Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
A Hopkins study found that pediatricians rarely screen patients for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with 62% citing a lack of knowledge about screening tools. Screening for ASD is crucial to prevent poorer outcomes in children with developmental disorders, but current national efforts may not be effective.
Researchers found that mutant mice displayed major abnormalities in social interactions, including reduced interest in new mice and impaired nest-forming behavior. The mice also showed hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviors, seizures, and decreased learning, all characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Researchers identified a gene mutation linked to autism, revealing physical abnormalities in the brain that mimic some cases of autism. The study found altered nerve cell structure and function, potentially leading to sensory overload.
A new study challenges the notion of an autism epidemic in the US, citing inconsistencies in special education data and diagnostic practices. Researchers argue that changes in how children are labeled as having special needs can lead to misleading trends and undermine efforts to accurately measure the scope of developmental disability.
A new childhood-onset epilepsy disorder, cortical dysplasia-focal epilepsy syndrome (CDFE), has been identified in a group of Old Order Amish children. The disorder is caused by a genetic mutation in the CASPR2 protein, which plays a crucial role in maintaining physical contacts between neurons and neighboring glial cells.
Research reveals that social perception plays a significant role in gaze-following behavior among executive monkeys. Low-ranking macaques exhibit faster reaction times to follow the gaze of other monkeys, while high-ranking individuals are more blasé.
A UC Davis study with mice found that even low levels of thimerosal can alter dendritic cell function and lead to abnormal immune responses. The study's findings suggest a link between thimerosal exposure and immune system dysfunction, potentially shedding light on the immunotoxic effects of this common preservative.
The 'imprinted brain hypothesis' proposes that competition between maternally and paternally expressed genes contributes to autism's development. This imbalance in the brain's development is supported by genomic imprinting components, which influence core behavioral features of autism.
Researchers at Binghamton University are using an innovative eye-tracking system to study the social interactions of children with and without autism. The system allows them to measure physiological anxiety, affect, performance, and behavior, providing valuable insights into the subtleties of social interaction.
The Autism Phenome Project is a large-scale, longitudinal study enrolling 1,800 children with autism, developmental delay, and typically developing children. The project aims to identify specific types of autism and develop a database of biomedical information to refine understanding and develop targeted treatments.
A panel of autism experts will assess widely held stereotypes about the developmental disability, including the notion that autistic individuals lack a theory of mind, vaccines cause autism, or are cognitively impaired. Experts aim to move beyond myths and misconceptions to set scientific reality straight.
Research reveals that autistic individuals' intelligence is often misjudged using Wechsler scales, which require oral language skills. However, Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) tests show that autistics can excel in high-level abstract reasoning and problem-solving, indicating a more accurate assessment of their intelligence.
Research shows that a unique brain region acts as an integrative centre, modifying pain sensations when people are thirsty. Elite athletes can push through normal thresholds of pain and thirst due to their ability to balance this 'priority switch',
A study by Utah researchers confirms that a specific region on chromosome 3 is linked to autism, with results showing strong similarities to Finnish studies. The researchers used genetic markers to analyze the DNA of 31 family members, seven of whom have autism or an autism-related disorder.
Dr Anthony Hannan from the Howard Florey Institute has won a $1 million Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship to study environmental factors that delay degenerative brain diseases. His recent work showed that mental and physical exercise can slow down HD progression in mice, challenging genetic determinism.
A brain imaging study has discovered that oxytocin quells the brain's fear hub, the amygdala, and its brainstem relay stations in response to fearful stimuli. This finding suggests a potentially powerful treatment approach toward socially relevant fear and may have therapeutic value in disorders characterized by social avoidance.
Researchers found significant brain volume enlargement in children with autism, particularly in white and gray matter, which affects the cerebral cortex responsible for thought, perception, and memory. The study suggests that this enlargement may begin as late as the first year of life, during the postnatal period.
A UCLA imaging study found that children with autism have a dysfunctional mirror neuron system, which may underlie their social deficits. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity in high-functioning children with autism while they imitated and observed emotions.
A Yale University study found that methylphenidate is an effective medication for children with autism and increased hyperactivity. However, the response rate was lower than expected compared to ADHD without co-occurring PDD.
Researchers found that individuals with autism and related disorders have difficulties distinguishing facial expressions from emotional states. The study suggests that these problems may be related to the processing of emotion rather than face perception.
A recent study published at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting found that brain activity related to face processing is similar in individuals with and without autism. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain function in people with autism as they processed social cues, including faces.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that methylphenidate significantly improved symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children with pervasive developmental disorders. The study included 58 participants who showed a response rate of around 76 percent to the medication.
Research using fMRI technology found reduced activity in the caudate nucleus, a critical part of prefrontal brain circuits, in boys with autism. This impairment affects attention, problem-solving, and learning abilities. The study's findings may help develop better therapies for children with autism.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has joined forces with advocacy groups to fund research on autism susceptibility genes. The initiative aims to expand knowledge of the genetic factors involved in autism and develop targeted therapies.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made new findings linking genetic variants to susceptibility to autism and schizophrenia. The study suggests that a mutated form of the EN2 gene may contribute to up to 40% of autism cases, while another gene called CAPON has been implicated in schizophrenia.
Researchers identified a rare syndrome resulting from a HOXA1 gene mutation, affecting horizontal eye movement, hearing, motor skills, and cardiovascular development. The study provides new insights into the role of HOXA1 in human brain development and may lead to ongoing research directions in developmental biology.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified the protein snapin as having therapy potential for autism by modulating dendrite patterning. Snapin's interaction with cypin regulates branching, and targeting this pathway could lead to new drugs.
The study found that complex gene-gene interactions are likely responsible for the development of autism. The GABA brain system is implicated in this process, with multiple genes working together to influence the disease.
Researchers analyzed home videotapes of 56 children to find that infants with autism who experience regression show more frequent word use and babble than normal infants at 12 months. Early onset ASD infants display the least frequency of language development.
Recent studies suggest that multiple rare mutations within a single gene may increase risk for autism. The SERT gene regulates brain levels of serotonin, which is involved in various biological processes and has been found to be elevated in about 25% of people with autism. SSRIs have improved some symptoms, leading scientists to propos...
Research by Larry Young on voles has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying social attachment, which may hold clues for understanding autism. The study suggests that oxytocin and vasopressin play a critical role in modulating social behavior and shaping normal adult social behavior.
A new classification tool developed by Dr. James Coplan may predict outcomes for children with autism and autistic spectrum disorders more accurately than existing methods. The study found that children in the normal range of intelligence show significant improvement in their ASD symptoms over time.
A multi-site study found Risperidone effective in decreasing aggression, repetitive behaviors, and increasing social interaction in children with autism. The medication showed limited side effects, supporting its use as an intermediate-term treatment option.
Researchers identify three reasons to be cautious about an autism epidemic, including a flawed California study and the lack of reporting category for autism in public schools. They propose that the increase in diagnoses may be due to broadened diagnostic criteria and increased public awareness.
Researchers have found that disruption of the Foxp2 gene affects the ability of infant rodents to emit ultrasonic vocalizations, which is crucial for social communication. The study suggests that Foxp2 subsumes communication across species, enabling researchers to learn about human speech and articulation.
A study by Emory University researchers has found that variations in microsatellite sequences of the vasopressin receptor gene can influence social behavior and parenting behaviors in voles. These findings suggest that junk DNA may play a role in shaping individual differences and social diversity.
Researchers identified a link between chromosomes 7 and 21 and autism susceptibility, with new evidence suggesting chromosome 21 plays a role in the condition. This finding may help explain the increased prevalence of autism among children with Down syndrome.
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.