Articles tagged with Autism
A new study developed a predictive profile of children likely to respond to Pivotal Response Training (PRT), a child-directed behavioral intervention. The study successfully matched autistic children with an appropriate therapy, leading to significant gains in language skills, play skills, and social behaviors.
A large-scale Danish study found no association between risk of autism and various birth factors, including mode of delivery, fetal presentation, and socioeconomic status. Family history of schizophrenia was linked to increased autism risk, independently of obstetric factors.
A new intervention program for toddlers with autism focuses on social engagement to improve language and cognitive development. The program aims to alter the trajectory of early brain development toward a more normal one by promoting emotional relationships between children and other people.
Researchers found clear differences in immune cell responses between children with autism and typically developing children following exposure to bacterial agents and a plant lectin. The study suggests that a dysfunctional immune system may play a role in the development of autism, warranting further investigation.
Researchers have identified differences in immune system cells and proteins in children with autism, raising hopes for an early diagnostic blood test. The study's findings could lead to a routine blood test that detects autism in newborns and allows for early treatment or prevention.
Scientists reported progress in diagnosing youngest children through biomarkers and behavioral observations, allowing for early treatment. The study also highlighted the potential connection of cytokines to autism and identified endophenotypic traits associated with the condition.
Researchers at UCLA have pinpointed a specific region on chromosome 17 associated with autism in males. The discovery may help explain why girls are less likely to develop the condition, as the gene contributing to autism only affects boys.
Researchers have identified behaviors in infants as young as six months that can predict autism. The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) maps the development of infants against 16 risk markers for autism, including passivity and social interaction difficulties.
Research led by Ohio State University found a mutation in the PTEN gene in three people with autism and large heads, raising concerns about an increased cancer risk. The study suggests that individuals with autism and macrocephaly should be offered genetic counseling and testing for PTEN mutations.
Research reveals that autistic children have significantly lower levels of glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant, indicating increased oxidative stress. Genetic polymorphisms in three genes (catecho-O-methyltransferase, transcobalamin II, and glutathione-S-transferase M1) are also found to be elevated in autistic children.
Extensive scientific evidence confirms no link between vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Immunization remains crucial for protecting children from serious infectious diseases, says the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Research suggests individuals with autism spectrum disorders have a dysfunctional mirror neuron system, contributing to impairments in social interaction and communication. Biofeedback and mirror therapy may be potential treatments for high-functioning autistics.
The Indiana University Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center has launched a new program to train teachers to support children with autism. The program, called HANDS in Autism, will provide intensive training for educators and other staff members in local school districts.
Researchers analyze prosody and communication in autism, finding children with autism understand social-emotional information better with enhanced prosody. They aim to create a sharper understanding of core issues and differences between children with different forms of communication disorders.
A meticulous diary kept by a mother of twins has revealed indicators of autistic behaviour in children as young as six months of age. Children with autism develop normally for six months, then begin developing atypically, according to research published in Neurocase.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with autism when observing hand movements, indicating a faulty mirror-neuron system that affects social skills and empathy. This study provides insight into the neural basis of autism's social deficits.
A monkey study provides a controlled laboratory setting to explore how monkeys make social judgments, including dominance rankings and reproductive success. The findings suggest that the brain processes social information in a way similar to humans, with implications for understanding autism.
A defect in neuroligin genes disrupts neuronal connections and results in an imbalance of neuronal function, providing a possible explanation for autistic children's neurodevelopmental defects. Understanding this cellular defect is crucial towards developing therapies for autism-spectrum disorders.
A Mayo Clinic study analyzed data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and found a stable incidence of autism until 1988-1991, then increased with new diagnostic criteria and special education laws. Researchers identified 124 children meeting current diagnostic criteria for autism out of 3,000 with related diagnoses.
Researchers will enroll 100-150 children with autism, along with their parents and unaffected siblings, to conduct detailed behavioral evaluations and DNA analysis. The study aims to identify genetic differences and patterns that mark different autistic spectrum disorders, providing clues to their biological causes.
Research using fMRI scans reveals that individuals with high-functioning autism exhibit different brain activation patterns when recalling alphabet letters, with more activity in right hemisphere and less in left.
Researchers have found brain inflammation associated with autism, suggesting immune activation plays a role in the disorder. The study's findings support the theory that immune activation is involved in autism, but further research is needed to understand its benefits and drawbacks.
Researchers found evidence of ongoing inflammatory process in autistic brains, particularly in regions involving microglia and astroglia. Cytokine and chemokine levels were abnormally elevated, suggesting localized inflammation within the brain.
Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.
A team of Hopkins researchers is using new genome searching technologies to identify genetic factors contributing to autism. They will analyze data from 465 families and 979 individuals with autism, focusing on rare genetic mutations and extra or missing gene copies.
Researchers found that autistic boys with normal language capabilities have a typical brain organization, while those with language problems exhibit similar brain changes as non-autistic boys with Specific Language Impairment. The study supports the idea that autism and SLI are disruptions in neurodevelopment and neurobiology.
Brain imaging studies identify differences in left/right dominance linked to language problems, distinguishing them from autism. Language impairment is strongly associated with a larger right-sided Broca's area.
Timothy syndrome is caused by spontaneous genetic mutations that interfere with calcium channels regulating heart excitation and contraction. A class of drugs may alleviate arrhythmia, while improving cognitive function in some cases. The disorder affects 200,000 to 400,000 children in the US.
A recent UK study published in The Lancet has found no association between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism or pervasive developmental disorders. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 cases and 4,469 controls, concluding that vaccination did not increase the risk of these conditions.
A new genetic hypothesis proposes that most cases of autism can be explained by a complex model for genetic malfunction, involving both inherited and de novo genetic factors. The study suggests epigenetic components, including genetic imprinting, play a major role in the etiology of autism.
Researchers found abnormalities in brain activity among people with normal IQs who have autism, indicating a deficiency in coordination among brain areas. The study proposes the underconnectivity theory, which suggests that autism is a distributed system-wide disorder limiting integration among brain areas.
Researchers developed a new approach to interpreting brain electroencephalograms that provides an unprecedented view of thought in action. The technique uses Independent Component Analysis to separate signals from different areas of the brain, enabling detailed insights into neural dynamics.
Researchers found thimerosal exposure in mice led to autism-like behaviors, including abnormal responses to environments and brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential connection between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers for autism, highlighting the need for further research and intervention strategies.
An Australian study investigated the connection between autism and pregnancy-related complications, finding increased risk for older parents, firstborn children, and certain medical interventions. The research suggests that early nongenetic influences may play a role in some cases of autism development.
Research reveals that autistic children can access and analyze musical details more readily than typically developing children. A subgroup of participants achieved impressive scores, even without prior musical training.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found a positive association between autism and immune system disorders, including respiratory and skin allergies. Autistic children were less likely to have asthma compared to their non-autistic peers.
Researchers have identified two specific brain areas activated when people make mental state judgments, shedding light on the neural basis of everyday theory of mind. This finding may help develop interventions for individuals with autism who struggle with social skills and mental state decoding.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in one gene that increases the risk of autism by approximately doubling it, according to Dr. Joseph Buxbaum's study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
A new form of the MECP2 protein has been discovered to be associated with Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder affecting approximately 3,000 girls in the US. This breakthrough finding promises to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of Rett syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Two American journalists, Fauber and Singer, are selected for American Academy of Neurology Journalism Fellowships to attend the 56th Annual Meeting in San Francisco. They will learn about latest advances in neurology research and treatment, and make contacts with experts in the field.
The main thrust of a 1998 Lancet paper described an unexpected intestinal lesion in children, raising the possibility of a link between MMR vaccine and autism. Despite lack of evidence, the paper's interpretation sparked major implications for public health, leading to formal retraction by the authors.
Researchers have found that autistic children's brains can activate the temporal lobe, a key region for face processing, when viewing familiar faces. This suggests that increased exposure to faces, such as those of parents, may improve facial recognition in individuals with autism.
A new study suggests that individuals with autism can develop face recognition skills through specialized training. The research found that the fusiform gyrus, a brain region responsible for face processing, is activated in adults with autism, but requires training to function properly.
Researchers found that exposure to thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, can interrupt growth factor signaling and cause adverse effects on methylation reactions. This can lead to disorders such as autism and ADHD in infants and children.
Researchers discovered that a small mutation in the fragile X gene causes tremors, balance problems, and dementia in older men. Genetic screening is recommended for men with these symptoms, especially those carrying the premutation, to accurately diagnose and treat Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Atxa Syndrome (FXTAS).
According to a new study, 32% of autistic children use complementary and alternative medicine, with Latino children more likely to do so. The researchers caution that some CAM treatments may alleviate associated problems but not core autism symptoms.
Children with hyperlexia display exceptional reading skills, often exceeding their age, yet struggle with social interactions. FMRI studies reveal distinct brain activity patterns, highlighting the neural mechanisms underlying this rare condition.
Two Vanderbilt researchers have received NAAR fellowships to develop new tools for identifying and understanding the genetic causes of autism. Lynnette Henderson is working on extending Stone's Screening Tool for Autism in Two-year-olds, while Jacob McCauley will conduct a genetic analysis of serotonergic and GABA-ergic genes.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that participants were more likely to incorrectly identify a similar image as part of the original set, even though it was not present. This suggests that visual false memories can be induced using context, challenging our perceptions and memory recall.
The New York Academy of Sciences has launched a new website, eBriefings, which provides user-friendly access to top science and health issues. The platform features eBriefings on autism, adolescent brain development, and neuroethical challenges in cognitive enhancement and learning.
Linda Brzustowicz will lead research on hereditary patterns of autistic behaviors, analyzing 'trio' samples from autistic individuals and their parents to define genes linked to the disorder. The study aims to better understand, treat, and potentially prevent autism.
Researchers discovered that monkeys reflexively shift their attention to the direction of another individual's gaze, mirroring human behavior. This finding holds promise for a new animal model of social attention, which could lead to better treatments for autism and improved teaching methods.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that eight autistic children who participated in the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) program showed significant improvements in IQ scores and adaptive behavior. Six of the children achieved average IQ scores, while two improved to mild mental retardation.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine and Children's Hospital found rapid brain growth in infants with autism, linked to early diagnosis and improved outcomes. The study identified a window of abnormal brain development, predicting the severity of autism, and suggests earlier interventions could improve treatment.
A two-year study found autistic children have difficulty with early face-to-face interaction, which relates to pointing and showing abilities. The research suggests this problem starts earlier in development than previously thought.
The Rutgers Center for Genetic Research on Mental Disorders will investigate the genetic basis of mental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and depression. The center aims to identify inherited factors that determine individual likelihood for developing each disorder.
The NIMH has awarded $22.6 million to a new Center for Collaborative Research on Mental Disorders, aiming to advance understanding of genetic origins of mental health conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. The center will facilitate data sharing and analysis to accelerate gene discovery and develop novel therapeutic targets.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded grants to support six new autism research centers. The centers, led by renowned experts in the field, will focus on understanding brain abnormalities, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of individuals with autism. This major network of centers aims to reduce the bur...
Duke University researchers used a new statistical method called ordered subset analysis to identify a strong link between the GABRB3 gene and autism. By grouping patients with similar traits together statistically, they discovered a genetic risk factor that was missed by looking at the larger group.
Researchers will enroll up to 2,000 children with differing patterns of development to compare environmental exposures and physiologic factors. The study aims to gain a better understanding of the multiple ways autism and other developmental delays may occur.