Brain imaging alone cannot diagnose autism
Recent studies claiming to use brain scans for autism diagnosis are flawed and unreliable. Researchers need to conduct large-scale multicenter studies to understand the biological basis of autism.
Autism
Articles tagged with Autism
More evidence needed to support use of autism interventions
Researchers found moderate to insufficient evidence supporting various autism interventions, highlighting the need for well-designed studies. The expert panel recommends focusing on assessment and monitoring treatment outcomes, addressing needs of preverbal and nonverbal children, and identifying effective strategies for core deficits.
Distinct developmental patterns identified in children with autism during their first 3 years
A study found two distinct patterns of language, social and motor development in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By the third birthday, the level of impairment between early- and late-emerging ASD symptom groups is comparable. Early signs of delay were not easily detected using existing clinical tests.
At 6 months, development of children with autism like those without
A new study reveals that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop similarly to their peers at 6 months of age, but diverge later on. The research, conducted over three years, examined the development of 235 children with and without ASD from 6 to 36 months.
Early autism intervention improves brain responses to social cues
An autism intervention program that emphasizes social interactions has been found to improve cognitive skills and brain responses to faces, a building block for social skills. The program improved attention and cognition brain activity to social stimuli, making the brain function patterns more similar to typical developing children.
ESDM early intervention improves brain activity associated with social cues
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has been found to improve social skills and brain responses to social cues in young children with autism. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, showed that ESDM increased brain activity associated with recognizing and perceiving social information.
Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months
A nationwide study found that intensive early intervention therapy can normalize brain activity, decrease autism symptoms and improve social skills in young children with autism. The therapy, called Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), was effective in improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism.
Autism Speaks creates Delivering Scientific Innovation for Autism LLC
Autism Speaks' new affiliate, DELSIA, will develop medicines, treatments, and products from scientific research, focusing on improving quality of life for those affected by autism. DELSIA's venture philanthropy model aims to translate lab breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
Are schizophrenia and autism close relations?
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to develop autism. The findings suggest a shared genetic root cause between the two conditions, shedding light on their genetics.
American Academy of Pediatrics offers second edition of autism toolkit for clinicians
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a revised autism toolkit for clinicians, featuring over 70 tools for health care providers. The toolkit includes updated guidelines on autism screening, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and referral.
Children with autism can identify misbehavior but have trouble putting it in words
New brain imaging studies show that children with autism may recognize socially inappropriate behavior but have difficulty using spoken language to explain why the behavior is considered wrong. This decreased use of language may also make generalization of knowledge more difficult for these children.
Impact of autism may be different in men and women
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that men and women with autism spectrum conditions exhibit different cognitive abilities. Women with autism performed comparably to non-autistic women in tasks involving attention to detail, while men struggled with similar challenges.
Additive effect of small gene variations can increase risk of autism spectrum disorders
Researchers found that small genetic variations can accumulate and contribute to the risk of autism spectrum disorders. In families where only one child has ASD, 40% of the risk is inherited, rising to 60% in families with multiple affected children. These findings provide new insights into the genetic factors underlying ASD.
Adding up autism risks
A new study published in Molecular Autism found that common genetic variations can add up to increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. The research, which analyzed data from over one million participants, suggests that inherited risk is additive and can significantly impact an individual's likelihood of developing ASD.
Nearly half of children with autism wander or 'bolt' from safe places
A new study found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attempt to elope at least once after age 4, with 53% going missing long enough to cause concern. The study also reveals that elopement behavior is often goal-oriented and intent-driven, with children seeking to go somewhere or do something.
New definition of autism in DSM-5 will not exclude most children with autism
The study found that 91% of children currently diagnosed with a DSM-IV autism spectrum disorder would be diagnosed with ASD using DSM-V, suggesting that the new criteria will not exclude most children. DSM-5 has also been shown to have higher specificity than DSM-IV.
Drug reverses abnormal brain function in rett syndrome mice
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered a promising treatment for Rett syndrome by reversing abnormalities in brain activity with an FDA-approved anesthesia drug, ketamine. This study provides new evidence that drug treatment can improve neurological function in individuals with Rett syndrome.
Baby communication gives clues to autism
University of Miami researchers identified a link between early non-verbal communication skills and the risk of developing autism. The study found that babies as young as eight months old who showed lower levels of referential communication were more likely to exhibit severe autism symptoms by age three.
Autism Speaks awards nearly $5 million
Autism Speaks has awarded nearly $5 million in research grants to support various studies on autism, including the effects of pregnancy medications on future generations. These grants will fund projects that aim to identify biomarkers for response to autism medications, develop new interventions, and expand food choices for picky eater...
Georgia Tech creating high-tech tools to study autism
Researchers have created two innovative technologies to detect behavioral markers in children with autism. An eye-tracking system using gaze-tracking glasses and facial-analysis software can automatically measure eye contact, while a wearable system using accelerometers monitors problem behaviors. These tools aim to improve understandi...
Little evidence supports medical treatment options for adolescents with autism
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that there is insufficient evidence to support medical interventions in adolescents and young adults with autism. Key findings include the potential benefits of antipsychotic medications in reducing problem behaviors, but limited effectiveness for vocational interventions.
Autistic adults have unreliable neural responses, Carnegie Mellon-led research team finds
Research by Carnegie Mellon University neuroscientists reveals that autistic adults exhibit poor response reliability in sensory systems, including vision, hearing, and touch. This fundamental neural characteristic may contribute to behavioral changes and social interactions difficulties in autism.
Medication effective in treating social withdrawal in Fragile X and potentially autism patients
Researchers found a medication to be effective in addressing social withdrawal and challenging behaviors in fragile X syndrome patients. The study suggests potential implications for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, who also experience significant social deficits.
NYU neuroscientists find promise in addressing Fragile X afflictions
Researchers at NYU have devised a method to reduce afflictions associated with Fragile X syndrome in laboratory mice by targeting the protein synthesis process. The study found improvements in physical attributes and behaviors in FXS mice lacking S6K1, but not uniform reductions in repetitive behaviors.
New targeted drug for treating fragile X syndrome, potentially autism, is effective
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.
Seaside publishes research supporting disease-modifying potential of STX209 for fragile X syndrome
STX209 treatment corrects core aspects of FXS pathophysiology, improving social function in patients. The drug has the potential to significantly improve lives of patients with fragile X syndrome and may also have a positive effect on autism spectrum disorders.
Autism symptoms could arise from unreliable neural responses
Neural activity in response to basic sensory information may be unreliable in individuals with autism, leading to a range of behavioral abnormalities. The study suggests that autism could result from fundamental defects in general neural processing.
Children with autism experience interrelated health issues, says MU expert
A study by University of Missouri researcher Micah Mazurek found that nearly one-fourth of children with ASD also experience chronic gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and sensory sensitivities. These interrelated issues can significantly impact daily life and treatment outcomes for children with autism.
Study reveals how common gene mutation affects kids with autism spectrum disorders
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...
Genetic test predicts risk for Autism
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 ...
Studying sex differences in autism focus of $15 million NIH award to Yale center
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.
Nutritional supplement offers promise in treatment of unique form of autism
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.
CHOP’s Center for Autism Research receives five-year grant as an NIH Autism Center of Excellence
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.
2 UNC faculty receive Autism Centers of Excellence grants for new research
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.
There's an app for that: Apple iPod Touch helps adults with autism function in the workplace
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.
Study details bullying involvement for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
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.
Diagnosis often missed for Hispanic children with developmental delay, autism
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.
Little evidence supports autism treatment options in adolescents
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 ...
Low-dose sedative alleviates autistic-like behavior in mice with Dravet syndrome mutation
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.
Research shows gene defect's role in autism-like behavior
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.
'Treating the whole person with autism' sets direction for parent-clinician collaboration
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.
Simple mathematical computations underlie brain circuits
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.
Autism Speaks and SAGE® Labs develop rat models for translational autism research
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.
UCSB autism researchers find that focusing on strengths improves social skills of adolescents
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.
Reorganizing brain could lead to new stroke, tinnitus treatments
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.
Caltech researchers find evidence of link between immune irregularities and autism
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.
Study examines autism law, financial burdens
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.
Questionnaire completed by parents may help identify 1-year-olds at risk for autism
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.
Mutations in autism susceptibility gene increase risk in boys
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 to receive Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award
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.
Researchers report success in treating autism spectrum disorder
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.
Autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may share common underlying factors, study suggests
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.
Common factors suggested in study of autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
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.
Charting autism's neural circuitry
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.
Brain scans detect early signs of autism
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.
EEG test to identify autism in children
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.
Computer analysis of EEG patterns suggests a potential diagnostic test for 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.
UCLA study uncovers new tools for targeting genes linked to autism
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 awards nearly $2.9 million to fund autism research
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 provides strategies to help a child with autism shows difficult behaviors
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.