Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
A comprehensive study of 55,000 children in South Korea found that over two-thirds of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases were unrecognized and untreated. The research suggests that autism prevalence may be higher than previously thought, particularly in non-clinical populations.
A comprehensive study on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in South Korean school-age children estimates that 2.64% of the population has ASD, affecting approximately 1 in 38 children. The study identifies previously undiagnosed cases and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that mimics the social deficits of autism and schizophrenia, showing improved social behavior with oxytocin treatment. The study provides insights into biological factors related to social deficits and may be useful in evaluating new treatments for these disorders.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has found that female-to-male transsexual people have a higher number of autistic traits. The research used the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) test and compared AQ scores across five groups, finding that transmen had higher average scores than typical females, males, and transwomen.
Three winning designs, Gobug, weSYNC, and Visual Watch, demonstrate creative technology solutions to improve daily life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These innovative products facilitate social learning experiences, manage schedules, and provide communication tools.
A study of over 6.6 million California births from 1990 to 2002 found that children conceived in winter had a significantly greater risk of autism. The risk increased progressively throughout the fall and winter months, with the highest risk seen in March.
A UK survey found that adults with autism were rarely aware they had the condition, with prevalence higher in males and lower educated individuals. The study suggests that changes in diagnosis methods may be responsible for recent increases in reported cases.
A new study suggests that individuals with autism have a weak mirror neuron system in their youth, but it increases with age and becomes unusually high thereafter. This delay in development may be related to increased capacity for social function or responsiveness to rehabilitative treatments.
Researchers have found that brain enlargement in autism is due to increased folding on the surface of the brain and not an increase in gray matter. Brain growth in children with autism begins as early as 1 year old and continues until age 2.
Research suggests that screening very preterm infants for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 18 months of age is often inaccurate and can lead to false positives. In contrast, waiting until 30 months of age may provide a more accurate assessment. A study found that only 3% of infants who screened positive on all three screens at 30 mont...
Researchers at Emory University are exploring the use of prairie voles to identify drugs that can enhance social learning in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The study found that giving female voles D-cycloserine promotes pair bonding, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool for treating autism.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, developed a novel screening approach to detect Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD) in babies at 1-year check-ups. The 'One-Year Well-Baby Check Up Approach' has shown a positive predictive value of 75% using a simple, five-minute screening technique.
A new screening tool has been introduced to identify subtle signs of autism in 1-year-old children during well-baby check-ups. The 5-minute checklist is designed to be adopted by pediatricians nationwide and has shown high accuracy rates, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at George Washington University have identified 18 novel genetic markers for autism spectrum disorders, highlighting four distinct subtypes and ten associated variants. These findings provide potential genetic biomarkers for diagnostic screening and advance the understanding of autism's genetic contributions.
A new survey by the Interactive Autism Network reveals that approximately half of parents report their child eloping from safe places, peaking at age four. The study highlights critical safety concerns, including increased risk of trauma, injury, or death. Additionally, a new research survey on pregnancy and birth factors associated wi...
A new study found that treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE) is common in idiopathic autism, with early age at seizure onset and delayed global development associated with TRE. Researchers also discovered that patients with TRE had more developmental regression, motor and language delays than those who were seizure-free.
Researchers identified mutations in genes associated with brain activity that frequently cause intellectual disability. These de novo mutations disrupt nerve cell communication, affecting at least two-thirds of cases. The study provides new insights into the genetic origins of intellectual disability and may lead to improved diagnostics.
A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that brain donors with autism and epilepsy had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with autism alone, increasing by over 800%. The research highlights the importance of early identification of epilepsy in children with autism.
Researchers will investigate the underlying biology of GI dysfunction and test a novel probiotic therapy to restore function in children with ASD. The study aims to better understand the connections between GI symptoms, gut barrier function, immune function, and abnormal behavior in ASD.
A new study suggests that Mecp2 is essential for refining synaptic circuits based on sensory experience, leading to the formation of abnormal connections in autism spectrum disorders. This model of Rett syndrome may have implications for other autism-related disorders.
A new gene, SYN1, has been identified as a predisposing factor for both autism and epilepsy in individuals from Quebec. Mutations in this gene lead to impaired synaptic function, causing communication between neurons to break down. This study provides a key to understanding the comorbidity of these devastating diseases.
Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a gene, GRIP1, associated with autism that affects social interaction deficits. The study found that variants of the gene contribute to the severity of social behavior in individuals with autism.
A recent study suggests that affectionate communication, such as hugging, can help individuals with high levels of alexithymia form more fulfilling relationships and reduce anxiety. Researchers surveyed 921 people and found that sharing affection reduces the negative impact of alexithymia on relationships.
A new study found that while socioeconomics no longer significantly impact autism diagnoses, poor children from low-income neighborhoods are still less likely to be diagnosed. The study suggests that disparities in diagnosis and treatment persist, particularly for less severe cases.