Articles tagged with Autism
A consensus statement recommends chromosomal microarray (CMA) as the new standard practice for genetic evaluation of children with unexplained developmental delay, autism or birth defects. CMA consistently has a diagnostic yield of 15 to 20 percent, compared to five percent with G-banded karyotyping.
A new study published in the journal Neuron found that individuals with autism exhibit normal responses in their mirror neuron system, a brain area involved in social communication. The findings contradict previous theories suggesting a dysfunctional mirror system as the cause of autism's social difficulties.
Historical research reveals Darwin's pioneering work on human perception of emotional expression, with implications for modern treatment of schizophrenia and autism. Snyder's study of previously unpublished notes shows that Darwin's experiment is a little-known forerunner for an entire modern field of study.
A longitudinal study found that brains of young boys with fragile X syndrome differ from those without the condition, showing an overabundance of gray matter in certain regions and diminished presence in others. This knowledge can be used to monitor new therapies' effectiveness in restoring brain structure and function.
A new study has uncovered two more genes associated with autism, furthering evidence of the disorder's genetic foundation. The research also suggests that environmental factors may play a role in the development of autism in susceptible individuals.
A new study by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network found that GI symptoms occur in nearly half of children with ASD, with prevalence increasing as children get older. Children with GI issues also experience more sleep problems, behavior problems, and a lower health-related quality of life.
A recent study by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network reveals that 27% of children with ASD are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, with stimulants being the most common. Medication use is more prevalent among older children, with 60% of those aged 11 and above taking at least one medication.
A large-scale study found an association between sleep disturbances and challenging daytime behaviors in children with autism. Children who experienced parasomnias had more behavior problems overall.
A study found that 21% of children with autism use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their treatment plan. CAM use was higher among children with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, particularly those following special diets such as gluten-free or casein-free diets.
A special issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation focuses on the potential of autistic young adults, highlighting their ability to form relationships and enjoy employment benefits. Researchers provide case studies and programs to support practitioners in working with this population.
Children with early developmental warning signs may face lower risk for poor autism outcomes than those who experience a loss of skills, study finds. Researchers examined 2,720 parents and found significant differences in development, symptom severity, and educational needs among children with three patterns of autism onset.
Researchers developed a genetic framework to predict drug side effects and cardiac disorders. The framework integrated genetic, cellular, and clinical information to identify genetic variations associated with QT interval-related diseases.
A new study combines two analytical techniques to provide a more accurate picture of the autistic brain, revealing regional differences in grey matter and potential markers for early therapy. The research provides critical insight into autism, shedding light on structural brain differences that may be related to enhanced perception abi...
A new study by Université de Montréal scientists finds that mutations in the SHANK3 gene are linked to schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder. The research also provides clues about the causes of this complex disorder, suggesting a molecular genetic link between schizophrenia and autism.
A recent study found that children living near a child with autism are more likely to be diagnosed themselves in the following year. The proximity effect is strongest among children on the milder side of the autism spectrum and explains about 16% of the recent increases in diagnoses.
A new discovery reveals that drugs affecting DNA methylation could reverse autism's effects, improving diagnosis and treatment options. The study identified specific genes altered in autistic individuals with severe language deficits, paving the way for personalized therapies.
Autism Speaks has awarded 16 new research grants totaling $5.2 million over three years to advance autism science and advocacy. The grants focus on early detection, underlying biological processes, and targeted treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Researchers found that oxytocin improved emotion recognition in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests potential for earlier intervention and improved social function in everyday settings.
Therapeutic swings commonly used for autism-spectrum disorders shed metallic particles into the eyes of children, causing uncommon but preventable eye injuries. The study highlights the importance of wearing protective eyewear or modifying swing apparatus to prevent this risk.
Researchers have identified two genes, LRRN3 and LRRTM3, associated with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), providing valuable insights into the genetic basis of the condition. Variations in these genes were found to be significantly associated with susceptibility to ASD.
Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old display sensitivity to human voice and emotional prosody in their brains, mirroring adult brain activity. The study suggests that critical neurodevelopmental processes underlying impaired voice processing in disorders like autism may occur before 7 months.
A recent study found that undiagnosed children with autistic traits display repetitive behaviors and social interaction impairments comparable to clinically diagnosed children. This highlights the need for expanded support services for these children, as they are often overlooked due to a gender bias in diagnosis.
The Autism Consortium study reveals that chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has the highest detection rate among clinically available genetic tests for autism spectrum disorders. CMA identified 18.2% of patients with deletions or duplications, compared to 2.23% and 0.46% for standard testing methods. The study recommends CMA as part...
A large study finds that chromosomal microarray analysis has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. The test detects tiny sub-microscopic deletions or duplications of DNA sequences, offering greater resolution than standard karyotyping.
A study suggests a possible early warning sign for autism spectrum disorders in families, with older siblings showing trends of hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Mothers of young autistic children experience more depression and stress than mothers of typically developing children.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that the loss of Ube3A enzyme disrupts the brain's ability to fine-tune neuronal connections, leading to developmental deficits in Angelman syndrome. This finding also suggests a connection between Ube3A and autism spectrum disorders, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.
A new study from the University of Miami finds that maternal sensitivity is a key predictor of language development in toddlers with autism. The researchers discovered that sensitive structuring, which involves teaching and engaging children in a gentle manner, was more predictive of language growth among children developing autism tha...
A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is being studied by analyzing behavior in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation. Researchers hope to understand the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and potentially develop more targeted treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a gene mutation in mice leads to learning problems and obsessive behaviors. The study suggests a potential way to treat repetitive behaviors in humans using a specific drug targeting nerve function abnormalities.
A new study has found that autism symptoms do not appear abruptly at 6 months, but rather emerge gradually and become apparent during the latter part of the first year of life. By 12 months, children with autism showed significant declines in social communication and eye contact compared to typically developing children.
Researchers identified critical phases in brain development that may be mistimed in people with Fragile X Syndrome, a leading known cause of autism. The study found these changes occur midway through a baby's development in the womb, which could inform the timing of effective treatments.
The study found that advanced maternal age is associated with a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, increasing by 18% for every five-year increase in the mother's age. In contrast, advanced paternal age is only linked to an increased risk when the father is older and the mother is under 30.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara found that providing training to parents through DVDs improved their skills and led to positive changes in child behavior. The flexible program allowed parents to learn at their own pace and provided valuable video examples to support instruction.
A new paper by MSU psychologist Brooke Ingersoll suggests that a combined approach to treating autism could be more effective than traditional behavioral or developmental methods. By combining the strengths of both approaches, supporters can create individualized interventions that meet the unique needs of each child.
Two recent studies identified regions with higher than expected numbers of autism cases in California, strongly associated with higher parental education and proximity to specialty research centers. Ongoing studies exploring environmental exposures and social factors will help uncover the causes of these clustering.
A study published in PNAS found that a synaptic maturation disorder, particularly with the neuroligin-1 protein, may trigger autism. The research suggests that an insufficient amount of this protein can impair the maturation process at nerve terminals, leading to communication problems and weaknesses in social contacts.
A new study indicates a decline in biomedical research funding, sparking concerns about the growing national autism public health crisis. Autism Speaks calls for increased funding to explore factors contributing to the increase in autism prevalence and to develop more effective treatments.
Research suggests that certain adaptations that once benefited humans may now be helping such ailments persist in spite of advancements in modern culture and medicine. Evolutionary perspectives integrated into medical curricula could help future physicians understand health problems from an evolutionary perspective.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that mutations in TSC2 cause improper axon guidance, leading to abnormal brain connectivity. The study suggests that autism may involve sensory overload or lack of filtering of information.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found a delayed brain response to sound in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which may be refined into the first imaging biomarker. The study used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect subtle language delays, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at UC Davis identified 10 locations in California with higher-than-expected autism incidence rates, primarily in areas with higher levels of parental education. The study found that children born to parents with more educational attainment were more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
The publication of consensus recommendations in Pediatrics marks an important step towards advancing physician awareness of unique challenges in the medical management of children with autism. The guidelines provide guidance on how current general pediatric standards of care can be adapted for children with ASD, highlighting the need f...
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have defined a uniform method to interpret Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), combining emotional-social behavior and four additional domains: memory, perception, and motor behavior. This approach links ASD with other conditions like ADHD.
A recent study by researchers at the Salk Institute found that the superior colliculus plays a key role in controlling attention, particularly in covert attention. This discovery may shed light on neurological disorders such as neglect syndrome and autism.
The CDC reports a staggering 57% increase in autism diagnoses from 2002 to 2006, with a 600% rise over the past 20 years. Autism Speaks calls for dramatic federal funding increases and policy changes to address the growing public health crisis.
According to a new study, autism disorders have become more common among American children, with a prevalence rate approaching 1 percent among 8-year-olds. The study found a 57 percent increase in spectrum-disorder cases compared to four years earlier.
Scientists found that autistic brains show less activity when processing self-relevant information, unlike typical brains. This atypical response may contribute to social difficulties in individuals with autism, impacting their ability to navigate relationships and develop social skills.
A study found that laypeople's beliefs about the causes of autism differ from medical experts' consensus. Many individuals directly or indirectly affected by autism believe the incidence has increased due to environmental hazards and modern lifestyles, rather than changes in diagnosis practices.
A comprehensive new study has found that early intervention programs for very young children with autism are effective in improving IQ, language ability, and social interaction. The Early Start Denver Model, a novel approach combining ABA teaching methods with relationship-based approaches, was tested on 48 diverse toddlers with autism.
A 24-week trial found that combining risperidone with parent training significantly reduced disruptive behaviors, tantrums, and aggression in children with autism. The study also showed a lower dose of risperidone was needed for the combination therapy group compared to medication-only treatment.
A study funded by NIMH found that a combination of medication and structured parent training significantly reduced serious behavioral problems in children with autism. The treatment protocol showed greater benefits compared to medication alone, including a lower dose of medication needed for symptom control.
A UCLA/Emory study discovered significant differences between the human and chimp versions of the FOXP2 gene, which may explain why humans developed language while chimps did not. The research provides insight into the evolution of the human brain and may lead to new drug targets for disorders characterized by speech disruption.
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) has included vaccine research studies in its updated Strategic Plan for Autism Research, responding to Congressional calls to investigate the potential connection between vaccines and autism. The plan aims to explore risk factors contributing to autism, including environmental exposu...
Researchers at University of Missouri have developed a pupil response test that is 92.5 percent accurate in separating children with autism from those with typical development. Children with autism show slower pupil responses to light change, a potential biomarker for early screening and improved developmental outcomes.
A study of 28 children aged 8-13 found that half with autism scored below 80% on handwriting assessments, compared to only one child without autism. Therapies targeting motor skills may help improve handwriting in children with autism, essential for school success and self-esteem.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism have poor handwriting quality due to fine motor control issues, particularly in letter formation. The study suggests training children on letter formation and fine motor skills can improve handwriting performance.
The Autism Consortium's fourth annual symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, and families to discuss the latest findings on the causes of autism. The symposium highlighted promising areas of research, including the role of chromosome 16p11.2 in susceptibility for autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers are adapting cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety in early adolescents with autism. The study aims to reduce anxiety and improve mental health outcomes in this population, addressing the growing need for effective treatments.
A CSHL-led team discovered a rare mutation on human chromosome 16 that dramatically increases the risk of schizophrenia. The mutation is associated with an eight-fold increased risk, and studies also found a correlation between 16p11.2 mutations and head size.
A new study has identified a possible link between autism and non-DNA sequence mutations in the oxytocin receptor gene, OXTR. The research found that this alteration is present in both peripheral blood cells and the brain's temporal cortex, suggesting a major role in human development.