Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
A randomized clinical trial of transcranial pulsed current stimulation found significant improvements in social functioning and sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment, which targeted the prefrontal-cerebellar region, was well-tolerated and showed promise as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical interventions.
The CDC report found an overall prevalence of autism of 1 in 31 among 8-year-olds, with significant differences by racial and ethnic background. Among Maryland 4-year-olds, the prevalence was 1 in 41, with boys being more likely to be identified with autism than girls.
The SynGAP Research Fund has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees, bringing diverse expertise to the organization's mission. Jaime Aranda, Steve Gore, Heather Mestemaker, and Brian Smith will succeed outgoing Trustees, driving the development of therapies and enhancing SYNGAP1 quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that behavior at 9 months old can indicate a 1-year-old's likelihood of being at risk for autism. Parent surveys reported fussiness, irritability, and difficulty calming down were associated with early signs of autism by 12 months.
Researchers studied active and passive touch tasks using virtual reality and EEG to better understand how people with autism process touch. The study found that individuals with autism showed little variation in brain response to active and passive touch, suggesting difficulty predicting consequences of actions.
Scientists at UNIGE identified a defect in communication pathway between two brain structures, leading to rapid redirection of attention deficits. The discovery paves the way for better prediction of development and more targeted interventions.
A new USC study suggests that gut imbalances in children with autism may disrupt neurotransmitter production and influence behavioral symptoms. The research connects the dots between the 'gut-brain' axis and autism, raising possibilities for new treatments.
The study highlights the need for better identification of autism in mothers and their children, as well as increased awareness of sensory reactivity and anxiety. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized care and collaboration with diverse groups to break down barriers surrounding motherhood and diversity.
Researchers have found that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity patterns in individuals with a rare genetic disorder tied to autism. The study suggests that synaptic dysfunction during development may contribute to the condition's behavioral challenges.
A cross-disciplinary research team from HKU has found a connection between oral microbiota and ASD, identifying 11 bacterial species as potential biomarkers. The study developed a prediction model with an 81% accuracy rate for early detection, paving the way for non-invasive screening tools during dental check-ups.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a method to track tiny facial movements that can help scientists better understand social communication in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism express emotions like everyone else but their facial expressions may be too subtle for the human eye to detect.
A recent study found that children with autism spectrum disorder tend to prefer predictable movements, which could serve as an early indicator of the condition. This preference may be linked to difficulties in learning cause-and-effect relationships and is a key characteristic of repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.
A new system for early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been developed using virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The system, which uses biomarkers related to behavior, motor activity, and gaze direction, achieves an accuracy of over 85%, surpassing traditional methods.
The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) will hold its 24th Annual Meeting in Seattle, featuring 1600 posters, 28 oral sessions, and keynotes on topics such as daily challenges faced by the autism community and implementation science aimed at enhancing systems of care.
Researchers found that immune molecule IL-17 influences brain regions to induce either anxiety in the amygdala or sociable behavior in the somatosensory cortex. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that mothers' adverse childhood experiences increase risk of children developing ADHD and autism. In contrast, fathers' childhood experiences show no association with their children's neurodevelopmental disorders. The researchers call for a broader approach to parental support.
Researchers have developed a novel wearable brain scanner that measures high frequency brain waves, revealing changes in E-I balance with age. This new technology allows for unprecedented precision in studying brain function in young children, potentially leading to better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.
A new study by McGill University researchers sheds light on the disruption of calcium transport in the brain's AMPA receptors, linking it to autism and intellectual disability. The findings could pave the way for treatments targeting these receptors, offering hope for patients with related neurological disorders.
A research team has uncovered a fundamental brain circuit that distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear, with the locus coeruleus playing a crucial role in processing fear. The study reveals a lateralized LC-NAergic system that separates personal from socially learned fear, shedding light on empathy and social learning.
A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.
Researchers used large language models to analyze healthcare records of over 1,000 children with suspected autism, finding that current criteria prioritize socialization skills and not enough on interests and natural behaviors. The study suggests revising the criteria to focus more on repetitive behaviors and special interests.
Researchers used a large language model to analyze clinical reports of autism patients and found that repetitive behaviors and special interests are most indicative of an autism diagnosis. The study aims to improve diagnostic guidelines by reducing the focus on social factors.
The study used AI analysis on over 4,200 clinical reports to identify key factors in autism diagnosis. Criteria related to repetitive movements and special interests were strongly linked to an autism diagnosis, while socialization criteria were not highly specific.
A study by Dr. LEE Seung-Hee reveals how the brain dynamically adjusts sensory input prioritization depending on movement, with vision taking priority for navigation. The posterior parietal cortex and secondary motor cortex play key roles in this process.
Researchers found significant differences in brain connectivity between children with autism and typically developing children, particularly in the left hemisphere. The study identified specific white matter tracts linked to core ASD symptoms, providing new insights into how structural differences relate to behavior.
Dr. Vikaas Sohal's research focuses on cognitive flexibility and prefrontal gamma oscillations to improve cognitive function in individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders. The grant aims to confirm findings in Syngap1 mutant mice and explore new therapeutic strategies.
A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.
A new community-based screening model, RITA-T, has been shown to improve early autism diagnosis in toddlers from underserved communities, reducing diagnosis delays of up to 20 minutes. The tool uses direct observation and is accessible for families facing barriers to care.
Dr. Julia Dallman has been awarded a $65,000 grant by the SynGAP Research Fund to screen pro-GI motility compounds for reducing gut transit time in her zebrafish SYNGAP1 model. The project aims to identify therapeutic options that can alleviate severe GI symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders.
New VCU research suggests that employer neurodiversity training, coupled with candidates' disclosure of their autism diagnosis during the hiring process, can help level the playing field for autistic job seekers. The study found that such training persisted in improving hiring outcomes even two months after the training.
A new study by Maira E. Ezerins finds that autistic job applicants face increased anxiety in interviews and have concerns about their traits being viewed by employers. The research proposes concrete steps to improve the interview process, including flexibility, general questions, and skill showcases.
A new Clinical Research Center of Excellence will improve care for individuals with SYNGAP1-related disorders and expand the Natural History Study to include Prospective Multidisciplinary Multisite Study. The center, established at Children's Hospital Colorado, aims to accelerate research and provide specialized care.
A study by Dr. Keum Sehoon's team identified key neural ensembles in the anterior cingulate cortex that encode empathic freezing, a behavioral response to witnessing distress in others. The researchers found that observing another's pain triggers activation in the ACC as if the observer were experiencing pain themselves.
The study found that nearly 1-in-3 young people now live with pediatric onset conditions that significantly affect their lives. Young adults are more likely to develop chronic conditions if they have lower socioeconomic status.
Researchers discovered genetic variants in ITSN1 significantly increase Parkinson's disease risk, especially among rare mutations. The study highlights ITSN1 as a promising therapeutic target and underscores the value of large-scale genetic sequencing.
Researchers have identified three cell types in the median raphe nucleus that control decisions on perseverance, exploration, and disengagement. These findings may help understand neuropsychiatric conditions such as OCD, autism, and major depressive disorder.
A new study from Denmark reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy, characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar, may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Researchers found that even small dietary adjustments away from this pattern could potentially reduce this risk.
The article presents guidelines for designing consent materials and procedures for autistic adults and people with intellectual disability, highlighting the importance of multiple modes to deliver content. These guidelines aim to improve accessibility and respectfulness in research with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Researchers discovered how air pollution and wildfire smoke can trigger S-nitrosylation of a key brain protein, preventing brain cells from making new connections. Blocking this chemical modification partially reversed signs of memory loss in Alzheimer's mouse models and nerve cells.
Researchers developed an AI approach to identify genes contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and developmental delay. The tool enhances gene discovery by predicting additional genes involved in these conditions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel method to measure PTEN gene activity, which is associated with cancer and autism. This breakthrough may lead to personalized therapeutics and earlier disease detection.
Researchers found that empathic disequilibrium, an imbalance between cognitive and emotional empathy, better explains symptoms in various clinical conditions. Prof. Florina Uzefovsky's work suggests this concept can be a powerful diagnostic and treatment tool for autism, schizophrenia, and other disorders.
A new study found that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may be less likely to experience severe injuries, especially orthopedic and animal-inflicted injuries. The research highlights the need for tailored injury prevention strategies for each condition, emphasizing distinct injury profiles between ASD and ADHD.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have discovered a new approach to treating fragile X syndrome by enhancing the activity of a specific component of 'NMDA' receptors. This strategy normalizes protein synthesis, neural activity and seizure susceptibility in hippocampus of fragile X lab mice, offering a promising therapeutic target.
A new MIT study finds that humans and marmosets retain a tendency to test other approaches to tasks, even when they have learned the optimal strategy. This behavior could help reveal needed adjustments in uncertain environments. The findings also add weight to the use of marmoset models for autism studies.
A large cohort study found that ADHD prevalence among adults with autism is nearly identical to childhood rates, highlighting the need for coordinated care services. Adults with co-occurring ADHD experienced worse health outcomes, but medication was associated with better results.
The Syngap Research Fund's 2024 Impact Report showcases the organization's progress in accelerating SYNGAP1 research, collaborating with academia and industry, and advocating for patients' rights. The report highlights seven core scientific programs and over $6M in funding for SYNGAP1-related disorders science.
Researchers found two groups of children diagnosed with autism after 6 years of age, presenting with varying symptom profiles. Early diagnosis is crucial for social communication and integration, with 75% of children diagnosed before age 6.
Researchers have uncovered a mitochondrial process that supports brain cells critical for learning, memory, and social recognition. The study reveals the critical role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in enabling neurons to strengthen connections through synaptic plasticity.
Dr. Eric Levine's lab at UConn School of Medicine has been awarded $400,000 to study the genetic pathways of autism spectrum disorders using patient-derived human neurons. The team aims to identify genes and brain cell behavior that may cause these disorders, with potential applications for gene therapy.
A lack of access to early autism diagnosis is causing concern worldwide. New solutions and initiatives are being developed to address this issue, including online diagnostic tools and expanded training for healthcare professionals.
Researchers analyzed over 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark to investigate potential links between a mother's health conditions and her child's risk of autism. They found that most reported associations can be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare.
Research from the University of Miami found that bilingualism has a positive impact on children's executive function skills, which are crucial for daily tasks and social interactions. Multilingual children also exhibit improved perspective-taking abilities, indicating enhanced cognitive development.
A new video game, CAMI, uses motion-tracking technology to detect differences in motor imitation skills, distinguishing children with autism from neurotypical children and ADHD patients with 80% accuracy. The tool has the potential to transform autism diagnoses worldwide by providing a quick, low-cost, and easy-to-use alternative.
The research aims to understand how high-risk genes disrupt neurodevelopment and lead to neuropsychiatric conditions, potentially informing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A national team of researchers will examine the effects of these genes on brain development, connectivity, and behavior in a mouse model.
A large-scale study found that autistic trans/gender diverse people experience significantly poorer healthcare, with higher rates of mental and physical health conditions. They are also at a higher risk of suicide-related behaviors, with alarmingly high rates compared to non-autistic cisgender individuals.
The Collaborative Science Pilot Awards program aims to inspire innovative research projects across UH and Case Western Reserve. Five teams will focus on organizing an MR Fingerprinting database, developing a genetic risk aid for early keratoconus detection, analyzing Alzheimer's treatment mechanisms, treating gastrointestinal symptoms ...
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new type of stem cell in the young brain that can form cells found in tumors, shedding light on how adult brain cells grow and develop into deadly brain cancers. The study provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding healthy brain development, which could lead to better treatments for conditi...
A study by Sophia University researchers found that individuals with Klinefelter syndrome and sexual minorities exhibited higher sensory hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity compared to controls. These traits were more pronounced in participants with gender dysphoria, where gender identity conflicts with assigned sex at birth.