Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has facilitated connections between parents and researchers, providing valuable data on causes, treatments, and potential cures for autism. The registry has revealed significant insights, including maternal depression and ineffective treatments.
Researchers have discovered that a brain network linked to introspective tasks is less intricate and well-connected in children, with firmer connections forming as individuals mature. This finding has implications for understanding the effects of aging, brain injuries, and conditions like autism on brain function.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a sticky blood protein that regulates serotonin transporter activity, potentially contributing to autism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for autism and depression.
A new study reveals that families of children with autism often experience substantial financial burdens, including high therapy costs and reduced lifestyle choices. Financial planners can help direct families to available resources and encourage smart spending decisions to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that children with high-functioning autism produce more contingent sentences when interacting with virtual peers. This suggests that virtual peers can be a useful tool in helping children with autism develop communication and social skills. The study aims to generalize these skills to m...
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology found that mothers of autistic children may produce antibodies against their fetuses' brain tissue, which can cause changes leading to autism. The study suggests an association between maternal antibody production and developmental regression in children with autism.
A study by UC-Davis researchers found that antibodies in mothers of children with autism bind to fetal brain cells, potentially disrupting healthy development. The findings suggest a possible link between the maternal immune system and autism risk, paving the way for future research on prenatal identification and prevention.
A new study from the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute suggests that brain-directed antibodies during pregnancy may be a causal factor for some cases of autism. The research found that exposure to IgG antibodies in pregnant monkeys exhibited repetitive behaviors similar to those seen in children with autism.
Researchers have discovered characteristic patterns of brain activity in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that reflect an inability to perceive themselves as social creatures. The study found that individuals with ASD exhibit diminished perception of self in social interactions, similar to those playing against a computer.
A study found that high-functioning individuals with autism have impaired 'self' responses in the brain, affecting their ability to understand themselves and others. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic tools and a better understanding of social cognition in autism.
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood finds no association between the MMR vaccine and autism spectrum disorders, contradicting previous research. The study analyzed blood samples from nearly 250 children with autism, as well as comparison groups without autism or special educational needs.
The McGovern Institute researchers will investigate the origins of autism and dyslexia using advanced neuroimaging methods. They aim to develop methods for early diagnosis, identify key markers for diagnosing and tracking progression, and explore therapeutic interventions.
Children with autism typically have normal-sized heads at birth but experience accelerated head growth between six and nine months of age, according to a new study. This aberrant growth is present in both early onset and regression types of the disorder, making it a potential biological marker for autism.
A new review integrates psychological and biological theories of autism, which may help medical professionals detect conditions such as Asperger's Disorder at an earlier stage. This approach could lead to better explanations for parents worried about their child's behaviour and potentially improve remediation.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals that chromosomal abnormalities contribute substantially to autism, with 7% of children carrying unique genetic changes. The researchers identified 13 regions of the genome with overlapping or recurrent chromosomal changes in unrelated individuals with autism.
Researchers found a link between a specific gene variant and autism, particularly when inherited from mothers. The study suggests that the CNTNAP2 gene may play a role in brain cell development and differentiation.
Researchers have validated the association between CNTNAP2 and autistic behaviors in the general population, validating an earlier finding. This discovery highlights the potential of small science approaches and may lead to early diagnostic tests for autism.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a strong association between the contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene and autism, particularly in boys. The study found that CNTNAP2 is most active in brain regions involved with language and thought, suggesting a link to speech delay and other symptoms of autism.
A study has identified a chromosomal abnormality on chromosome 16 that appears to increase the risk of autism by 100-fold. The deletion or duplication of this segment was found in 5% of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, but not in unaffected parents.
A study found that a small portion of chromosome 16, known as 16p11.2, is significantly associated with autism. The deletion occurs in only four out of 712 subjects with autism, yet it is the second most common recurrent genomic disorder linked to the condition.
The study found that autism cases continued to increase in California despite the elimination of thimerosal from most childhood vaccines. Exposure to thimerosal was estimated to have contributed to the upswing in reported cases, but this link was not proven by the study.
The University of Washington is launching a groundbreaking study to prevent autism symptoms in high-risk infants. Led by Annette Estes, researchers will assess and intervene with 200 Seattle-area infants who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism, aiming to identify early risk factors and intervene before symptoms appear.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have corrected key symptoms of mental retardation and autism in mice by reducing a specific receptor. The findings suggest that a certain class of drugs could have the same effect, potentially treating fragile X syndrome and other developmental disorders.
Researchers have developed a first-ever genetic animal model of autism, allowing for the study of abnormal brain function and potential treatments. The model mimics human autism symptoms, including social interaction deficits, while also displaying enhanced spatial learning abilities.
Research suggests a link between brain overgrowth and the onset of autistic characteristics, with behavioral symptoms occurring at around age one. This study supports previous findings on brain development in autistic children and may indicate an opportunity for early intervention.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory report that a missing brain protein may be one of the culprits behind autism and other brain disorders. They found that an enzyme called Cdk5 plays a critical role in recruiting key scaffolding proteins to develop synapses.
Researchers used a novel imaging technique to study autistic children and found increased gray matter in brain areas governing social processing and learning by observation. The study revealed that increased gray matter does not correspond to IQ levels, indicating dysfunctional mirror neuron system function.
Researchers tracked autistic children over three years, revealing no uniform pattern of development. Children showed positive gains in social interactions, forming friendships and reducing unusual behaviors.
Kalirin-7 identified as key regulator of brain spine development, controlling neurotransmitter-receiving stations and strengthening neuronal connections. Abnormal spine structures linked to neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and drug addiction.
Researchers used C. elegans to study sex differences in brain function, finding that hermaphrodites prefer buttery smells while males prefer fresh vegetables. The team's genetic modification revealed that even few neurons can influence behavior, challenging the idea that all sex differences result from neuron-specific differences.
A study published in the journal SLEEP found that children with Asperger syndrome (AS) have a high prevalence of sleep disorders, particularly those related to initiating sleep and sleep restlessness. The study also showed unique patterns of cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) activity in AS subjects.
The 2007 Michael Young Prize winners, Dr Elizabeth Pellicano and Dr Asi Sharabi, have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on autism and its impact. Their studies provide valuable insights into the developmental disorder and offer solutions to improve policy responses and communication with carers.
The Autism Consortium has released genetic data from 3,000 individuals with autism spectrum disorders to the scientific community. The data set provides a comprehensive look at genetic variation patterns in families with autism, shedding light on the complex causes of the disorder.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine will use advanced technologies to search the entire X chromosome for genetic abnormalities in 330 patients with autism. The goal is to identify X-linked variation for autism susceptibility, a crucial step towards developing diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches.
Florida State University researcher Amy Wetherby has received a four-year, $1.4M CDC grant to screen 16,000 North Florida children for early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study aims to identify prevalence at two ages in early childhood and inform early intervention efforts.
The study found that too little MeCP2 leads to fewer synapses, while too much causes an overabundance, resulting in mental retardation and autism-like symptoms. Understanding the regulation of MeCP2 is crucial for determining optimal synapse number.
The University of Southern California has received a five-year, $8.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to survey the genetic, physical and behavioral profiles of children with autism. The grant will increase the reach and ethnic diversity of the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) database.
Researchers found that symptoms can improve with age, particularly in individuals who are not classified as having mental retardation. The study, which followed over 400 adolescents and adults with autism for five years, revealed significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.
A recent study on joint attention reveals its crucial role in understanding autism, suggesting impaired social skills and communication difficulties. The 'attention-systems model' proposes that joint attention is the result of two basic forms of attention interacting throughout development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created a mouse model of autism, exhibiting poor social skills but enhanced mental abilities, akin to Rain Man's character traits. The study reveals an imbalance in inhibitory brain action and suggests focusing on this aspect for treatment.
Scientists engineered mice with a single mutation in the neuroligin-3 gene to study autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), finding improved spatial learning and memory while impairing social interactions. The mouse model may help understand how specific defects in neural development lead to ASDs.
The Simons Simplex Collection will be a core resource for researching sporadic genetic mutations in autism. Researchers will analyze DNA samples from 2,000 families with one autistic child to understand the underlying causes of autism.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have identified neurexin as essential for synapse growth, maintenance, and function. The study in Drosophila fruit flies may lead to insights into autism spectrum disorders and human neurological disorders.
A study by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Florence, and Western Australia found that children with autism don't update their facial perceptions as readily as typically developing children do. As a result, they struggle to recognize faces belonging to different teams or individuals, which can contribute to social problems.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine has found that autistic individuals have deficient connections within single brain regions, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery was made using magnetoencephalography brain imaging technology and may lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted medications for autism.
Researchers warn of the growing prevalence of ineffective and potentially dangerous fad treatments for autism. Despite limited scientific evidence, parents are often willing to try various therapies in hopes of finding relief for their child.
A study by researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found a strong association between increased white matter volume and poorer motor skills in children with autism. Conversely, typically developing children showed improved motor skills with increased white matter volume.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory propose a new model for understanding how autism is acquired, suggesting that spontaneous germ-line mutation is a significant cause. This mutation can be carried by women without severe symptoms and passed on to their children, increasing the risk of sons developing autism.
Researchers identified early signs of autism development in 14-month-olds, including social and communication disruptions, irregular play patterns, and reduced verbal communication. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in helping children with autism reach their full potential.
Autistic individuals often struggle with interpreting subtle social cues like facial expressions and tone of voice. A UCLA study found that explicit instructions can train their brains to respond appropriately. Researchers trained ASD children to pay attention to these cues, resulting in increased activity in the brain's 'social' network.
MIT researchers have reversed symptoms of mental retardation and autism in mice with Fragile X Syndrome, a leading inherited cause of the conditions. The study identifies p21-activated kinase as a key enzyme that can be inhibited to reverse symptoms.
Two autism-related proteins, neuroligin-1 and neuroligin-2, have been found to control the strength and balance of nerve-cell connections. The proteins increase or inhibit cell activity depending on firing frequency, impacting brain development in children.
A two-year study at McMaster University aims to find an effective treatment for children with severe autism who do not respond to Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI). The study will provide a functional behavioural skills program and additional training for parents.
A research team led by UCSD scientists has discovered how genetic mutations affect the structure of proteins implicated in autism spectrum disorders, contributing to developmental abnormalities. This study represents a solid starting point for understanding the disorder and developing new drug therapies.
A study found children with both autism and ADHD are four times more likely to bully than their peers, highlighting the need for additional support services.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics found no association between Rh immune globulin preserved with thimerosal and an increased risk of autism. Researchers investigated the exposure to thimerosal during pregnancies resulting in children diagnosed with autism and found no correlation.
A recent study published in American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A found no causal link between Rh immune globulin (preserved with thimerosal) exposure before birth and the development of autism. The study included over 200 mothers of children diagnosed with autism, revealing that Rh negative status and pregnancies with thimerosal...
The Interactive Autism Network has achieved significant milestones in its first month, registering over 13,000 individuals and families living with autism. Researchers can now access this large pool of family-provided data to supplement existing research studies and explore new hypotheses.
Researchers identified two DNA regions linked to autism on chromosomes 11 and 17 using a quantitative approach. They found significant linkage to symptoms of autism in families with affected children, which may lead to the discovery of multiple genes contributing to the disorder.
A study by UCLA researchers found that children with autism exhibit reduced activity in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, a region responsible for evaluating emotions and context. This impairment affects their ability to process visual cues like eye gaze and facial expressions.