Articles tagged with Autism
Researchers have identified three cell types in the median raphe nucleus that control decisions on perseverance, exploration, and disengagement. These findings may help understand neuropsychiatric conditions such as OCD, autism, and major depressive disorder.
A new study from Denmark reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy, characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar, may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Researchers found that even small dietary adjustments away from this pattern could potentially reduce this risk.
The article presents guidelines for designing consent materials and procedures for autistic adults and people with intellectual disability, highlighting the importance of multiple modes to deliver content. These guidelines aim to improve accessibility and respectfulness in research with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Researchers discovered how air pollution and wildfire smoke can trigger S-nitrosylation of a key brain protein, preventing brain cells from making new connections. Blocking this chemical modification partially reversed signs of memory loss in Alzheimer's mouse models and nerve cells.
Researchers developed an AI approach to identify genes contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and developmental delay. The tool enhances gene discovery by predicting additional genes involved in these conditions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel method to measure PTEN gene activity, which is associated with cancer and autism. This breakthrough may lead to personalized therapeutics and earlier disease detection.
Researchers found that empathic disequilibrium, an imbalance between cognitive and emotional empathy, better explains symptoms in various clinical conditions. Prof. Florina Uzefovsky's work suggests this concept can be a powerful diagnostic and treatment tool for autism, schizophrenia, and other disorders.
A new study found that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be less likely to experience severe injuries, especially orthopedic and animal-inflicted injuries. The research highlights the need for tailored injury prevention strategies for each condition, emphasizing distinct injury profiles between ASD and ADHD.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a new approach to treating fragile X syndrome by enhancing the activity of a specific component of 'NMDA' receptors. This strategy normalizes protein synthesis, neural activity and seizure susceptibility in hippocampus of fragile X lab mice, offering a promising therapeutic target.
A new MIT study finds that humans and marmosets retain a tendency to test other approaches to tasks, even when they have learned the optimal strategy. This behavior could help reveal needed adjustments in uncertain environments. The findings also add weight to the use of marmoset models for autism studies.
A large cohort study found that ADHD prevalence among adults with autism is nearly identical to childhood rates, highlighting the need for coordinated care services. Adults with co-occurring ADHD experienced worse health outcomes, but medication was associated with better results.
The Syngap Research Fund's 2024 Impact Report showcases the organization's progress in accelerating SYNGAP1 research, collaborating with academia and industry, and advocating for patients' rights. The report highlights seven core scientific programs and over $6M in funding for SYNGAP1-related disorders science.
Researchers found two groups of children diagnosed with autism after 6 years of age, presenting with varying symptom profiles. Early diagnosis is crucial for social communication and integration, with 75% of children diagnosed before age 6.
Researchers have uncovered a mitochondrial process that supports brain cells critical for learning, memory, and social recognition. The study reveals the critical role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in enabling neurons to strengthen connections through synaptic plasticity.
Dr. Eric Levine's lab at UConn School of Medicine has been awarded $400,000 to study the genetic pathways of autism spectrum disorders using patient-derived human neurons. The team aims to identify genes and brain cell behavior that may cause these disorders, with potential applications for gene therapy.
A lack of access to early autism diagnosis is causing concern worldwide. New solutions and initiatives are being developed to address this issue, including online diagnostic tools and expanded training for healthcare professionals.
Researchers analyzed over 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark to investigate potential links between a mother's health conditions and her child's risk of autism. They found that most reported associations can be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare.
Research from the University of Miami found that bilingualism has a positive impact on children's executive function skills, which are crucial for daily tasks and social interactions. Multilingual children also exhibit improved perspective-taking abilities, indicating enhanced cognitive development.
A new video game, CAMI, uses motion-tracking technology to detect differences in motor imitation skills, distinguishing children with autism from neurotypical children and ADHD patients with 80% accuracy. The tool has the potential to transform autism diagnoses worldwide by providing a quick, low-cost, and easy-to-use alternative.
The research aims to understand how high-risk genes disrupt neurodevelopment and lead to neuropsychiatric conditions, potentially informing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A national team of researchers will examine the effects of these genes on brain development, connectivity, and behavior in a mouse model.
A large-scale study found that autistic trans/gender diverse people experience significantly poorer healthcare, with higher rates of mental and physical health conditions. They are also at a higher risk of suicide-related behaviors, with alarmingly high rates compared to non-autistic cisgender individuals.
The Collaborative Science Pilot Awards program aims to inspire innovative research projects across UH and Case Western Reserve. Five teams will focus on organizing an MR Fingerprinting database, developing a genetic risk aid for early keratoconus detection, analyzing Alzheimer's treatment mechanisms, treating gastrointestinal symptoms ...
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new type of stem cell in the young brain that can form cells found in tumors, shedding light on how adult brain cells grow and develop into deadly brain cancers. The study provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding healthy brain development, which could lead to better treatments for conditi...
A study by Sophia University researchers found that individuals with Klinefelter syndrome and sexual minorities exhibited higher sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity compared to controls. These traits were more pronounced in participants with gender dysphoria, where gender identity conflicts with assigned sex at birth.
The number of autistic individuals receiving federal housing support grew significantly between 2008 and 2016. Most lived in urban areas, with 65% residing in extremely low-income households.
Researchers link neuropilin2 gene to autism and seizure development, highlighting its role in regulating neural circuits. The study suggests targeting specific phases of neuronal development could lead to therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism.
The PEERS Clinic at UCLA offers a 20-week dating program called PEERS for Dating, aiming to demystify social rules and empower participants to form lasting connections. Participants will learn practical strategies for initiating and maintaining romantic relationships with support from trained coaches.
A recent study has identified distinct features in two types of brain cells, intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, which may affect their vulnerability to neurodevelopmental conditions. The research highlights the importance of understanding how these brain cells exchange information through their synapses.
The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.
Research by Stephen Shea and Alexandra Nowlan reveals that smell and hearing signals merge in the brain's auditory cortex during pup retrieval, a crucial maternal behavior. This study may provide insights into how autism affects social cue interpretation and offer new avenues for understanding human connection.
A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.
Neuroscientist Inga Neumann discusses groundbreaking research on oxytocin, a neuropeptide that shapes social behavior and emotional responses. Her work has significant implications for treating social anxiety disorders and understanding stress resilience.
Researchers found that bumetanide treatment normalizes neonatal social communication in newborn pups with the fragile X mutation, but reduces post-pubertal social interaction. The study suggests stage-specific effects on social development and raises questions about timing and dosing of bumetanide for targeted interventions.
A groundbreaking study reveals lithium can restore brain function and alleviate behavioral symptoms in animal models of autism spectrum disorder caused by Dyrk1a gene mutations. Lithium normalizes brain size, restores neural structure and function, and improves social interaction and anxiety behaviors.
A new genetic link has been identified between the DDX53 gene and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), providing crucial insights into the biological underpinnings of the condition. The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, particularly in males, highlighting its potential role in the male predominance observed in ASD.
The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) varies by sex and region but persists globally across all age groups. ASD is significantly higher among males, with a higher prevalence in High-Income Asia Pacific regions.
Dr. Michael Courtney's team will use advanced phenotyping techniques to assess how SYNGAP1 missense variants impact protein function, focusing on pathogenic or uncertain variants. The project aims to inform therapeutic strategies for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders through drug repurposing and functional assays.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has identified four key themes to improve interactions between police and Black autistic youth, including concerns about police officers' training and the importance of patience and understanding. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive adaptations in police tra...
Researchers use real-time neuroimaging and neurofeedback to modify brain activity patterns, enabling faster learning and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The study demonstrates the ability to inscribe new patterns into the brain without physical manipulation.
Researchers developed an interactive screening model called RITA-T, which improved early identification of high-risk toddlers from underserved areas. The study found that toddlers screened via RITA-T had shorter wait times and more accessible diagnostic services compared to those not using the model.
A new grant will support a five-year investigation into the role of the brain's reward network in two neurodevelopmental conditions. Researchers will use high-resolution fMRI scans to analyze how the reward network interacts with other parts of the brain in autism, ADHD, and co-occurring autism and ADHD.
A UT Health San Antonio study found that brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Tbx1 deficiency was associated with decreased brain volume in the amygdala and surrounding cortical regions, affecting desire for social interaction.
A study by IRB Barcelona has identified a molecular mechanism underlying idiopathic autism, linking the lack of a specific neuronal microexon to decreased gene expression crucial for neuronal development. The discovery reveals how CPEB4 condensates regulate gene expression and highlights potential therapeutic approaches.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has been awarded a $230,000 grant from the SynGAP Research Fund to characterize a mouse model for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. This work aims to test innovative tRNA suppressor therapies and generate patient-derived research models.
SynGAP Research Fund appoints Virginie McNamar as President and COO, bringing extensive Rare Disease advocacy experience. The organization aims to accelerate progress with robust organizational structure and strategic focus.
A new study finds that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have an increased dynamic range in their neuronal response, resulting in a more detailed but slower response to changes. This increase enables accurate encoding of details but comes at the expense of faster adaptation.
A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.
Global experts and medical professionals gathered in Tashkent to address rare diseases, enhancing patient care. The forum highlighted key findings on diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders in Uzbekistan.
A new study found that standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age. The study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) and compared it to usual care.
A unique COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic at the UC Davis MIND Institute has shown remarkable success in increasing vaccination rates among individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The clinic's innovative approach, which incorporates community partners and tailored care plans, has resulted in a 99.3% success rate over two years.
Professor Amal's research has uncovered crucial links between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting shared molecular mechanisms that could revolutionize treatment approaches. He is developing biological diagnostics and treatments for ASD through his biotechnology companies, Point6 Bio Ltd and NeuroNOS Ltd.
A groundbreaking review finds that environmental exposure to air pollutants during prenatal development and early childhood significantly impact autism risk. The study identifies several key pathways through which air pollutants may influence ASD development, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic modifications.
Researchers developed a method to visualize AMPA receptors using PET scans, revealing differences in density and distribution between healthy subjects and those with psychiatric disorders. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that individuals with stronger autistic traits displayed distinct exploration patterns and higher levels of persistence, leading to better performance in a computer game. These findings suggest that tailored learning environments can benefit individuals with autistic traits.
A study by neurodivergent researchers has revealed that psychiatrists who are unaware they're autistic may misdiagnose patients. Recognizing one's autism improves therapeutic relationships with autistic patients, but some assessors remain unaware due to lack of disclosure.
Diagnosis prevalence for autism spectrum disorder increased substantially in the US between 2011 and 2022. The study highlights growing needs for medical services among this complex population.
Researchers found that the brain continuously makes predictions based on experiences, using expectations and previous knowledge to guide actions. This predictive system is also used to infer emotions in others, with regions active for reward or punishment predicting emotions in observers.
The SynGAP Research Fund has awarded grants to Dr. Clement Chow to advance therapeutic development for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. His research uses drug repurposing to identify compounds like N-acetyl-L-leucine as potential treatments.
A recent study by Flinders University researchers challenged the common assumption that autistic adults are more prone to criminal exploitation due to difficulties in reading others' intentions. The study found that verbal intelligence and Theory of Mind were critical factors influencing vulnerability to crime, not autism diagnosis.
Scientists have discovered a long non-coding RNA called CHASERR that regulates the production of the CHD2 gene, which is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that patients with a deletion of this RNA had excessive CHD2 protein production, leading to severe intellectual delays and other symptoms.