Articles tagged with Autism
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.
A study published by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found a 67% excess of cortical cells in children with autism, pointing to prenatal processes gone awry as a possible cause. The excess neurons were discovered in areas associated with social, communication and cognitive development.
A study characterizes epigenetic signatures of autism in brain tissue, finding hundreds of genomic loci affected by altered histone methylation. The research provides new insights into the genetic and epigenetic risk maps of developmental brain disorders.
Researchers found inconsistent best-estimate clinical diagnoses for autism spectrum disorders across 12 university-based sites, highlighting regional variations and implications for diagnostic frameworks. The study suggests moving towards dimensional descriptions of core features, rather than existing subgroupings.
Researchers mapped epigenetic changes in neurons from individuals with autism, finding hundreds of sites affected by histone methylation alterations. The study reveals considerable overlap between genetic and epigenetic risk maps for developmental brain disorders.
A genome-wide association study has identified the TBL1X gene as a novel candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males. The study found an association between variations in the TBL1X gene and an increased risk of ASD, with an estimated 15% increase in risk.
Recent research reveals that autistic individuals have superior cognitive abilities in perception and reasoning, challenging the long-held notion of autism as a deficiency. Autistic individuals like Michelle Dawson make significant contributions to scientific understanding through their unique perspectives and strengths.
Researchers found that antidepressants given to rats during development led to brain abnormalities and behavioral traits similar to autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the rise in developmental disorders in children.
A study found that rats given a commonly prescribed antidepressant during development exhibited brain abnormalities and behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. The researchers suggest that taking SSRIs during pregnancy may contribute to the rise in developmental disorders in children.
Researchers at UCLA found that boys with autism have slower growth rates in brain regions important for language and social skills, leading to unusual brain circuits. This study suggests delayed brain development may contribute to symptoms of autism and could improve treatment options.
University of Missouri researchers have identified distinct differences in facial characteristics between children with autism and typically developing children. The study found that children with autism have broader eyes, a shorter middle face region, and a wider mouth, which may enable further study of the underlying causes of autism.
A study by Rice University biochemist Michael Stern suggests a possible link between Type 2 diabetes and autism due to impaired glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. This common underlying mechanism may lead to the development of new treatments for autistic children, including low-carbohydrate diets.
Researchers at UC Davis found a genetic variant associated with autoantibodies in pregnant women that may increase their child's risk of developing autism. The study suggests a potential screening test for women at risk of having an autistic child, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention.
A new method has enabled the accurate sequencing and identification of genetic variants on the X chromosome, a hotspot for genes linked to autism and intellectual disability. The technology allows for fast and efficient analysis, potentially leading to easier clinical diagnosis and novel discoveries.
The research aims to identify essential ingredients of a successful transition from intensive early intervention to the public school system. It focuses on student-teacher relationships, which are particularly important for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found a link between low birthweight and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. Premature infants are five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than children born at normal weight, according to the study published in Pediatrics.
Researchers found that premature infants are five times more likely to develop autism, with a 5% diagnosis rate compared to 1% in the general population. The study, which followed 862 children from birth to young adulthood, suggests low birthweight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching a new autism curriculum, 'Autism Case Training', to educate future pediatricians on identifying, diagnosing, and managing autism spectrum disorders. The curriculum consists of seven case-based studies and emphasizes practical skills for patient and parent interaction.
Studies followed children from 6 months to age 3, finding that those who would later develop autism exhibited distinct behaviors at 12 months, including joint attention and imitation issues. Early intervention techniques are being developed to address these signs, with promising early results.
The Autism Speaks BGI collaboration aims to generate the world's largest library of sequenced genomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The initiative will perform whole genome sequencing on over 2,000 participating families and collect data from China.
An expert at the University of Missouri has identified employment resources for adults with autism, including state vocational rehabilitation programs and job seekers' recommendations. These resources aim to improve workplace accommodations and hiring processes, enabling individuals with autism to succeed in the workforce.
The selected studies will evaluate the effectiveness of promising behavioral and medical treatments for core symptoms and associated medical issues in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Three pilot projects focus on social engagement and language development in non-verbal individuals, while three o...
Researchers discovered high-functioning individuals with autism do not consider others' thoughts when making decisions. This finding provides insight into the psychology of autism-spectrum disorders and has implications for therapies and public education.
A genetically engineered mouse model with tripled Ube3a gene dosage exhibits robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication, and excessive repetitive behaviors. The study provides further clues in understanding brain defects that lead to autism development.
A 16-year study confirms the accuracy of autism diagnosis in children with Down syndrome using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The research found that clinicians can use the DSM to identify autism spectrum disorders in these individuals, providing them with targeted educational and intervention services.
Scientists at CSHL have discovered that a 27-gene cluster deletion on chromosome 16 causes autism-like features. Mouse models revealed that inheriting fewer copies of these genes leads to behaviors and brain alterations characteristic of autism.
A defective gene in mice shows behaviors and symptoms similar to those observed in humans with autism spectrum disorders. The animals respond similarly to an FDA-approved drug used to treat repetitive behaviors in people with autism.
Researchers created a mouse model that displays remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. The animals responded well to an FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat repetitive behaviors often associated with the disease.