Articles tagged with Autism
A clinical trial found that arbaclofen improved symptoms of social withdrawal and challenging behaviors in individuals with fragile X syndrome. The study suggests the compound may also be effective for autism spectrum disorder, offering new hope for treatment options.
Researchers identified a link between a genetic variant in the MET receptor tyrosine kinase gene and changes in brain connectivity, particularly in social behavior. The 'C' variant was found to disrupt functional and structural connectivity of brain networks involved in social behavior in both healthy children and those with ASD, but h...
A new genetic test developed by University of Melbourne researchers can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with over 70% accuracy in people of central European descent. The test identifies genetic markers that either contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD, allowing for early interventions ...
Researchers identified a genetic mutation that speeds up metabolism of certain amino acids, leading to epilepsy and neurobehavioral symptoms in patients with autism. Nutritional supplementation with branched chain amino acids reversed symptoms in mice and showed potential for human treatment.
A Yale center has received a $15 million NIH award to investigate sex differences in autism spectrum disorders, with the goal of identifying causes and developing novel treatments. The research aims to understand why autism is almost five times more common among boys than girls.
The Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has received a $2.2 million NIH grant to study brain development in infants as early as three months old. Researchers aim to identify biomarkers for autism and develop more effective treatments.
Two UNC researchers, Dr. Joseph Piven and Dr. Linmarie Sikich, have been awarded $12.6 million grants to establish new autism research networks and conduct studies on early brain markers and oxytocin-based treatments. These grants further solidify UNC's position as a premier institution for autism research.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that approximately 46.3% of adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder were victims of bullying. The study also revealed significant social and environmental factors contributing to bullying involvement among this population.
Case studies published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation show Apple iPod Touch PDAs as effective vocational supports for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The device provides strategies to help individuals with ASD function more successfully in the workplace, including task reminders, lists, and video prompts.
A study of over 1,000 children found that Hispanic kids are more likely to be diagnosed with developmental delay than expected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and culturally relevant information. The results also suggest that bilingual children who receive secondary language exposure may have lower cognitive scores.
A systematic review of therapies for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders found limited evidence to support medical interventions. Some treatments showed promise in improving social skills and educational outcomes, but studies had significant flaws and limited follow-up. The study underscores the urgent need for ...
Researchers found that clonazepam alleviated autistic-like behavior in mice with a sodium ion channel defect. The study reveals how the mutated gene leads to overly excited brain circuits and impaired social interactions, shedding light on Dravet syndrome's underlying mechanisms.
Scientists have discovered how a defective gene causes brain changes leading to atypical social behavior characteristic of autism. The research found that abnormal action of the gene disrupted energy use in neurons, resulting in antisocial and repetitive behavior traits found in autism.
The 'Treating the Whole Person with Autism' conference brought together families and professionals to discuss current guidance on medical issues associated with ASD. Key findings highlighted the importance of considering the whole child in treatment plans, as well as the need for continued research on care across the lifespan.
MIT neuroscientists discovered that two major classes of brain cells repress neural activity through simple yet profound mathematical computations. The findings could help scientists understand diseases caused by imbalances in brain inhibition and excitation, including autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
The collaboration has already demonstrated great potential for the field with initial behavioral studies showing hallmark characteristics of autism in rats. New genetically modified rat models will be generated to accelerate translational research and drug development.
A new study by UCSB researchers found that adolescents with ASD can improve their social skills by playing to their strengths, such as high intelligence and specific interests. The research team created social clubs around these interests, where students with ASD could interact and make friends with peers.
Researchers at UT Dallas discovered that nerve stimulation can reorganize the brain, leading to potential new treatments for stroke, tinnitus, autism, and other disorders. The technology involves pairing vagus nerve stimulation with specific experiences, such as movements or sounds, to alter brain activity.
Researchers at Caltech have found evidence of a link between immune irregularities and autism. The study suggests that specific changes in an overactive immune system can contribute to autism-like behaviors in mice, potentially related to prenatal experiences.
A new study by Susan Parish found that families living in states with parity laws spent significantly less on healthcare needs for their children with autism. Families in these states incurred lower out-of-pocket costs, averaging $500 annually, compared to those without such legislation, where costs were much higher.
Researchers found that 31% of children identified as at-risk for autism by 12 months received a diagnosis by age 3. The First Year Inventory questionnaire completed by parents shows promise in identifying early developmental delays, warranting early intervention.
Researchers identified five rare mutations in the AFF2 gene that appear to increase the chances a boy will develop an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mutations in X chromosome genes affect four times more boys than girls. The study bolsters a growing consensus that rare variants contribute significantly to ASD risk.
Carnegie Mellon's Marcel Just has made significant advancements in understanding how the brain processes information. He will give a keynote lecture on 'Changing Brains for Changing Times' at the Society for Text and Discourse's annual meeting, discussing how cultural and educational influences shape brain capabilities.
A study suggests that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. The findings indicate shared etiologic risk factors among ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders.
Researchers found that deleting a single gene in the cerebellum of mice caused autistic-like behavior, but administering an immunosuppressant drug prevented these symptoms. The study suggests a molecular component for autism development and may lead to better understanding of the condition.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have successfully treated a severe form of autism spectrum disorder called creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) using a creatine analogue called CincY. The treatment reversed mental retardation-like symptoms in mice and improved cognitive abilities, including recognition and spatial learning.
A new study found a significant association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in parents or siblings. The study suggests that ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder may share etiologic risk factors.
Researchers detected significant differences in brain development in high-risk infants who developed autism starting at age 6 months. White matter tract development was found to be the key difference between those with and without autism.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital found distinguishing EEG features in children with autism as early as age 2. Researchers used computer algorithms to analyze EEG data and identified 33 coherence factors that consistently distinguished children with autism from controls.
A new EEG test distinguishes between children with autism and neurotypical controls by analyzing brain connectivity. The test reveals reduced short-range connectivity in the left hemisphere, particularly in language regions, but increased long-distance connectivity as a compensatory mechanism.
A pioneering study finds genetic changes that explain why one person has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and another does not. The research identifies potential new regions where copy-number variants are associated with ASDs and shows a significant impact of these variants on gene expression.
Researchers at UCLA have combined gene expression and peripheral blood analysis to identify potential precursors of autism. The study found strong links between genetic variations in specific regions of the genome and altered expression patterns in genes related to nervous-system function.
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $2.9 million in funding to support autism research projects addressing various high-priority areas. These include investigating the impact of DSM-5 on autism diagnosis, developing new medications and behavioral treatments, and improving access to early intervention in minority communities.
Autism Speaks releases three new tool kits to help parents manage challenging behaviors, improve communication and social skills. The kits provide guidance on applied behavior analysis, professional behavioral treatments and toilet training strategies.
Researchers at MIT used zebrafish to study genes associated with autism, finding that nearly all produced brain abnormalities when deleted. The study identified two key genes, kif22 and aldolase a, which may contribute to the development of neurological disorders.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
A UCLA program has proven effective in teaching social skills to high-functioning autistic teens, leading to improved relationships and social functioning. The PEERS clinic's 14-week program helps teens develop critical skills needed to make and keep friends, resulting in fewer problem behaviors and greater understanding of social skills.
A new study has found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) pay more for health care services than children with other conditions. They also use more services but have less access to coordinated care. The researchers highlight the need for better policies and medical home models to address these disparities.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that exposure to psychoactive pharmaceuticals in water can induce autism-like gene expression in fathead minnows, specifically in those with genetic predisposition. The findings suggest a potential environmental trigger for autism spectrum disorder in vulnerable individuals.
Researchers at Harvard University found that mice brains undergo an explosion of neuromuscular branching before birth, with some muscle fibers contacted by up to 10 nerve cells. However, within days, most connections are pruned away, suggesting experience selects which connections to keep.
A pilot trial found that PharmaNAC, an antioxidant supplement, reduced irritability and repetitive behaviors in children with autism. The study suggests that PharmaNAC may be a valuable tool to treat these symptoms, which are common in autism.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased irritability in children with autism, while being well-tolerated and causing minimal side effects. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings and explore potential treatment benefits for other symptoms.
A Stanford study found that an antioxidant supplement, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), lowered irritability in children with autism and reduced repetitive behaviors. The researchers believe NAC could be a valuable tool to treat certain features of autism, but further trials are needed.
A UC Davis study shows that mothers who experienced fevers during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay. The researchers recommend controlling fevers while pregnant to modify the risk of having a child with these conditions.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover von Economo neurons in macaque monkeys, suggesting a primitive form of self-awareness. The finding opens new avenues for studying brain regions involved in human self-awareness and mental disorders like autism.
A Yale University study found that oxytocin increased brain function in regions processing social information in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. This breakthrough may lead to more effective treatments for core social deficits in autism.
Researchers identified 57 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with an increased risk of autism in siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used a combination of statistical and functional genomic data to predict the risk of autism in unaffected siblings.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found that infants with weak head and neck control are more likely to develop language and social developmental delays, suggesting a potential early indicator of autism. The study adds motor skills evaluation to existing screenings, improving early detection of developmental delays.
Researchers have isolated a gene related to autism, schizophrenia, and obesity in zebrafish, which may also contribute to human conditions. The KCTD13 gene regulates brain cell growth and is associated with head size at birth.
At the 2012 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Autism Speaks presented various scientific findings on autism diagnosis, causes, and treatment options. The organization's Autism Treatment Network shared research on early interventions and technology innovations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ASD.
A new University of Miami study reveals that one in three children who have an older sibling with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit higher levels of autism-related behaviors or lower levels of developmental progress. Typically developing siblings may face subtle forms of ASD-related problems, such as lower back-and-forth play a...
Scientists have discovered that mice lacking Snf2l gene have larger brains, more cells and actively dividing brain stem cells, providing a new approach to stimulate brain regeneration and understand developmental disorders. The research may lead to potential treatments for conditions like autism and Rett syndrome.
A recent study by Yale University researchers identified a pattern of gene activity in the human brain associated with autism and learning disabilities. The findings suggest that the same evolutionary mechanisms that enabled human cognitive abilities may also contribute to psychiatric disorders like autism.
A researcher at Kansas State University has designed a schoolyard that can serve as a therapeutic landscape for elementary school children with autism. The schoolyard features clear boundaries, various activity levels, sensory input options, and ways to foster communication between peers.
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months to assess their risk for ASD. The automated version now available on the Autism Speaks website offers free online scoring and recommendations, enabling parents to identify potential issues early.
Researchers found a deletion in the TMLHE gene that may contribute to milder forms of autism, affecting about one-half of one percent of autism cases. The study suggests that dietary carnitine levels from birth to age three may modify the risk of autism.
Research explores treatment options, disorder management, and memory for children with ADHD and autism. The studies shed light on the challenges of learning and school performance for these children.
Researchers at Hebrew University have identified specific genetic pathways involved in autism, highlighting their potential for early diagnosis and treatment. The study found that different genes tend to be involved in specific brain processes, explaining similarities in behavioral symptoms across individuals.
A new virtual reality study and book series launched by UC Davis researcher Peter Mundy aim to improve educational outcomes for children with autism. The study will track social attention and its relation to academic achievement among schoolchildren with autism, while the book provides evidence-based approaches for teachers.
Researchers discovered that adult brains can form new synapses and prune existing ones in response to learning. This process may hold hope for treating neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.