Articles tagged with Autism
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that propranolol may improve language and social skills in people with autism. The drug acts by reducing stress-induced norepinephrine effects, allowing the brain to function more flexibly.
Asperger individuals display uneven profiles of performance in common intelligence test batteries, but scores are much higher on a reasoning-based test called Raven's Progressive Matrices. This suggests a common information processing mechanism for both Asperger and autistic individuals.
Research suggests that early, intensive therapy is most effective in improving social-communication skills for children with autism. A study of over 1,000 children found that those who received more comprehensive treatment achieved better outcomes.
The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network has received a $12 million federal grant to continue its work in supporting clinical research, developing best-practice guidelines, and providing tool kits for families and physicians. The funding will also support the development of additional research within the ATN, including clinical trial...
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative selects seven new software applications to be built by volunteer developers, aiming to improve daily life for individuals with autism. The selected apps include social stories, calendar management, medical journals, and communication tools.
Research from Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network found that over half of children and adolescents with autism also have ADHD symptoms, compromising their adaptive abilities and quality of life. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating ADHD symptoms in individuals with autism.
Research finds children with autism and GI disturbances have changed genes involved in digestion, altering intestinal bacteria. These changes may contribute to behavioral disturbances in some cases.
A new study published in Autism Research found that parental age, maternal ethnicity, and paternal age are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID), while household income has no significant link. The research also identified demographic risk factors such as male gender and...
Autism Speaks has launched a new toolkit to help parents prepare their child for blood draws and routine medical procedures, reducing stress and improving the overall experience. The tool kit provides practical strategies, visual supports, and guidance for medical practitioners to create a smoother approach.
A transgenic mouse model exhibiting behavioral parallels with humans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has improved scientific understanding and may lead to diagnostic tests based on biomarkers. The research could also help design targeted interventions and treatments.
Researchers from Boston Medical Center will study neurological and brain abnormalities in former extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANS) with a $13 million NIH grant. The study aims to identify infants at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and establish a method for prophylactic interventions.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital uses a novel method to analyze brain-scan data, distinguishing children with autism from typically developing children. The findings show that gray matter in social communication and self-related brain regions has a distinct organization in people with autism.
The reappearance of measles is linked to unfounded fears about a link between the measles shot and autism, says Dr. Gregory Poland. Despite over 20 studies finding no connection between MMR vaccine and autism, some parents have turned against childhood vaccination.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate have developed a diagnostic test to measure the risk of folate receptor autoantibodies, associated with neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodevelopmental diseases. The test aims to identify women and children at risk for these conditions, potentially preventing neural tube defect...
Researchers found that pupils with autism stuck rigidly to tasks in the order they were given, despite potential time savings. Difficulty with prospective memory also contributed to their challenges, and the study suggests ways to address these issues through task modification and training.
A large international multi-site study found the recurrence risk of autism in younger siblings to be substantially higher, with a combined estimated risk of nearly 19%. The risk is especially elevated among male infants, with over 32% diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 19% of younger siblings of children with autism developed autism, with males having a significantly higher risk than females. The study also showed an increased risk for male infants with two older siblings who have autism, at over 32%
A new brain imaging study reveals that autistic individuals' use of incorrect pronouns reflects a disordered neural representation of the self, processed by at least two brain areas. The research found significantly diminished synchronization in autism between frontal and posterior brain regions during pronoun use.
Researchers discuss the function of mirror neurons in humans, including their limited role in understanding speech and unexpected capabilities in understanding minds, particularly in individuals with autism. The study clarifies the limits of mirror neuron functions in humans.
Scientists use optogenetics to induce social-behavior deficits in mice resembling those seen in people with autism and schizophrenia. The findings lend credence to a hypothesis that an altered balance between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells may contribute to the development of these disorders.
The International conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South East Asia marked the launch of a revolutionary South Asia Autism Network. The network aims to identify common challenges and form partnerships to develop solutions for autistic individuals in South Asian families and countries.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a biological sign of autism in very young toddlers by scanning their brain activity while sleeping. The study found that autistic brains exhibited weaker synchronization between brain areas tied to language and communication compared to non-autistic children.
Researchers have identified key mRNA molecules that the Fragile-X mental retardation protein binds to in brains of mice, suggesting new avenues for treating intellectual disability and autism. The study also proposes two possible treatment strategies: lowering specific protein activity or replacing FMRP's ability to regulate translation.
Research reveals microglia cells prune connections between neurons, shaping brain wiring. The discovery could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new clinical trial is underway to examine the efficacy of STX209, a medication that has shown promise in improving social behaviors in people with Fragile X syndrome. The trial, which includes adults and children, aims to assess the safety and tolerability of the drug in treating social withdrawal symptoms.
Mutations in Timothy syndrome can cause severe cardiovascular disorders by disturbing calcium homeostasis. The current research focuses on the structure of L-calcium channels and reveals a highly conserved motif called G/A/G/A, essential for sealing the closed channel pore.
Kristopher Nazor, a Scripps Research Institute scientist, has been awarded a pre-doctoral fellowship from Autism Speaks Foundation to investigate the genetic form of autism known as Fragile X Syndrome. He will use pluripotent stem cell technology to understand how neural development is affected in this disorder.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a biomarker for autism in siblings of individuals with autism, showing reduced brain activity to emotional facial expressions. This finding provides an opportunity to investigate genes linked to autism and sheds light on why some family members are more affected than others.
A large twin study found that shared environment influences autism susceptibility more than previously thought, accounting for 55% of strict autism cases. Genetic heritability accounted for 37%, with moderate genetic and environmental contributions observed in spectrum disorders.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in early pregnancy may modestly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers reported a two-fold increased risk of ASD associated with maternal treatment with SSRI anti-depressants during the year before delivery.
Researchers found that identical twins were more likely to both have autism than fraternal twins. The study suggests that shared environment accounts for about 55% of the risk, while genetic factors contribute less, around 40%. This finding may shift future research paradigms.
A study found a modest increase in autism spectrum disorders among children whose mothers took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy. The risk was higher for those exposed to SSRIs during the first trimester.
The California Autism Twins Study suggests that both genetic and shared environmental factors significantly increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in twins. Environmental influences such as parental age, low birth weight, multiple births, and maternal infections during pregnancy may greatly increase the risk for ASD.
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative brings together technology and autism experts to create ground-breaking touch-enabled applications. The projects aim to facilitate social interaction, communication, and learning experiences for individuals with autism.
Researchers M. Ali Bangash and Mehreen Kouser published novel findings in the journal Cell on SHANK3 gene mutations and their impact on brain functioning in a mouse model of autism. Their work sheds light on the genetic causes of autism, specifically highlighting the role of this autism-associated gene in neuronal communication.
A new study reveals that young babies' brains show activation in a temporal lobe area when hearing emotionally neutral human sounds, such as coughing or yawning, than familiar toy sounds.
A new study has found that variations in the CNR1 gene are associated with longer gaze durations when looking at happy faces. This discovery sheds light on the neural basis of social behavior and may have implications for understanding autism spectrum conditions.
A new study finds neural synchronization abnormality in autistic toddlers' brains related to language and communication symptoms, indicating possible early diagnosis tool. This brain abnormality was present in 70% of autistic toddlers but rare in typically developing or language-delayed children.
Researchers found a weakened ability to sync brain hemispheres in toddlers with autism, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatment. The study used fMRI scans on sleeping toddlers and identified language areas with reduced synchronization.
A study from University of Cambridge found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region. The 'hyper-systemizing' theory suggests that populations enriched for analytical skills, such as engineering and mathematics, may have a higher rate of autism.
Researchers at McMaster University found no good screening tools or treatments for autism, and routine screening does more harm than good. The study suggests careful surveillance and assessment of preschoolers showing signs of language and social problems instead.
A study published in Neuron identified many small genetic variations associated with autism, including a key region that may explain human social behavior. The research suggests that autism is caused by many small genetic defects rather than one major defect.
Researchers identified rare genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorders, including duplications and deletions of DNA regions. These findings suggest a diversity of genetic causes for the disease and highlight the importance of targeting specific subtypes of autism for effective treatment.
A clinically extensive study of 1000 families with one autistic child and one unaffected sibling validated the importance of spontaneous causal mutations in autism. The study estimates a minimum of 250 to 300 locations in the human genome where gene copy number variation can give rise to autism spectrum disorder.
Two independent microarray studies and a gene network analysis confirm that spontaneous genetic mutations underlie many autism cases. The research identifies an array of genetic variants linked to increased risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital mapped the interactome for autism spectrum disorder, identifying hundreds of new protein interactions. The study also confirms previously known connections and reveals unsuspected connectivity between genes associated with idiopathic and syndromic autism.
Research shows that moral responses differ across ages, with young children being more inclined to punish perpetrators for intentional harm versus accidental damage. As people mature, their brain's response to moral situations changes, becoming more tempered and reflecting on the values linked to outcomes and actions.
The AAAS Pacific Division will convene a joint session with the World Congress on Mummy Studies in San Diego, exploring DNA analysis and facial images from mummies. The meeting will feature 16 sessions on topics including fragile X syndrome, music and science, and ancient mummification methods.
Research from the University of Utah Health identifies toddlers as early as 14 months at risk for autism syndrome disorder. A partnership between autism experts and pediatricians using widely accepted questionnaires leads to the identification of 10 toddlers with early signs of ASD, previously missed.
Researchers found that antiepileptic drugs reduce seizures but worsen sleep and communication issues, while non-antiepileptic drugs improve symptoms without reducing seizure frequency. Non-traditional diets like ketogenic and gluten-free diets showed promise in lessening seizure severity.
Research by Baylor College of Medicine reveals MeCP2 is required throughout life to maintain healthy brain function. The findings suggest that certain treatments may need to be maintained throughout the lifetime of individuals with Rett Syndrome.
Researchers at Columbia University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to document language impairment in autistic children. The study found that brain activity patterns were different between autistic and control patients, suggesting a possible early diagnosis method for autism.
Researchers are developing targeted treatments for serious disabilities like autism and schizophrenia by studying gene regulation networks in the cerebellum. The goal is to identify key genes involved in brain development and develop new drugs and cognitive therapies.
A new UCLA study has identified a common cause for the multifaceted disease, pointing to a specific molecular signature that can help researchers identify its diverse causes. The discovery provides insight into how genes and proteins go awry in autism, altering the mind.
A UCLA study has identified a common molecular signature in autistic brains, shedding light on the disorder's origins. Researchers found consistent differences in gene expression patterns between autistic and healthy brains, particularly in the cerebral cortex.
Women who took daily prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy were less likely to have children with autism, especially those with high-risk genetic makeups. Folate and B vitamins in prenatal supplements may protect against early fetal brain development deficits.
Researchers from the University of Miami developed assessment measures to evaluate the fidelity of teaching models for autistic preschool children. The findings suggest that these tools can accurately discriminate between diverse teaching approaches and provide an evaluation method for intervention programs.
A new gene-sequencing study identifies rare de novo mutations in four genes that likely play a causative role in autism. The study suggests that the 'multi-hit' theory of autism may be correct and provides evidence for exome-sequencing as an effective way to discover responsible genes.
Scientists at the University of Washington have identified 21 newly occurring genetic mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder, many of which altered proteins. The study suggests that these sporadic mutations could contribute substantially to the underlying mechanisms and severity of autism in approximately 20 percent of cases.
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center presented studies on nutritional insufficiencies, including supplement use, folate and niacin levels, and artificial food dye effects. The studies aim to identify effective interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders and explore potential environmental factors.