Articles tagged 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A family history of psychiatric conditions such as autism and depression may shape a person's intellectual interests. The study found that students interested in humanities or social sciences were more likely to report a family member with mood disorders or substance abuse, while those interested in science and technical majors were mo...
Researchers have identified differences in brain function that may predict future autism symptoms in infants as young as six months old. The study found that these early brain responses associate with a later diagnosis of autism, suggesting direct measures of brain functioning could aid in predicting the development of autism symptoms.
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.
The grant will explore the environmental factors influencing autism risk through epigenetic changes in DNA methylation. Autism Speaks aims to uncover avoidable risks and provide guidance for earlier diagnosis and improved treatments.
A study by University of Missouri researcher Micah Mazurek found that 64% of adolescents with ASD spent most of their free time watching TV and playing video games, while only 13.2% used socially interactive media.
A study led by Durham University found that children with autism have intact inner speech mechanisms but often don't use them like typically developing children do. Teaching strategies to encourage inner speech may improve communication impairments and daily life skills.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that low birth weight is an important environmental factor contributing to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers used a unique study design involving discordant twin pairs and found that lower birth weight more than tripled the risk for autism.
The new technology, called Serial Two-Photon Tomography, allows for high-throughput fluorescence imaging of whole mouse brains, facilitating systematic comparisons between different mouse models. This enables the study of neuroanatomy in mouse models of human brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.
A study published in mBio found that children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms have high levels of the bacterium Sutterella in their intestines. The researchers detected Sutterella species at remarkably high levels, which may play a role in the development of gastrointestinal disturbances in children with autism.
A workshop program using 3D modeling software SketchUp has shown benefits for children with autism, improving social engagement, self-confidence, and relationships among generations within families. The program's creators noticed significant improvements in participants' behavior, attention span, and ability to interact with peers.
Researchers found that autistic children with gastrointestinal problems harbor a specific type of bacteria, Sutterella, which is not detected in non-autistic children. The study used tissue samples from the guts of patients and suggests that these differences may play a role in the development of autism.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that two-thirds of teens with high-functioning autism disorder are already driving or planning to drive. Predictive characteristics include being at least 17 years old, having a parent who taught another teen to drive, and including driving-related goals in their IEP.
The new treatment section provides insight into different treatment options for children with autism, including behavioral interventions and clinical therapies. Families can view examples of treatment in action to help determine the best course of treatment for their child.
Researchers found that oxytocin administration enhanced prosocial choices in rhesus macaques, making them pay attention to each other and choose to give juice to a neighbor. The hormone also increased gaze duration when choosing to reward another monkey, suggesting improved social skills.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found that elevated levels of an amyloid precursor protein fragment in the blood may explain aberrations in immune cell populations and function. The findings suggest that the protein fragment could be both a biomarker for autism and a new research target.
Researchers assigned distinct aspects of visual information processing to each side of the brain, revealing a division of labor between left and right hemispheres. The left hemisphere processes external physical input, resolving into a 'grey scale', while the right hemisphere makes final decisions on face recognition.
Autism Speaks has awarded 47 new research grants, totaling $13.2 million, to advance understanding of epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies on adolescents and adults with autism. The grants will focus on increasing early diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing the economic cost of autism.
Researchers at UNC may have found a way to awaken the dormant allele of Ube3a, leading to potential treatments for Angelman syndrome. The team used FDA-approved drugs like irinotecan and topotecan to 'awaken' the paternal allele, resulting in functional protein expression.
The NDAR federation has created the largest source of autism research data to date, providing a standardized platform for collaboration and data sharing. Researchers can access results from various sources simultaneously, conducting independent analyses and supplementing their own research data.
A new study by Michigan State University researcher Brooke Ingersoll found that teaching imitation skills to toddlers and preschoolers with autism improves key areas of deficit, such as eye contact and gestures. The findings come at a pivotal time in autism research, which is detecting behaviors and symptoms earlier than ever before.
Autism Speaks has joined the National Institute of Health's National Database for Autism Research (NDAR), providing access to genetic, phenotypic, and clinical data from 2500 families. This collaboration enables researchers to pool larger datasets and accelerate scientific discovery.
Research by Thomas Hills and Ralph Hertwig suggests that there is an upper limit to cognitive enhancements, leading to potential drawbacks such as autism, synaesthesia, or anxiety. The study found that 'supermind' traits come with trade-offs, making a highly-evolved brain unlikely.
A study at Boston Children's Hospital found that autism spectrum disorders may involve disordered white matter in the brain, with patients exhibiting higher radial diffusivity values and disorganized axon pathways compared to healthy controls.
The new tool kit provides valuable guidance on utilizing pictures and visual supports to facilitate daily communication, social interactions, and adaptation to new situations. It has been found to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance and independence in families who use it.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that 3-year-old boys with regressive autism have larger brains than their healthy counterparts, while girls with autism do not show abnormal brain growth. Brain enlargement was consistently observed only in the subset of children diagnosed with regressive autism.
A study using disease-in-a-dish technology has grown neurons from Timothy Syndrome patients' skin cells, revealing defects in brain wiring and cellular calcium regulation. The findings support the link between the genetic mutation and developmental abnormalities, including reduced corpus callosum size.
Researchers found a gene mutation causing calcium channels to be defective, leading to impaired neuronal communication and development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to grow brain-like spheres from skin cells of patients with Timothy syndrome, which showed abnormalities in calcium levels and gene expression.
The Royal Arch Masons have awarded a $100,000 grant to Autism Speaks to investigate auditory processing disorders in children with autism. The grant aims to create better outcomes for children at risk of developing both ASD and CAPD by addressing precursor symptoms of auditory processing disorders.
Recent studies shed light on how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in individuals with autism and fragile X syndrome. The research findings offer new tools for understanding these conditions, paving the way for effective education, early intervention, and potential treatments.
Studies show how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. New findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for conditions like fragile X syndrome and bipolar disorder.
A new treatment called Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AMMT) has been shown to help nonverbal children with autism develop speech. The study found that children who received AMMT were able to approximate whole words and phrases, with noticeable improvements as early as two weeks into the treatment.
A new study found that autism diagnoses vary significantly across different clinical centers, with varying use of subcategories like Asperger syndrome. The research suggests that a more standardized approach to diagnosing autism spectrum disorders would provide more accurate and consistent information about individual patients.
A recent NIH-funded study found that children with autism have more brain cells and heavier brains compared to typically developing children. The researchers suggest that faulty prenatal cell birth or maintenance may be involved in the development of autism.
A preliminary study found that children with autism had an average 67% more prefrontal brain neurons and a larger than average brain weight compared to children without autism. The researchers also discovered significant differences in neuron counts in the PFC, with 79% more neurons in one subdivision.