Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
Researchers identified a mutation in the PTCHD1 gene associated with about one percent of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) or intellectual disabilities, mostly males. The study suggests that this mutation may disrupt crucial developmental processes contributing to autism.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified misfolding of neuroligin-3 due to gene mutations, leading to trafficking deficiencies and abnormal neuron communications. The findings advance understanding of autism causes and may offer new drug therapies.
A new survey study found that parents of children with fragile X syndrome reported improvements in language use, attention spans, and behavior after treatment with the antibiotic minocycline. The study suggests that minocycline may be a promising targeted treatment for fragile X, prompting further clinical trials.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that toddlers with autism spend more time examining dynamic geometric patterns than social images. This preference was observed as early as 14 months in infants at-risk for autism, and was associated with a higher risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
A new study found that high-risk infants, those with a sibling with autism, showed infrequent gazing at caregivers when unprompted. Despite this, they demonstrated typical cause and effect learning skills. The study suggests that early exposure to simple cause and effect opportunities can aid in development.
A study by University of Montreal scientists found an increased frequency of severe de novo mutations in critical brain genes for both autism and schizophrenia. The research suggests that harmful de novo mutations may explain the high global incidences of these conditions.
A University of Nevada professor has conducted a six-year study revealing short-range over-connectivity in the outer layer of the brain's cortex in individuals with autism disorders. This finding supports early intervention behavioral therapies and may aid in sculpting out abnormal connections.
Researchers will create novel tools for evaluating social interactions and behaviors to diagnose or treat autism. The project aims to develop a new discipline of computational behavioral science, transforming the study of human behavior with technologies like computer vision and machine learning.
A study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers provides concrete evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders process sensory information differently than typically developing children. The findings support decades of clinical observations and could lead to objective measures for evaluating the effectiveness of aut...
Researchers will design vision, speech, and wearable sensor technologies to analyze child behavior. The goal is to identify children at risk for autism and other developmental delays, with the potential to improve treatment delivery and outcomes.
A collaborative study examines a family with two rare genetic deletions, CNTNAP5 and DOCK4, which are associated with autism and reading difficulties. The research suggests that the CNTNAP5 deletion is linked to autism, while the DOCK4 deletion is co-segregated with reading difficulties.
A recent study published in Nature has found that certain genetic disturbances contribute to autism. The research revealed that Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are over-represented in individuals with autism. Furthermore, abnormalities in genes related to synapse development have been linked to the origin of autism.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that individuals with Williams syndrome process spoken language differently from those with autism spectrum disorders, which has opposite social profiles. People with Williams syndrome exhibit an abnormally large N400 response indicating sensitivity to semantic aspects of language.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a pioneering new method of diagnosing autism in adults using a quick brain scan that takes just 15 minutes. This technique can identify adults with autism with high accuracy and may lead to the screening for autism spectrum disorders in children.
A recent study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found no evidence that antidepressants can treat autistic spectrum disorders in children. In fact, the medication may cause serious harm due to the small number of trials conducted and varying assessment methods.
Researchers at Cardiff University are using advanced brain imaging techniques to investigate how people with autism process touch sensations. The study aims to provide a clearer understanding of sensory symptoms in autism and potentially lead to the development of new treatments.
The US Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works convened a special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Speaks emphasizes the importance of research on environmental risk factors, noting a dramatic increase in autism prevalence over the last decade.
A new study reveals that parents of children with autism are more likely to divorce than couples with typically developing children, particularly after the child reaches adolescence and adulthood. The study found that marital strain may remain high in these later years due to ongoing parenting demands.
A study found that relatives of individuals with autism exhibit abnormal eye movements and other sensorimotor impairments, similar to those seen in individuals with autism. These abnormalities are associated with brain pathways important for language skills, motor control, and executive function.
A new study finds that pre-verbal vocalizations of children with autism are distinctly different from those of typically developing children. The LENA system automatically analyzed 1,486 recordings and achieved 86% accuracy in distinguishing between the two groups.
A York University study discovered that the drug misoprostol interferes with neuronal cell communication by increasing calcium ions, which reduces cell extensions and prevents cells from communicating. This finding may have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental defects associated with autism.
A WSU study found that mothers of autistic children experience increased stress due to work demands and lack of flexibility. Nearly 60% have suffered financial problems in the past year, highlighting the need for workplace adaptations to support affected parents.
The University of Utah has received a $2.4 million, four-year grant to track the growth of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Utah 8-year-olds. The grant is part of a nationwide effort to better understand the increasing prevalence of ASDs, which affect about one out of every 110 American children.
A recent study from Tel Aviv University found a strong link between IVF treatments and mild to moderate cases of autism. The research suggests that IVF may be solving one problem by creating another. Dr. Ditza Zachor's ongoing research aims to separate out risk factors and investigate the rate of autism in IVF populations.
Researchers generally agree that genetic variation findings should be shared with participants if clinically significant, but confidence levels vary across disciplines and conditions. The study highlights the complexity of this issue, suggesting that factors beyond scientific robustness influence researchers' decisions on disclosure.
A new study has identified multiple rare genes involved in regulating central nervous system processes, shedding light on the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders. The research may lead to innovative treatments and a better understanding of the disorder.
Researchers identify four new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to the development of new treatments. The study also found that individuals with autism tend to carry more genetic mutations than controls.
Researchers found rare genetic changes called copy number variants (CNVs) in nearly 2,300 people, which could account for up to 3.3% of autism cases. The study identified three new genes and pathways contributing to autism susceptibility.
Researchers have identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. The study found that these genes are involved in synapse-related pathways and cellular proliferation, providing insights into possible common pathological mechanisms.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago has identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2, SYNGAP1 and DLGAP2, through an international collaboration with Autism Speaks. These findings suggest that multiple rare variants or genetic changes may contribute to the development of autism.
A recent study found rare genetic changes in autistic children that are often not present in their parents, occurring nearly 20% more frequently. The research, involving over 60 institutions worldwide, suggests that tiny errors during egg and sperm formation may contribute to autism.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a distinctive chemical fingerprint in the urine of children with autism, which could lead to a simple non-invasive test for early diagnosis. This finding has the potential to improve the progress of autistic children by enabling them to receive advanced behavioral therapy earlier.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital have identified new mutations in the SHANK2 gene that contribute to autism and mental retardation. The study found that a correct inner structure of nerve cell synapses is necessary for normal language, social competence, and cognitive development.
A new autism intervention for preschool children showed improvements in parent-child interaction, but failed to deliver a clinically significant reduction in autism symptoms. The study assessed 152 children aged 2-4 years and found that the PACT intervention led to enhanced communicative and social development.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified a drug that improves communication between nerve cells in mice with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. The treatment restores normal nerve cell function and adaptation to stimulation.
A study by Kennedy Krieger researchers found that 64% of children with ASD belong to a two-parent family, compared to 65% without ASD. The study suggests that parenting a child with autism can be stressful, but does not necessarily lead to divorce.
A tightly controlled University of Rochester study found that eliminating gluten and casein from children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns. Despite this, some subgroups of children may receive benefits from dietary changes, particularly those with significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.