Articles tagged with Autism
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.
A team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has found a striking association between Fragile-X gene mutations and autism, identifying 60 new candidate genes. The study suggests that these genes are regulated by FMRP, a protein encoded by the Fragile-X gene, which plays a vital role in neural development and synaptic plasticity.
Research identifies specific genetic mechanism underlying autism and fragile X syndrome, suggesting gene dosage disruption as key factor in autism development. The study found a strong overlap between autism candidate genes and those linked to fragile X syndrome, with implications for therapy and diagnosis.
New research from UC Davis and Washington State University shows that PCBs disrupt normal brain development by promoting excessive dendrite growth and altering cellular signaling pathways. This may increase the likelihood of autism spectrum disorders in children with a genetic predisposition.
Mount Sinai researchers identify top 10 toxic chemicals suspected to contribute to autism and learning disabilities, including lead, methylmercury, and PCBs. The list aims to guide research into preventable environmental causes of these conditions.
Researchers found that GRN-529 increased social interactions and reduced repetitive self-grooming behavior in mice with autism-like symptoms. The compound also almost completely stopped repetitive jumping in another strain of mice.
Researchers identified 22 new genes linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, revealing the genetic code can be disrupted at distinct sites without causing significant loss of genetic material.
A study has discovered 33 genes contributing to autism and related disorders, including schizophrenia. Chromosomal breakpoints and rearrangements in non-protein-coding regions disrupted these genes, highlighting their individual impact on neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
A two-year study is underway to identify genetic biomarkers that can predict autism risk in infant siblings. Researchers are examining DNA samples from children with autism and their older siblings to determine if there are any genetic markers that could provide a more accurate estimate of the sibling's risk.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that the genetic reach of autism extends to half siblings, suggesting a central role for genetic mechanisms in transmission. The researchers analyzed over 5,000 families with a child diagnosed with autism and found that half siblings were at higher risk than full siblings.
A study by Yale researchers found that about 25% of classic autism diagnoses and 75% of Asperger's Syndrome diagnoses may not meet the new DSM-5 criteria. The study suggests that higher-functioning individuals with intellectual disabilities may be more likely to qualify for a diagnosis.
A new web-based tool has been developed using machine learning techniques to diagnose autism in young children quickly and accurately. The tool uses a short survey of seven questions to achieve nearly 100% accuracy, reducing the time for diagnosis from hours to minutes.
A major study found strong links between maternal diabetes, obesity, and the likelihood of having a child with autism or another developmental disorder. Mothers with diabetes were nearly twice as likely to have a child with developmental delays, while obese mothers were 1-2/3 times more likely to have an autistic child.
A DNA sequencing consortium has identified patterns of mutations in autism, highlighting hundreds of genes and pinpointing two specific genes as strong risk factors. The study found that de novo point mutations play a role in the development of autism, with some genes more connected to each other than expected.
Researchers found a common network of interactions among genes mutated in children with autism, affecting brain cell formation and signaling. The study also discovered that most new mutations were paternal in origin, correlating with the age of the father.
Fathers are four times more likely than mothers to transmit spontaneous mutations to their children with autism, increasing the child's risk five to 20 fold. Researchers found that these tiny genetic glitches play a significant role in ASDs and may provide clues to new treatments.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that approximately 15% of autism cases in families with a single autistic child are associated with spontaneous genetic mutations. The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from 238 families and identified hundreds of de novo sequence variations linked to an increased risk for autism.
A multi-institutional team of researchers has identified two genes as 'genuine risk factors' for autism spectrum disorders. The study, published in Nature, used massively parallel sequencing to search for mutations that might affect autism risk and found that these genes are functionally related and physically interact with each other.
A recent study published in Nature sequenced exomes of 175 trios with autism spectrum disorder and found many new gene mutations, but few definitive causes. The researchers observed an increased protein-protein connectivity among affected genes and implicated two genes, KATNAL2 and CHD8, as potential risk factor genes.
A new study by UCLA researchers has discovered a single instance of two independent mutations disrupting the SCN2A gene in affected siblings, confirming its importance. The study found multiple variations between unaffected and affected groups, making promising new candidates for autism susceptibility genes.
Researchers identified CHD8, SNC2A, and KATNAL2 gene mutations as risk factors for autism. The studies provide a better understanding of the genetic changes and biological pathways involved in autism spectrum disorders.
Research from Michigan State University found that autistic children born preterm or post-term have significantly higher screening scores for autism spectrum disorder than those born on time. The study also reveals a link between the length of pregnancy and the severity of autism symptoms.
A new CDC report reveals a staggering 78% increase in autism diagnoses over the past six years, with estimated costs of $126 billion annually. Autism Speaks calls for a national strategy to address early diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with autism.
Autism has more than tripled in cost since 2006, reaching $126 billion in the US and £34 billion in the UK. The lifetime costs of caring for individuals with autism affected by intellectual disability are significantly higher, up to $2.3 million in the US and £1.5 million in the UK.
A new study published in JoVE demonstrates a method for using eye-tracking technology to study young children with autism. The research aims to answer questions about how children with developmental abnormalities view the world, including their perception of faces.
Autism Speaks has awarded $1.1 million in funding to support research projects focusing on differences between DSM-IV and proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the impact of flame retardants on immune systems, and strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with autism.
Researchers at Uppsala University have identified potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder using advanced mass spectrometry. The study found disruptions in the nervous system and a connection between protein C3 and ASD, which may lead to a reliable blood-based diagnostic tool.
A study led by Eric Courchesne identified genetic mechanisms involved in abnormal early brain development and overgrowth in young autism patients. The findings suggest novel genetic and molecular targets for prevention and treatment strategies.
A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that people with autism possess a higher capacity for processing information, especially when faced with rapid presentations and distractions. This increased ability can be beneficial in careers such as IT, where intense concentration is required.
Researchers found structural differences in brains of healthy carriers of the CNTNAP2 gene variant, which may contribute to increased vulnerability for autism. The study suggests that genetic variations can affect brain connectivity and signaling, leading to functional abnormalities characteristic of neuropsychological disorders.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a mouse model that expresses a common genetic variation linked to autism, revealing exaggerated serotonin signaling and social behavior changes. The study suggests that developmental disruptions in serotonin levels may lead to long-lasting brain wiring changes.
The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute will focus on research strategies that address the impact of autism throughout an individual's lifespan, including prevention, intervention, and community approaches. The institute aims to develop effective solutions to reduce morbidity and disability associated with autism.
Aarhus University researchers will study five specific mental disorders: schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, autism, and ADHD. They aim to identify biological disease mechanisms and provide the basis for better treatment and prevention.
A global consortium is collaborating on the largest ever academic-industry research project to find new methods for developing drugs for ASD. The EU-AIMS project aims to provide novel validated cellular assays, animal models, and new biomarkers for patient-segmentation or individual response prediction.
A pilot study found associations between parental exposure to certain solvents and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children. The researchers also observed higher levels of asphalt and solvent exposures among parents of children with ASD compared to those without the condition.
Research on multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), a rare genetic disease, reveals the molecular basis of autistic symptoms in children with MHE. The study identifies the amygdala as the brain region responsible for autistic symptoms, shedding light on potential underlying causes and future treatments.
Researchers now solidly implicated certain genes as being involved in autism, affecting signal transmission and brain circuits. This breakthrough paves the way for future medications and treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers used brain imaging and computer modeling to show how the brain's white matter tracts are altered in autism, affecting brain function and behavior. The findings give scientists clear targets for developing intervention and treatment therapies.
Around 70% of young adults with Asperger Syndrome reported at least one episode of depression, while up to 50% experienced repeated episodes. One third of individuals also have ADHD, and characteristics between Asperger and schizophrenia share similarities in autistic traits and social cognitive ability
Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure brain activity in individuals with ASD and healthy controls, finding a blunted response to motor cortex stimulation. This suggests that deficits in the mirror neuron system contribute to social deficits in autism spectrum disorder.
The study aims to confirm the predictive value of established genetic markers and enroll 600 children over two years. If successful, a genetic test could help identify children with autism earlier, providing beneficial treatment and improved outcomes.
Researchers used eye-tracking to measure relationship between cognitive and social disability in children with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that children with ASD were less likely to look at others' eyes and faces, but varying observation patterns were associated with different levels of social disability.
A Yale University study found that combining medication with parent training improved everyday adaptive functioning in children with autism and behavioral problems. Parents who received the structured training showed greater improvement on measures of adaptive behavior.
A Swedish register study reveals that children born to certain immigrant groups have an increased risk of developing autism with intellectual disability. The study suggests that environmental factors may contribute to the development of autism, particularly for children whose mothers migrated just before or during pregnancy.
The Autism Treatment Network has released two new tool kits: Sleep Strategies for Children with Autism and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The guides provide families and dental professionals with effective strategies to improve sleep quality and oral health, respectively. By implementing these tools, families can cre...
Researchers identify differences in brain structure in infants who later develop autism spectrum disorders, including stronger white matter connections at 6 months. The study suggests a period of dramatic brain changes between 6-24 months may be critical for ASD diagnosis.
A new study finds that minority toddlers with autism exhibit more delayed language, communication, and gross motor skills compared to Caucasian peers. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive screening and assessment practices to ensure early detection and intervention.
Researchers from the UC Davis MIND Institute will present on the relationships between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on autism development. Their research highlights the impact of flame retardant chemicals on autism risk, particularly in female offspring.
A study found differences in brain communication pathways as early as 6 months in infants who later received a diagnosis of autism. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the brains of 92 infants, including those with older siblings on the autism spectrum. This study offers promise for identifying infants at risk f...
Researchers discovered significant brain development differences in 6-month-old high-risk infants who later developed autism compared to those who did not. Infants with autism showed elevated white matter fiber tract development at 6 months, followed by slower changes over time.
A new study found significant brain differences in high-risk infants who later developed autism, starting as early as 6 months. Infants with autism had elevated white matter fiber tract development at birth, but slower growth over time, suggesting potential early interventions.
Researchers discovered significant brain differences in infants as young as six months old who later develop autism. Infants with autism showed changes in white matter pathways, which may be used to diagnose the disorder earlier.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that exposure to a common flame retardant chemical BDE-47 in mice led to social, behavioral and learning deficits in their offspring. The research highlights the interaction between epigenetics and genetics and exposure to the chemical.
A recent study of 56 children with autism spectrum disorders found no statistically significant correlation between urinary mercury levels and autism. The researchers suggest that mercury excretion rates are unlikely to have a clear causal link to autism spectrum disorders.
A study published in Autism found that 83% of children with autism spectrum disorder were below average in motor skills, while their siblings scored in the normal range. The researchers suggest that genes play a role in these impairments, potentially explaining the association between motor coordination and social responsiveness.
A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found a joint association between maternal and paternal age and autism risk. Mothers with autistic children were on average 6.5 years older than non-autistic women, while fathers had an average age difference of 5.9 years.
A new study confirms that synaptic protein mutations increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), emphasizing the importance of synaptic gene dysfunction and modifier genes. The research identifies mutations in the SHANK2 gene and highlights its role in neuronal function and interaction with other genetic variations.
Researchers found that adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities have a higher likelihood of having autism. The study revealed that about 60% of men and 43% of women with severe learning disabilities have autism, emphasizing the need for improved services and training for staff.
Researchers have discovered that a gene mutation in autistic individuals leads to difficulties in processing auditory cues and paying spatial attention to sound. Treatment with rapamycin blocks hyperconnectivity triggered by PTEN gene loss.
Scientists discovered a new link between mutations in an evolved gene module and syndromic autism, specifically Joubert syndrome. The study found that alterations in cellular primary cilia led to malformation or underdevelopment of the cerebellum and brainstem.