Research on autism and neurodevelopment. Covers screening and diagnosis gaps, rising diagnoses among girls, prenatal risks, and genomics.
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.
A recent study has identified distinct features in two types of brain cells, intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, which may affect their vulnerability to neurodevelopmental conditions. The research highlights the importance of understanding how these brain cells exchange information through their synapses.
The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.
The PEERS Clinic at UCLA offers a 20-week dating program called PEERS for Dating, aiming to demystify social rules and empower participants to form lasting connections. Participants will learn practical strategies for initiating and maintaining romantic relationships with support from trained coaches.
Research by Stephen Shea and Alexandra Nowlan reveals that smell and hearing signals merge in the brain's auditory cortex during pup retrieval, a crucial maternal behavior. This study may provide insights into how autism affects social cue interpretation and offer new avenues for understanding human connection.
A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.
Researchers found that bumetanide treatment normalizes neonatal social communication in newborn pups with the fragile X mutation, but reduces post-pubertal social interaction. The study suggests stage-specific effects on social development and raises questions about timing and dosing of bumetanide for targeted interventions.
Neuroscientist Inga Neumann discusses groundbreaking research on oxytocin, a neuropeptide that shapes social behavior and emotional responses. Her work has significant implications for treating social anxiety disorders and understanding stress resilience.
A groundbreaking study reveals lithium can restore brain function and alleviate behavioral symptoms in animal models of autism spectrum disorder caused by Dyrk1a gene mutations. Lithium normalizes brain size, restores neural structure and function, and improves social interaction and anxiety behaviors.
A new genetic link has been identified between the DDX53 gene and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), providing crucial insights into the biological underpinnings of the condition. The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, particularly in males, highlighting its potential role in the male predominance observed in ASD.
The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) varies by sex and region but persists globally across all age groups. ASD is significantly higher among males, with a higher prevalence in High-Income Asia Pacific regions.
Dr. Michael Courtney's team will use advanced phenotyping techniques to assess how SYNGAP1 missense variants impact protein function, focusing on pathogenic or uncertain variants. The project aims to inform therapeutic strategies for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders through drug repurposing and functional assays.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has identified four key themes to improve interactions between police and Black autistic youth, including concerns about police officers' training and the importance of patience and understanding. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive adaptations in police tra...
Researchers use real-time neuroimaging and neurofeedback to modify brain activity patterns, enabling faster learning and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The study demonstrates the ability to inscribe new patterns into the brain without physical manipulation.
Researchers developed an interactive screening model called RITA-T, which improved early identification of high-risk toddlers from underserved areas. The study found that toddlers screened via RITA-T had shorter wait times and more accessible diagnostic services compared to those not using the model.
A new grant will support a five-year investigation into the role of the brain's reward network in two neurodevelopmental conditions. Researchers will use high-resolution fMRI scans to analyze how the reward network interacts with other parts of the brain in autism, ADHD, and co-occurring autism and ADHD.
A UT Health San Antonio study found that brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Tbx1 deficiency was associated with decreased brain volume in the amygdala and surrounding cortical regions, affecting desire for social interaction.
A study by IRB Barcelona has identified a molecular mechanism underlying idiopathic autism, linking the lack of a specific neuronal microexon to decreased gene expression crucial for neuronal development. The discovery reveals how CPEB4 condensates regulate gene expression and highlights potential therapeutic approaches.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has been awarded a $230,000 grant from the SynGAP Research Fund to characterize a mouse model for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. This work aims to test innovative tRNA suppressor therapies and generate patient-derived research models.
SynGAP Research Fund appoints Virginie McNamar as President and COO, bringing extensive Rare Disease advocacy experience. The organization aims to accelerate progress with robust organizational structure and strategic focus.
A new study finds that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have an increased dynamic range in their neuronal response, resulting in a more detailed but slower response to changes. This increase enables accurate encoding of details but comes at the expense of faster adaptation.
A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.
Global experts and medical professionals gathered in Tashkent to address rare diseases, enhancing patient care. The forum highlighted key findings on diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders in Uzbekistan.
A new study found that standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age. The study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) and compared it to usual care.
A unique COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic at the UC Davis MIND Institute has shown remarkable success in increasing vaccination rates among individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The clinic's innovative approach, which incorporates community partners and tailored care plans, has resulted in a 99.3% success rate over two years.
Professor Amal's research has uncovered crucial links between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting shared molecular mechanisms that could revolutionize treatment approaches. He is developing biological diagnostics and treatments for ASD through his biotechnology companies, Point6 Bio Ltd and NeuroNOS Ltd.
A groundbreaking review finds that environmental exposure to air pollutants during prenatal development and early childhood significantly impact autism risk. The study identifies several key pathways through which air pollutants may influence ASD development, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic modifications.
Researchers developed a method to visualize AMPA receptors using PET scans, revealing differences in density and distribution between healthy subjects and those with psychiatric disorders. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that individuals with stronger autistic traits displayed distinct exploration patterns and higher levels of persistence, leading to better performance in a computer game. These findings suggest that tailored learning environments can benefit individuals with autistic traits.
A study by neurodivergent researchers has revealed that psychiatrists who are unaware they're autistic may misdiagnose patients. Recognizing one's autism improves therapeutic relationships with autistic patients, but some assessors remain unaware due to lack of disclosure.
Researchers found that the brain continuously makes predictions based on experiences, using expectations and previous knowledge to guide actions. This predictive system is also used to infer emotions in others, with regions active for reward or punishment predicting emotions in observers.
Diagnosis prevalence for autism spectrum disorder increased substantially in the US between 2011 and 2022. The study highlights growing needs for medical services among this complex population.
The SynGAP Research Fund has awarded grants to Dr. Clement Chow to advance therapeutic development for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. His research uses drug repurposing to identify compounds like N-acetyl-L-leucine as potential treatments.
A recent study by Flinders University researchers challenged the common assumption that autistic adults are more prone to criminal exploitation due to difficulties in reading others' intentions. The study found that verbal intelligence and Theory of Mind were critical factors influencing vulnerability to crime, not autism diagnosis.
Researchers grew personalized brain organoids from patients with a rare form of autism spectrum disorder to study its impact on brain development. The study revealed that microRNAs play a crucial role in determining the fate of developing brain cells, and an experimental drug may reverse critical cellular signs of autism.
Scientists found that sleep deprivation during early life can negatively impact key brain functions, leading to lasting effects on behavior and social skills. The study also suggests that genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder can interact with sleep disruption to cause long-lasting changes.
Scientists have discovered a long non-coding RNA called CHASERR that regulates the production of the CHD2 gene, which is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that patients with a deletion of this RNA had excessive CHD2 protein production, leading to severe intellectual delays and other symptoms.
A new remote tool has been developed to detect autism and developmental delay in children. The Kids’ Development Diagnosis methodology was adapted into a mobile app, allowing for swift and efficient diagnosis. This digital tool can help prevent lifelong impacts of early intervention.
A new study from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has released findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood. The research emphasizes the need for improved services and supports, as well as the importance of prioritizing autistic perspectives and cultural considerations.
A Geisinger study found a significant link between increased autism risk and the Y chromosome, offering a potential explanation for the disparity in ASD prevalence among males. The research analyzed genetic data from over 177,000 patients and confirmed prior work on Turner syndrome's association with ASD risk.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that folic acid supplementation may weaken the link between blood-lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. The study suggests that adequate folic acid supplementation mitigates the neurotoxic effects of lead, reducing the risk of autism.
A team of scientists, led by Anne Bang, is working to establish clearer connections between genes and their effects on brain function and mental health. They will use high-throughput screening technology to study over 100 genes in brain cells.
Researchers found lower neuron density in regions of the cerebral cortex responsible for tasks like memory, learning, and problem-solving in children with autism. In contrast, other brain regions like the amygdala showed increased neuron density, suggesting unique promise in characterizing individuals with autism.
A cross-sectional study reveals a significant risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic transgender and gender-nonconforming US college students. The study emphasizes the importance of providing targeted support to address this issue.
A case study of a 65-year-old woman with scurvy highlights the need to consider vitamin C deficiency in patients with restrictive eating patterns and limited social support. Vitamin C deficiency is more common than expected, especially among those with low socioeconomic status or substance use disorders.
A recent cohort study found that prenatal exposure to COVID-19 during pregnancy did not increase the risk of autism screening in toddlers. The research suggests that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-related exposure had no significant impact on autism positivity rates.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that pandemic-era children do not have a higher risk of developing autism. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 2,000 children born during and before the pandemic, and found no difference in positive autism screenings between groups.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 3.6 million mother-child pairs found that maternal obesity during pregnancy significantly linked with psychiatric and behavioral problems in children later in life, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A University of Houston team developed non-invasive, comfortable, and safe wearable sensors to monitor eyeball movements, providing early warning signs of brain-related disorders. The new sensors have potential applications in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
A groundbreaking article proposes a transdiagnostic framework that views neurodivergent conditions as points on a spectrum rather than distinct categories. This approach acknowledges the shared characteristics and complex interplay between these conditions and recognizes their frequent overlap with mental health challenges.
A Rutgers study finds that many autistic adults are aware of their feelings and can label them in vivid detail. Participants reported difficulty with 'affective contact' between autistic and nonautistic individuals due to misinterpretation. New therapy strategies focus on improving mutual understanding and embracing autistic perspectives.
A phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of autistic adults misdiagnosed with BPD, highlighting challenges in distinguishing between autism and BPD. Participants reported harmful treatments and stigma, but found validation and improved mental health after receiving an autism diagnosis.
New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that consuming fish during pregnancy was associated with a lower likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, particularly in females. The study also found no significant association between omega-3 supplements and autism diagnosis.
Researchers have found a new brain mechanism that detects prediction errors between expected and actual sensory inputs, boosting responses to unexpected information. This discovery could offer insights into the neural circuits underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs).
A multi-university research team led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can accurately spot genetic markers of autism in brain images. The system uses generative computer modeling technique called transport-based morphometry, which reveals brain structure patterns that predict v...
A new study analyzed data from over 700 Swedish children, finding associations between gender nonconformity and autistic traits, behavioral difficulties, and peer relationship problems. Higher levels of nonconforming play were linked to increased behavioral challenges in both sexes.
A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.
New research finds that Dungeons & Dragons provides a friendly environment for autistic adults to engage in social interactions, build confidence, and feel included. The study shows that playing the game allows participants to relax without pressure and take on new personas outside of the game.