Articles tagged with Autism
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have observed improvements in eye contact, social interaction, and speech in adults and children with autism and Fragile X syndrome treated with acamprosate. Larger studies are needed to determine effectiveness and tolerability.
Researchers found that autistic brains concentrate more activity in temporal and occipital regions, which are involved in pattern recognition and object perception. This enables them to perform well in visual tasks that require reasoning and decision-making.
A new online resource, JobTIPS, aims to assist youth with ASD or other disabilities in developing job-related skills. The website provides guidance on how to behave in workplace situations and offers resources for educators, job coaches, and transition coordinators.
Researchers found that toddlers who played with fewer toys showed improvement in communication skills after parent-guided treatment. However, the treatment did not show a significant effect on all children, but rather those who had limited playtime.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision uses a unique method to evaluate brain activity when recognizing faces. The technique, called steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), found that the brain signal is larger when presenting different faces than when repeating the same face.
Developmental biologist Hazel Sive proposes using the term 'tool' to define biological systems that don't accurately recapitulate human disorders, but provide valuable insights. These 'tools' can be used in loss-of-function studies and screening for chemicals that affect gene activity, potentially leading to therapeutic targets.
UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.
Researchers identified new gene variants contributing to autism, disrupting brain development and nerve signaling. The study suggests multiple genetic paths to autism, with similar functional roles in the nervous system.
A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals a potential link between immunity, infectious disease, and conditions such as schizophrenia and autism. Researchers found that an immune molecule called Major Histocompatibility Complex type 1 (MHC type I) regulates brain connections during early postnatal development.
Researchers have found that increasing serotonin levels improves social behavior in mice with autism. A medication called buspirone was used to mimic the effects of serotonin, resulting in improved social interaction behaviors. Further study is planned to investigate the impact of a diet rich in tryptophan on social behavior.
A noninvasive EEG test using machine-learning algorithms can identify infant autism risk at 9 months with 80% accuracy, suggesting a safe and practical approach to early diagnosis. The test captures differences in brain organization and function, allowing for behavioral interventions before traditional testing.
Researchers found a gene called RORA that plays a critical role in brain development and is affected by sex hormones. In individuals with autism, aromatase conversion of testosterone to estrogen is reduced, leading to increased male hormone levels and decreased RORA expression.
A Scripps Research study reveals a new mechanism controlling brain formation, where reelin regulates glial-independent migration of nerve cells. The findings have significant implications for understanding diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.
Rates of service use decline significantly after young adults with autism spectrum disorder exit high school. Disparities in service usage exist by race and socioeconomic status.
High-functioning autistic adults tend to blame others for accidents, even if they had good intentions. This challenges the typical understanding of theory of mind and morality in autism.
The Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network has expanded to 17 leading children's hospitals and academic medical centers in the US and Canada. The network provides comprehensive and multidisciplinary care models for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, supported by evidence-based research and practice.
The hospital has established a Diagnostic, Clinical & Research Center for Autism to support clinical and translational research. Participation in the ATN will enable them to engage in cutting-edge clinical and translational research.
The collaboration aims to verify the existence of a higher ASD prevalence among Somali children in Minneapolis. The project will use surveillance methods developed at the CDC to investigate the issue, which has been raised by parents and community members.
Researchers developed a non-invasive ultra-high-speed microscope to visualize brain activity in real-time, recording the firing of thousands of individual neurons in 3D. This technology could help decipher 'miscommunications' in neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how neural circuits self-assemble. By observing the formation of inhibitory synapses, they found that GABA transmission regulates synaptic adhesion. The discovery sheds light on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
New research reveals that children with autism are unable to search effectively for objects in real-life environments, contrary to previous findings. This skill is crucial for achieving independence in adulthood.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have begun testing mecasermin, a drug that may reverse features of Rett syndrome by enhancing synapse maturation. The three-year pilot study aims to improve neurodevelopment and cardiorespiratory function in girls with the condition.
A study found that living within 309 meters of a freeway at birth was associated with a two-fold increase in autism risk. Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been linked to physical and developmental effects on the fetus in other studies.
Mount Sinai researchers create mouse model to investigate the impact of a single SHANK3 gene mutation on nerve cell communication and social behavior. The study identifies impaired communication and altered plasticity in nerve cells, providing critical insight into the development of autism spectrum disorders.
Autism Speaks has awarded $2.309,233 in funding for 21 new research grants over three years, including pilot projects and special research initiatives. The grants focus on epigenetic and gene-environment influences, neurobiology, and studies concerning adolescents and adults with autism.
Eastern Virginia Medical School researchers have identified a potential novel treatment strategy for the social impairment of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The medication, D-Cycloserine, showed promising effects in resolving the BALB/c mouse's deficits of sociability.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that toddlers with autism who received a targeted intervention showed significant improvements in social and communication skills. The intervention, which focused on core social deficits, yielded sustained gains even in very young children.
Harvard and University of Utah researchers have developed a biologically based test for autism, detecting high-functioning autism with 94 percent accuracy. The test uses MRI to measure deviations in brain circuitry, revealing insights into the biological basis of autism and potential improvements in management and treatments.
Researchers discovered that children with full syndrome autism have impaired mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities, which may contribute to brain dysfunction. The study suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction could amplify and propagate brain problems in autism.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that children with autism have deficits in cellular energy production, suggesting a strong link between autism and mitochondrial defects. The study's lead author suggests that deficiencies in mitochondria may contribute to cognitive impairments associated with autism.
A UC Davis study found that children with autism have more trouble fueling their cells due to dysfunctional mitochondria. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 10 children with autism and 10 typically developing children, detecting mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in mitochondrial DNA.
Children with autism improved their creative skills by building Lego structures in new ways, learning to use creativity in everyday life. Researchers used Applied Behavior Analysis and positive reinforcement to teach the children, who were able to apply their new skills to different situations.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 90% of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders showed discrepancies between their IQ score and performance on standardized tests. These children often have above-average academic abilities, suggesting that traditional IQ scores may not be an accurate pre...
Researchers found boys are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis despite equally severe symptoms, suggesting a gender bias in diagnosis. The study also discovered older mothers are better at identifying their children's difficulties and have more confidence in bringing concerns to the clinic.
Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., has been recognized as a "Rock Star of Science" for her extensive contributions to autism research and advocacy. Her work aims to discover the causes and effective treatments for autism, with a focus on improving lives for individuals with autism and their families.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that children with autism are likely to continue experiencing handwriting problems into their teenage years. The research found that teenagers with autism scored significantly lower than those without autism on a handwriting assessment test.