Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
USC/CHLA researchers have found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing autism in young children. Exposure to traffic-related and regional air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood may increase the risk by more than two-fold.
A study of 279 children with autism and 245 control subjects found exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy and the first year of life was associated with an increased risk of autism. Children living in homes with high levels of modeled traffic pollution were three times more likely to have autism.
Research has shown a three-fold increase in autism risk associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood. Novel neuroimaging approaches have also confirmed an association between autism and immune function changes, shedding light on mechanisms behind the disorder.
A study in mice found that abnormally high synthesis of neuroligins results in symptoms similar to those diagnosed in ASD. The researchers also discovered that compounds inhibiting protein synthesis or targeting neuroligins can rectify autism-like behaviors in adult mice.
Researchers will track brain development in infants with TSC using advanced imaging techniques to identify those at high risk for autism. The study aims to open new avenues of research and treatment for autism, not only in TSC but also in other causes.
A new study reveals that 34.3% of students with an ASD enroll in STEM majors, higher than peers with other disabilities and the general population. However, young adults with ASD have one of the lowest overall college enrollment rates due to factors like family income and social challenges.
Researchers found that metal-binding agents applied to the skin, prescribed for autism treatment, are not absorbed and ineffective. The study contradicts claims made by some practitioners treating children with mercury-binding agents.
A new study by Columbia University researchers identifies two genetic networks affected in schizophrenia, which also show a connection to autism. The analysis reveals that many genes mutated in schizophrenia are organized into these networks, involved in processes like axon guidance and chromosomal modification.
A new study of eight child prodigies suggests a possible link between their special skills and autism. The prodigies, who scored exceptionally on working memory tests, show elevated autistic traits but lack the typical deficits associated with autism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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' 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.