Articles tagged with Autism
A Carnegie Mellon University study finds that people with autism are using AI chatbots for workplace advice, but raises questions about the quality of the advice and the need for inclusivity. The research highlights the importance of involving individuals with autism in the development of technology to address their specific needs.
Researchers discovered that the youngest students in a class are overrepresented among those receiving an ADHD diagnosis or medication. This is due to teachers misattributing relative immaturity as symptoms of ADHD.
A new autism screening tool, Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC), has been successfully adapted for a Spanish-speaking population in Ecuador. The study found that ADEC can be used to identify children with high likelihood of developing autism, providing a cost-effective way to improve early diagnosis and support.
A novel wearable brain scanner has given the clearest ever picture of young children's developing brains, measuring electrical brain activity with millisecond-by-millisecond precision. The study, published in eLife, opens up new possibilities for tracking developmental milestones and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
Researchers have identified shared genetic links between disturbed sleep, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions. Polygenic scores for certain conditions are associated with chronotype and insomnia, suggesting potential new therapies.
A team of researchers developed an eye-tracking biomarker model that can differentiate children with autism from those with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The model achieved high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
A large cohort study found no association between synthetic oxytocin exposure during childbirth and increased risk of ADHD or autism in offspring. Interestingly, sOT was linked to lower ADHD risk among children born to mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity.
The study highlights the significant post-COVID recovery of youth aged 25-34 in employment, while those aged 16-24 experienced a slower recovery. Innovative programs and practices for supporting youth with autism in their employment search are also discussed.
A UCLA Health study has unveiled the link between genetic risk of autism and observed cellular activity in the brain. Researchers analyzed post-mortem brain tissue from 66 individuals, including those with autism spectrum disorder, to identify changes in cortical cell types and transcription factor networks.
A study found distinct brain connectivity patterns in six-week-old infants at risk for developing autism spectrum disorder. These early differences predict behavior and may lead to ASD-related behaviors by altering social development.
A new study reveals the challenges faced by autistic girls, women and gender diverse people in healthcare, education and society. Autistic young people express a pressing need for tailored support at school, better understanding of their experiences and strengths, and specialised mental health services.
A new study found significant differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls, with autistic females showing a thicker cortex at age 3 and faster cortical thinning into middle childhood. The findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies that include both sexes to better understand sex-specific changes in autism.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are designing more inclusive healthcare environments for autistic children with unique sensory needs. Their study proposes creating sensory adaptive environments and increasing training of medical professionals on sensory differences to improve healthcare experiences.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified a specific cell type in the mouse embryonic brain that responds to an immune response in the mother, altering gene regulation and persisting in juvenile mice. This study provides new insights into how maternal immune responses might influence brain development in embryos, potentially sh...
Researchers at IIT have identified a brain network that enables the recognition of others' emotions, which could lead to more effective treatments for neurodevelopmental conditions. The discovery provides insight into how the brain processes social functions and may help develop targeted therapies.
Researchers at Clemson University discovered that certain Neanderthal-derived genetic variations are more common in people with autism than in the general population. These findings suggest long-term effects of ancient human hybridization on brain organization and function, potentially leading to earlier diagnostics.
A novel therapy leverages technology and robots to enhance joint attention and imitation skills in children with autism. The RoboCA3T program showed significant improvements in these areas, indicating a potential cost-effective treatment option.
Researchers discovered a link between disrupted developmental dopamine signaling and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting the importance of studying neural development pathways. The study found that dopaminergic signaling disruptions led to neural circuit abnormalities and behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of autism in zebrafish larvae.
Research suggests that preverbal infants who struggle with sequence understanding are more likely to experience social communication difficulties later in childhood. Visual statistical learning is identified as a key predictor of autistic-related traits and behaviors.
A research team led by Gloria Choi and Jun Huh will investigate how fever improves autism symptoms in an effort to develop therapies that replicate this effect. They plan to explore the molecular mechanisms behind the 'fever effect' and its potential applications for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Research suggests that microbes in the human gut influence social behavior, with certain bacteria offering protection against intestinal problems. The study found specific species of Blautia and Bacteroides uniformis that may benefit people with autism and GI disorders.
Researchers found that a small number of biochemical pathways are responsible for the majority of metabolic changes in autism. These changes may be linked to the cell danger response and can be partially restored with existing pharmaceutical drugs.
A study by IBS researchers has identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a key region responsible for sensory hypersensitivity associated with autism spectrum disorders. The team discovered that ACC hyperactivity and brain-wide hyperconnectivity contribute to sensory abnormalities in Grin2b-mutant mice.
A recent study has revealed that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to an overactivation of the prefrontal cortex. The researchers found that core autism traits worsen when traumatic memories are formed, highlighting a potential predisposition to PTSD in ASD.
The study reveals common themes among participants' responses, including the constraints of ableist perspectives, challenges in finding a 'sweet spot' in career planning, and a disconnect between autistic youth's needs and available resources. The authors emphasize the need for individualized support, neurodiverse acceptance, and colla...
Researchers will discuss key findings on pediatric mental health, vaccination, autism diagnosis, social determinants of cardiovascular health, and treatment of bronchiolitis. Studies examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and hypertension in youth, long wait times for autism evaluations, and the impact of HPV vaccine up...
Researchers found a bias in X-chromosome inactivation that protects females from harmful mutations linked to autism. The study suggests the paternal X chromosome is inactivated in 60% of cells, preventing mutation effects.
Researchers identified a spectrum of effects on sodium channel function due to SCN2A variants, with hyperactive channels linked to early seizure onset and underactive channels associated with autism. The study provides insights into the relationship between genetic changes, disease severity, and age of seizure onset.
A new study published in npj Mental Health Research reveals three distinct language comprehension mechanisms in autistic children, challenging the common linear trajectory of language development. The findings support the idea that intensive language therapy should start earlier and highlight the importance of improving language compre...
A study of over 1 million Swedish children reveals that genetic differences contribute to phenotypic variation in autism spectrum disorder, differing significantly between males and females. The findings suggest underlying causes of autism may differ between the sexes, partly explaining the skewed sex ratio in the condition.
Researchers at UVA College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences have developed a new metric for diagnosing autism, using Diffusion MRI to observe brain microstructures. The study found structural differences in the brains of autistic individuals that can cause slower conduction velocity, shedding light on the origins of ASD.
Researchers will study wearable robotic assistance for chronic SCI, new assessment tools for spatial neglect, and a web-based job interview training tool for autistic youth. The studies aim to improve upper extremity movement function and employment outcomes for individuals with autism.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in offspring. The study suggests that familial confounding may have contributed to previous associations observed in other models.
Researchers analyzed data from 2.4 million children born in Sweden to find no evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sibling comparisons controlled for shared genetic and environmental factors, providing reassurance for expectant parents considering medication use.
A recent study published by the European Psychiatric Association found a significant association between prenatal cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID). The stud...
The journal features five original articles from Kennedy Krieger faculty members, providing actionable insights on caring for children with autism. The volume addresses a significant gap in resources for pediatric clinicians and researchers globally.
Researchers from the University of Washington created an AI algorithm to analyze infant poses using limited training data. By leveraging generative AI, they were able to produce high-quality results, enabling parents to monitor their babies' daily activities and detect potential health issues early.
Researchers identified four weight-gain trajectories and factors associated with rapid or gradual weight gain, including age, sex, ethnicity, and baseline body mass index scores.
Researchers found that parents with high chemical intolerance scores were 5.7 times more likely to report a child with autism, highlighting the potential preventive role of avoiding toxic exposures. The study also suggests that reducing exposure prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention.
Researchers found common underlying mechanisms in different forms of autism that may be addressed with existing medications. By analyzing brain cells, they identified disruptions in the mTOR signaling pathway that can be corrected with drugs, offering new potential treatments for individuals with idiopathic and genetic ASD.
Research reveals people with neurodevelopmental conditions possess various strengths, including improved social skills, creativity, and problem-solving. The study aims to reduce stigma by promoting greater social inclusion and societal benefits.
A large-scale animal study reveals that brain pH and lactate levels are a common feature across various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain energy metabolism are linked to cognitive impairment, particularly working memory.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.
A survey of autistic individuals from eight countries reveals low levels of acceptance, linked to depression and camouflaging, with regions like South Africa needing greater mental health support. Non-binary individuals experience the lowest level of acceptance, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that COVID vaccines are safe to administer during pregnancy, with no abnormal delays in infants when tested at 12 months and 18 months. The study of over 2,200 infants from across the country also found an increased risk of delay among male infants at 12 months but not at 18 months.
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is open to media registration for its 2024 event. Journalists can access the latest research discoveries in neuroscience fields such as dementia, addiction and depression.
A recent study published in the journal Autism has found that five times more nonspeaking autistic teenagers and adults demonstrated knowledge of written language conventions than expected. This research suggests that many autistic individuals are literate and may be able to learn alternative forms of communication through writing.
A recent study using AI-based behavioral experiments on mice found that prenatal exposure to nicotine increases the risk of ADHD and autism spectrum disorders in newborns. The researchers developed a deep learning-based framework to analyze mouse behavior without observer bias.
A genome-wide meta-analysis study found that early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy and cognitive abilities in children. The study used data from over 17,000 English-, Danish- or Dutch-speaking children and identified multiple genetic factors underlying vocabulary size in infancy and toddlerhood.
Researchers capture atomic resolution images of ionotropic glutamate receptor transporting calcium, revealing a temporary pocket that traps calcium. The mechanism discovered is conserved across all species of mammals and has implications for synaptic function and learning processes.
Dr. Ryyna Ethell's lab at UC Riverside has been awarded a $2.4 million NIH grant to investigate the role of astrocytes in inhibitory synapse development and their connection to neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism.
Scientists have identified the 'gene of prejudice' GTF2I as crucial in regulating social behavior. The gene's deletion or duplication leads to variations in personality, with individuals having either a 'cocktail party personality' or autistic traits. This research may lead to new treatments for autism and shed light on human sociality.
The study investigates how different genes related to autism spectrum disorders affect the brain's neural circuits, resulting in heightened sensitivity to sounds. The researchers aim to identify a potential biomarker for sensory hypersensitivity and develop treatments using optogenetics and minocycline.
Scientists at UCSF discovered a new way to test for autism by measuring how children's eyes move when they turn their heads. Children with severe autism have an unusual form of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which can be measured with a simple eye-tracking device.
A new study found that the link between paternal age and rare congenital disorders is more complex than previously thought. Researchers discovered that while older fathers are more likely to have children with certain bone and heart malformations, some genetic mutations associated with these conditions do not increase with paternal age.
Researchers identified three distinct genomic dimensions related to autism features, including language performance and developmental motor delay. These dimensions suggest different underlying mechanisms contributing to neurodiversity in individuals with autism.
A new study published in Molecular Autism found that Japanese autistic adults with balanced social camouflage exhibit improved mental well-being, whereas those with excessive camouflage face mental health issues. The research highlights the importance of cultural considerations when supporting individuals with autism.
A growing population of youth with autism and intellectual disabilities are involved in the US foster care system, facing increased risks for mental health diagnoses and trauma. Research found nearly 40,000 youth were in foster care in 2016, a 9% increase from previous years.
Researchers found significant differences in gut microbiome diversity and identified specific bacteria linked to ASD. A potential connection between the microbiome and neurodevelopment has been uncovered.
Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.