Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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 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 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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered a new genetic signature that correlates strongly with autism and involves the way genes are turned on and off. The finding may suggest new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of autism, potentially identifying individuals who will respond better to oxytocin treatment.
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.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
Amy Wetherby's research aims to detect autism in children as young as 18 months using a screening tool and culturally sensitive methods. The NIH grants will fund studies of 600 children across different cultures to improve early diagnosis and access to intervention.
Research on autism spectrum disorders has made significant progress, with advancements in early brain development and diagnosis. The review highlights the importance of parent involvement and genetic factors in the disorder, and suggests potential future treatments using neuroimaging tools and intensive behavioral therapies.
A Stanford University researcher has pinpointed the mechanism by which a gene associated with both autism and schizophrenia influences behavior in mice. The study identified behavioral changes in the mice similar to some symptoms of autism and schizophrenia, highlighting the complexities of cognitive disorders.
A new article reviews published research and finds no convincing evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. The onset of autism occurs prior to age three, with various possible associations examined but no clear cause identified.
A genome-wide study has identified a single-letter change in the genetic code associated with autism, highlighting the role of common DNA variation. The research also uncovered two other genomic regions likely containing rare genetic differences that may influence autism risk.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are testing a new intervention called Responsive Teaching, designed for parents and caregivers of children under 3 years old with autism. The study aims to improve social emotional functioning and daily routines, without direct instruction or rote learning activities.
Researchers identified semaphorin 5A, a gene involved in neuronal contact and communication, as a potential biological target for pharmaceutical intervention in individuals with autism. The study utilizes genome-wide association studies and extends prior research findings to brain tissue samples.
Eight fellows have been selected for the prestigious fellowship program, which aims to encourage autism research as their chosen career path. The fellows will work with leading scientists and receive research training opportunities in various areas of autism spectrum disorders.
A $4.5 million grant will fund whole-genome sequencing of children with autism using new technologies. Researchers aim to discover noncoding DNA regions controlling gene activity and relate clinical autism to genetic variations in DNA and gene expression.
Researchers from UT Houston and Jamaica are launching a two-year, $300,000 study to explore the potential connection between genes and toxic metals in causing autism spectrum disorders. The study aims to identify specific genes that may interact with exposure to toxins like mercury, lead, and arsenic.
The Johns Hopkins Center for the Epigenetics of Common Human Disease has been awarded a $16.8 million NIH grant to advance genomics research. The team will focus on studying epigenetics' role in diseases such as bipolar disorder, aging, and autism.
A major study into adults living with autism has found that one in every hundred adults in England has the condition, similar to child prevalence rates. The study also reveals distinct characteristics of individuals with autism, including employment status and housing type.
A Barrow scientist has received a $400,000 grant to investigate Von Economo Neurons (VENs), cells potentially linked to quick decision making and social disabilities in autism. The research aims to understand the neural basis for human awareness and VENs' role in species evolution.
Researchers identified the amygdala as the brain structure responsible for our sense of personal space. The discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms involved in social behavior and offers new perspectives on autism and other disorders where social distance is an issue.
A study by Scripps Research, UCSD, and University of Oslo teams found that genetic variations in the MECP2 gene correlate with brain structure, particularly in males. The research opens up new avenues for understanding autism and other neurological conditions, and may lead to potential treatments.
The study uncovered the unlikely genetic suspect, FOXC1, which critically contributes to Dandy-Walker malformation, a brain defect causing mental retardation and motor delays. The discovery provides new mechanisms and potentially improves treatment for the disorder, offering insights into embryonic brain development.
Research at Durham University suggests that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to identify emotions from short video clips of body movements without seeing faces or hearing sound. Adults with ASD performed poorly in a test detecting the direction of coherent movement on a screen, attributed to visual processing problems.
Researchers found social cognition brain activity in children as young as 6 years old, similar to adults. By age 11, the 'right tempero-parietal junction' took on a more specialized role in thinking about others' thoughts.
A new genetic study has identified 27 genes associated with Asperger syndrome, autistic traits, and empathy. The research found that single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes were nominally associated with autistic traits and empathy, providing preliminary leads for understanding the genetic basis of Asperger syndrome.
A Queen's University study reveals that preschoolers' brain development is linked to their social reasoning abilities. The research found that children with more mature brain activity patterns showed a better understanding of false beliefs.
Research found that mothers of children with autism had higher levels of parenting-related stress and psychological distress, while daily living skills were not associated with increased stress. The study suggests that addressing problem behaviors in autism is crucial for family well-being and early intervention.