Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
A pioneering study finds genetic changes that explain why one person has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and another does not. The research identifies potential new regions where copy-number variants are associated with ASDs and shows a significant impact of these variants on gene expression.
Researchers at MIT used zebrafish to study genes associated with autism, finding that nearly all produced brain abnormalities when deleted. The study identified two key genes, kif22 and aldolase a, which may contribute to the development of neurological disorders.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
A UCLA program has proven effective in teaching social skills to high-functioning autistic teens, leading to improved relationships and social functioning. The PEERS clinic's 14-week program helps teens develop critical skills needed to make and keep friends, resulting in fewer problem behaviors and greater understanding of social skills.
A new study has found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) pay more for health care services than children with other conditions. They also use more services but have less access to coordinated care. The researchers highlight the need for better policies and medical home models to address these disparities.
Researchers at Harvard University found that mice brains undergo an explosion of neuromuscular branching before birth, with some muscle fibers contacted by up to 10 nerve cells. However, within days, most connections are pruned away, suggesting experience selects which connections to keep.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that exposure to psychoactive pharmaceuticals in water can induce autism-like gene expression in fathead minnows, specifically in those with genetic predisposition. The findings suggest a potential environmental trigger for autism spectrum disorder in vulnerable individuals.
A pilot trial found that PharmaNAC, an antioxidant supplement, reduced irritability and repetitive behaviors in children with autism. The study suggests that PharmaNAC may be a valuable tool to treat these symptoms, which are common in autism.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased irritability in children with autism, while being well-tolerated and causing minimal side effects. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings and explore potential treatment benefits for other symptoms.
A Stanford study found that an antioxidant supplement, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), lowered irritability in children with autism and reduced repetitive behaviors. The researchers believe NAC could be a valuable tool to treat certain features of autism, but further trials are needed.
A UC Davis study shows that mothers who experienced fevers during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay. The researchers recommend controlling fevers while pregnant to modify the risk of having a child with these conditions.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover von Economo neurons in macaque monkeys, suggesting a primitive form of self-awareness. The finding opens new avenues for studying brain regions involved in human self-awareness and mental disorders like autism.
A Yale University study found that oxytocin increased brain function in regions processing social information in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. This breakthrough may lead to more effective treatments for core social deficits in autism.
Researchers identified 57 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with an increased risk of autism in siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used a combination of statistical and functional genomic data to predict the risk of autism in unaffected siblings.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found that infants with weak head and neck control are more likely to develop language and social developmental delays, suggesting a potential early indicator of autism. The study adds motor skills evaluation to existing screenings, improving early detection of developmental delays.
At the 2012 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Autism Speaks presented various scientific findings on autism diagnosis, causes, and treatment options. The organization's Autism Treatment Network shared research on early interventions and technology innovations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ASD.
A new University of Miami study reveals that one in three children who have an older sibling with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit higher levels of autism-related behaviors or lower levels of developmental progress. Typically developing siblings may face subtle forms of ASD-related problems, such as lower back-and-forth play a...
Researchers have isolated a gene related to autism, schizophrenia, and obesity in zebrafish, which may also contribute to human conditions. The KCTD13 gene regulates brain cell growth and is associated with head size at birth.
Scientists have discovered that mice lacking Snf2l gene have larger brains, more cells and actively dividing brain stem cells, providing a new approach to stimulate brain regeneration and understand developmental disorders. The research may lead to potential treatments for conditions like autism and Rett syndrome.
A recent study by Yale University researchers identified a pattern of gene activity in the human brain associated with autism and learning disabilities. The findings suggest that the same evolutionary mechanisms that enabled human cognitive abilities may also contribute to psychiatric disorders like autism.
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months to assess their risk for ASD. The automated version now available on the Autism Speaks website offers free online scoring and recommendations, enabling parents to identify potential issues early.
Researchers found a deletion in the TMLHE gene that may contribute to milder forms of autism, affecting about one-half of one percent of autism cases. The study suggests that dietary carnitine levels from birth to age three may modify the risk of autism.
A researcher at Kansas State University has designed a schoolyard that can serve as a therapeutic landscape for elementary school children with autism. The schoolyard features clear boundaries, various activity levels, sensory input options, and ways to foster communication between peers.
Research explores treatment options, disorder management, and memory for children with ADHD and autism. The studies shed light on the challenges of learning and school performance for these children.
A new virtual reality study and book series launched by UC Davis researcher Peter Mundy aim to improve educational outcomes for children with autism. The study will track social attention and its relation to academic achievement among schoolchildren with autism, while the book provides evidence-based approaches for teachers.
Researchers at Hebrew University have identified specific genetic pathways involved in autism, highlighting their potential for early diagnosis and treatment. The study found that different genes tend to be involved in specific brain processes, explaining similarities in behavioral symptoms across individuals.
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 study found a possible link between smoking during pregnancy and the development of high-functioning autism, including Asperger's Disorder. The research suggests that certain types of autism may be influenced by environmental factors like maternal smoking.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.