from dyscalculia.
Researchers identified key differences in gene expression between rock- and sand-dweller brains during development and used small molecules to manipulate developmental pathways. The study showed that competing molecular signals during brain development generate natural and adaptive differences in the telencephalon earlier than thought,...
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a key marker to identify newborns at risk for autism: abnormal placental folds and cell growths called trophoblast inclusions. This breakthrough allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving outcomes.
Scientists have identified key motor behaviors and interventions that can help non-verbal autistic children learn to speak. Motor mimicking behavior plays a crucial role in language development, and picture exchange training has shown promising results.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have created a first-ever vaccine against Clostridium bolteae, a gut bug common in autistic children. The vaccine may help control some autism symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
A study published in JAMA found that maternal use of valproate during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder and childhood autism in offspring. The absolute risk is estimated at 4.42% for autism spectrum disorder and 2.50% for childhood autism.
Researchers discovered distinctive patterns of DNA methylation associated with both autism diagnosis and related behavior traits, suggesting a quantitative relationship between the two. The study provides insight into the biological mechanism mediating gene-environment interaction in autism spectrum disorder.
Children with SLDs frequently have co-occurring conditions and require specialized support. The study clarifies the causes of SLDs and provides guidance on tailoring education to meet individual needs.
Researchers developed an efficient method of analyzing brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect autism in children. The approach showed significant differences in functional connectivity and background noise between autistic and non-autistic brains, with 94% accuracy.
A study found that children with autism spent significantly more time playing video games than typically developing peers, and were more likely to develop problematic gaming habits. Conversely, they spent less time on social media and more time watching TV and engaging in physical activities.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that propranolol improves working memory performance in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study showed significant improvements in working memory abilities, particularly in those who already take the medication for anxiety.
Researchers have linked autism in a mouse model to abnormalities in specific chromosomal regions and associated genes. The study provides new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of new treatments.
Research found that mutations in neuroligin-3 protein block endocannabinoid signals, affecting brain excitability and communication between neurons. The study suggests targeting the endocannabinoid system may help reverse autism symptoms.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that age at diagnosis for children with autism depends on specific behavioral symptoms. Children exhibiting impairments in nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors were more likely to be diagnosed earlier.
A new NIH grant will help Dr. Daniel Geschwind expand his research on the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders to include African American populations. The study aims to identify gene variants associated with autism in individuals of African ancestry and test their relevance in European populations.
Research shows children with autism have difficulty imitating social behaviors and instead focus on efficient actions. Typically developing children, however, are more likely to copy unnecessary actions, a behavior known as overimitation.
Researchers at University of Nottingham found autistic children copy useful actions only, while typically developing children copy both necessary and unnecessary actions. This study offers new insights into social development in children with autism.
The UC Davis MIND Institute has received a prestigious Autism Centers of Excellence Award to establish an Autism Center of Excellence and Treatment Network, led by Sally J. Rogers. The award supports two treatment studies on the most effective methods of treating very young children with autism.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding to two new Autism Centers of Excellence, joining nine other centers nationwide in a five-year research effort to identify autism causes and treatments. The centers will focus on early intervention styles and genetic variants associated with autism.
Children with autism have excess duplicated DNA segments, which may affect the chances of developing autism. The research found a higher level of genetic changes, including common variants, in children with autism compared to typically developing children.
Researchers found no association between vaccine exposure and autism in a study of over 300 children with ASD and 750 without, contradicting long-standing parental concerns about vaccine safety.
Researchers identify key findings in a large-scale study of individuals with int dup(15), including maternal and paternal duplications. The study found elevated levels of GABA and previously unknown sleep problems in affected subjects, providing significant insights into the disorder.
A study found that infants with a higher risk of developing autism take longer to shift their gaze, indicating possible differences in brain structure and organization. The research suggests that this measurable delay could be a precursor to well-known symptoms of autism.
A new study published in Brain Connectivity found evidence of aberrant neural communication in toddlers with autism, indicating a disorder of connectivity. The researchers observed reduced brain connectivity and diminished capacity for neural communication in autistic children's brains.
Two genes associated with rare autism-related disorders are also jointly linked to more general forms of autism, according to a new study published in Molecular Psychiatry. The findings suggest a new genetic pathway to investigate in general autism research.
A new study found that 7-month-old infants who later develop autism show slower gaze shifting and attention reorientation compared to typically developing infants. The researchers suggest that atypical brain circuits, specifically the splenium of the corpus callosum, may contribute to this behavioral difference.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that women who experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children are more likely to have a child with autism. The study, which examined data from over 50,000 women, suggests that childhood trauma may increase the risk of autism in future generations.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a system to help children with autism learn joint attention, a basic social skill. The humanoid robot NAO was found to be effective in improving attention and following instructions, suggesting robots could play a crucial role in responding to the growing number of autism diagnoses.
A new study reveals that men who have children at older ages are more likely to have grandchildren with autism. The research found that the risk of autism increases with the age of the grandfather, suggesting that genetic risk can accumulate over generations.