Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Infants with autism show subtle, measurable differences in attention as early as 7 months old. Researchers found a specific neural circuit causes the slower response, pointing to a problem with 'sticky attention'.
Researchers found that individuals with autism have broader tuning of neurons in the fusiform face area, leading to difficulties in recognizing faces. This impairment affects social interactions and limits facial expression understanding.
Researchers developed a mouse model of autism and tested a treatment that blocked abnormal cell danger signals, reversing autism symptoms. The study suggests chronic brain inflammation and frayed connections between brain cells contribute to autism.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has found that autism spectrum disorders affect brain activity differently in children and adults. The research suggests that brain changes associated with autism continue to develop into adulthood, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
Researchers at UC San Diego used a newly discovered function of an old drug to restore cell communications in a mouse model of autism, reversing symptoms. The findings suggest that correcting abnormalities in a mouse is a long way from a cure for humans but offer encouragement to test this approach in a small clinical trial.
Research suggests autistic children are 28 times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide than typical children, with demographics and behavioral problems being key risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 700 children with autism, finding depression was the strongest single predictor of suicidal ideation or attempts.
A new study found that taking folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy can lower the risk of childhood autism by 40%. The study, based on data from Norway's Mother and Child Cohort Study, suggests that this prevention method is simple, inexpensive, and effective.
Research found short bouts of exercise enhance higher brain functions, including memory, concentration, planning, and decision-making, in all three age groups. Short exercises improved self-control, especially in children and teens, crucial for academic achievement and daily life.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 70% of children with autism spectrum disorders achieve phrase or fluent speech by age eight, driven by nonverbal intelligence and social interest. The study also found that core abilities, such as nonverbal intelligence and social engagement, have a greater influence on communication dev...
Scientists have created a detailed map of the global connections within the brains of individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum, a genetic cause of autism. The study reveals abnormal brain connectivity patterns and network topology, potentially leading to new imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and management.
Researchers analyzed EEGs from autistic children and found a structural difference in brain connections, including increased short-range and decreased long-range connections. This pattern may underlie autism's classic cognitive profile of focused tasks but poor integration across brain areas.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism spectrum disorders display more social behaviors like talking and physical contact when interacting with animals than with toys. The presence of animals also increases instances of smiling and laughing, and reduces negative behaviors.
Researchers will use a novel model and emerging technology to study astrocytes in autism spectrum disorders, providing a framework for future strategies. The grant supports Trapp's work on mechanisms of neurodegeneration and repair in multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
Research at Arizona State University has found that children with autism have higher levels of several toxic metals in their blood and urine compared to typical children. The study's findings suggest a strong association between toxic metal levels and variations in autism severity.
A new study found that low-birth-weight newborns with enlarged ventricles on an ultrasound are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life. The research suggests that an early brain abnormality may indicate a higher risk of developing autism.
Researchers found increased activation in brain regions utilized by typically developing kids after four months of Pivotal Response Treatment. This suggests improved social engagement and processing of low-level social stimuli. The study's findings have implications for early intervention and potential long-term benefits.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in CELF6 that disrupts serotonin signaling and leads to common autism behaviors like communication difficulties and resistance to change. The findings provide new insights into the biological pathways underlying autism.
Young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are less likely to receive healthcare transition services than those with other special needs. This can lead to gaps in care and increased dependence on the healthcare system.
Women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy had a 40 per cent lower risk of giving birth to children with childhood autism. The findings only apply to a lower risk of childhood autism, the most severe form of autism.
A Norwegian study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements during early pregnancy had a 40% reduced risk of having children with autistic disorder. The timing of the supplements was critical, with the greatest reduction in risk observed when taken between 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.
A study of 85,000 Norwegian children found that prenatal folic acid supplementation was associated with a lower risk of autistic disorder. The research suggests that maternal use of folic acid supplements before and early in pregnancy may protect against the development of autism spectrum disorders.
A review of published studies suggests that interactions with therapy dogs can help children with ASD develop emotional attachments and interaction in a social setting, leading to improved interpersonal communication. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and build on the current evidence.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that genes linked to autism and schizophrenia are only switched on during early stages of brain development. Researchers used advanced techniques to map gene activity in mouse brains, identifying key populations of subplate neurons and shedding light on th...
Yale researchers identified social attention deficits in six-month-old infants with autism spectrum disorders, suggesting an early warning sign. The study's findings may pave the way for earlier interventions and treatment strategies.
A comprehensive analysis found children with autism are 5 times more likely to have feeding problems, including tantrums and severe food selectivity. The study also showed lower intake of calcium and protein, and a higher number of nutritional deficits among these children.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and Tel Aviv University found that mutations in the NHE9 gene lead to a profound loss of function in an ion transporter, which may trigger seizures. This discovery could lead to new diagnosis or treatment options for autism patients.
A New York-based physician-researcher has uncovered a potential connection between autism and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels in newborns, proposing a study to investigate this hypothesis. IGF plays a crucial role in brain development, and depressed levels may serve as a biomarker for the later development of autism.
Researchers found that a protein family linked to autism suppresses the development of inhibitory synapses, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Overexpressing this protein reduced inhibitory synapse density, while knocking it down increased their development.
Researchers found a 43% increase in autism among mothers with top 20th percentile CRP levels and an 80% increase at the top 10th percentile. The study used a large national birth cohort and adds to evidence of an overactive immune response altering fetal brain development.
Two new studies identify inherited genetic mutations linked to autism spectrum disorders, suggesting that 5% of autism risk is due to complete gene function disruption. Researchers also found partial loss of gene function and variability in autism severity despite similar genetic mutations.
Researchers identified several inherited mutations in genes linked to severe syndromes that also cause autism, including AMT, PEX7, and SYNE1. These milder mutations seemed to cause brain-specific disease, offering new insights into the genetic causes of autism.
A NIH-funded study confirmed that some children who were accurately diagnosed with autism in early childhood can lose the symptoms and diagnosis as they grow older. The research team documented a small group of school-age children and young adults who no longer exhibit signs of the disorder, now comparable to their mainstream peers.
The UCI Center for Autism Research & Treatment is launching an innovative drug discovery effort to develop effective pharmaceutical therapy for core deficits of autism. Researchers are using a synergistic approach, integrating multiple disciplines and compounds to target neural pathways altered in the disorder.
Researchers identified 24 new copy number variants with strong links to autism, providing potential genetic diagnosis for up to 10-12% of children with ASD. The study validates the genetic markers used in a commercial test, advancing early detection and treatment methods.
A new study reveals that a mutation in the Timothy syndrome gene causes abnormal brain circuitry by retraction of dendrites in response to neural activity, leading to cognitive impairment. The finding may have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Researchers identified 25 additional copy number variations associated with autism, which could serve as predictive markers. The study found that these variants have a strong effect in raising an individual's risk for autism and may be incorporated into clinical tests.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital finds reduced local and long-range brain activity coordination in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Local connectivity was previously thought to be higher in autistic brains, but the current research reveals a more complex connection between brain regions.
Autism Speaks funds 14 new research projects, including technology-based initiatives, environmental epidemiology studies, and basic clinical research to better understand autism causes, prevention, treatment, and cure. These grants aim to enhance early screening, diagnosis, and access to interventions.
Research at George Washington University reveals that genetic lesions associated with autism disrupt cellular mechanisms for interneuron development. LaMantia found that the Cxcr4 cytokine receptor plays a crucial role in regulating interneuron migration.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that genetic mutations in 'hotspots' are more frequent in genes linked to autism and other disorders, providing new insights into their causes. Researchers found that these regions exhibit higher mutation rates, potentially leading to disruptions in gene function.
Researchers have discovered a higher frequency of the fragile X genetic defect in newborns than previously believed, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 200 females and 1 in 400 males. The study's findings suggest that large-scale newborn screening for the defect is technically feasible using blood spots from infant heel pricks.
A study found that autism genes are more prone to mutation hotspots, contributing to disease risk. The researchers used whole-genome sequencing on monozygotic twins with autism and their parents, identifying clusters of nucleotide substitutions in specific parts of the genome.
Researchers found a significant association between regional hypermutability and autism in monozygotic twins. The study also discovered that paternal age accounts for a substantial portion of variability in mutation rates, while maternal age has no significant effect.
Researchers have identified numerous new genes associated with autism spectrum disorder using high-throughput sequencing technology. This discovery confirms that the genetic origins of autism are complex and may involve hundreds of mutations.
A leading researcher's findings reveal that mental health is not improving at the same rate as global health and lifespan, with autism prevalence found in males, those without higher education, and social housing residents. Training Health Visitors to assess and support mothers after childbirth can prevent depression in adults.
Researchers developed a portable video-based test to measure language comprehension in toddlers and children with autism. The test, known as IPL, tracks eye movements while watching videos to identify language understanding without relying on verbal responses.
A collaborative research effort has pinpointed the genetic footprint that links fragile X syndrome and autism. The findings identify at least 93 genes controlled by the fragile X mental retardation protein, which are also linked to other neurologic syndromes.
A clinical trial has shown that a diuretic can reduce the severity of autistic disorders in three-quarters of children. The treatment, which involves administering bumetanide to children with autism or Asperger's syndrome, has been found to improve symptoms such as social interaction and communication.
A computer-based design program, SketchUp, helps develop spatial and visual acuity in youth on the autism spectrum. It also improves relationships between grandparents and their grandkids, creating a more supportive environment. The technology provides common ground for grandparents to engage with others, sharing experiences and joys.
Researchers identified evidence of immune system involvement in autism development through novel genome analysis approaches, supporting a common molecular physiology behind the condition. Viral infection pathways were found most important in this immune-related mechanism, potentially affecting brain development.
Researchers at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute have identified a new genetic process that could lead to novel treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetic mutations affecting brain development can occur in genes of unknown function, suggesting a previously overlooked pathway in brain development.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found significant health care shortcomings among autistic adults, including lower rates of preventive services and higher emergency department use. The research highlighted the need for better primary care services for this population.
Researchers found that externalizing symptoms like aggression drove ED visits among children with ASD. Private insurance coverage was linked to a higher likelihood of psychiatric ED visits due to excluded autism coverage and restrictive reimbursement limits.
DELSIA and Seaside Therapeutics aim to discover genetic and protein biomarkers to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment with arbaclofen, a potential treatment for core social impairment in autism. The partnership will help generate critical information to develop targeted treatments.
Researchers explore autism spectrum disorder genetics and biomarker development in a special issue of Disease Markers. Early diagnosis through biomarkers could improve individual outcomes with early behavioral intervention.
A study by Brigham Young University found a strong correlation between the persistence of fears and the severity of classic symptoms of autism. Children with autism took longer to extinguish their original fear in response to a changing visual cue, highlighting the need to help them make emotional transitions.
A Baylor University study suggests that chelation therapy, a popular autism treatment, is ineffective and potentially harmful. The research found methodological weaknesses in existing studies on chelation, which could contribute to cardiac problems and other serious side effects.
A four-year $600,000 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health will support an SDSU scientist's research on brain network connectivity in autistic children and adolescents. The study aims to understand how atypical brain connections link to impaired social functioning in children with autism.
A survey found that 80% of parents with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would pursue genetic testing to identify risk in younger siblings. The average lag from initial suspicion to diagnosis was almost three years, with many families experiencing anxiety due to the increased risk of recurrence.
A recent study published in Autism Research found that six-month-old infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder produce cries with higher and more variable fundamental frequency than low-risk infants. The study suggests the potential of cry acoustics as an early screening method for autism.