Articles tagged 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that parents' manifestation of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits can predict the prevalence and severity of disorders in children. The study analyzed 97,000 families and revealed a correlation between parental traits, suggesting that assortative mating may contribute to increased disease severity.
A new UK study provides insight into the diversity of neurodivergent experiences among adults. The research found significant overlap in characteristics between different neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as distinctive traits associated with each condition. This study offers a framework for examining neurodiversity across the who...
The study found a 4-fold increase in ASD diagnoses among 2-3 year-old children and a 2-fold increase in older ages. The research highlights the need for education and healthcare services to keep up with the growing demand, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve communication and social skills.
Researchers discovered that de novo mutations in promoter regions of TADs containing known ASD genes are associated with increased ASD risk due to interactions in the three-dimensional structure of the genome. This 'butterfly effect' explains how mutations can affect distant ASD-related genes, highlighting the need for a new diagnostic...
A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.
A new study found that propranolol, a medication for high blood pressure, can lower anxiety levels in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study involved 69 patients and showed significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to a placebo group.
Research finds that changes in mouse sperm microRNAs caused by aging may affect offspring growth and development, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The study's findings add to growing literature on paternal aging and its impact on offspring health.
Research reveals that autistic children develop their own unique visual preferences for social elements, unlike typically developing children who synchronize their attention on social interactions. Early intervention targeting social attention may help guide autistic children onto developmental courses more akin to their peers.
Researchers developed a high-performance prediction model to identify children at risk of autistic spectrum disorder, utilizing routine developmental assessments. The tool has the potential to improve early detection and timely interventions for affected children.
Researchers found that the deletion of the Gtf2i gene impairs mitochondrial organelle formation and function, leading to abnormal cell behavior and neurodevelopmental pathologies. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by cognitive and social impairments.
The Kessler Foundation has received two significant grants from NIDILRR to fund research initiatives focused on enhancing employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum. A strength-based tool will be developed to help individuals identify and confidently express their strengths, improving job interview skills and employment...
Research from Drexel University found that toddlers exposed to more screen time may exhibit disengaged and disinterested behavior, seeking intense stimulation, or being overwhelmed by sounds and lights. This could have implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
A new study challenges traditional male-focused autism research by revealing striking similarities in synaptic abnormalities and behavioral patterns between male and female mouse models. This finding emphasizes the necessity of considering both sexes to comprehensively grasp the complexities of autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that mutations in IDO2 can affect dopamine release and lead to ASD-like behaviors. IDO2 KO mice exhibited changes in microglia populations, which may contribute to synaptic abnormalities.
Researchers found that infants with enlarged perivascular spaces have a 2.2 times greater chance of developing autism compared to those with the same genetic risk. The study also indicates that these infants are more likely to experience sleep problems seven to ten years after diagnosis.
A study of 70 autistic youths in psychiatric hospitals found wearable biosensing and machine learning can identify impending aggressive behaviors. The findings suggest a potential for developing adaptive intervention systems to prevent aggression.
Scientists are finding that risk factors for autism spectrum disorder boil down to a couple of core pathways in early human brain development, according to researchers using technologies like RosetteArray. This new understanding is helping identify potential targets for treatments.
The study identifies FAM53C as a cytosolic-anchoring inhibitory binding protein of the kinase DYRK1A, regulating its activity and cellular location. This finding may provide potential clinical insights into treating Down syndrome and related diseases.
Researchers found that pancreatic enzymatic replacement improved behavioral function in preschoolers with ASD, including reduced irritability, hyperactivity, and lethargy. The treatment had minimal side effects and demonstrated potential for addressing co-occurring maladaptive behaviors.
Researchers used AI to analyze electroretinogram signals from children's eyes, identifying unique features associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The test, completed within 10 minutes, shows promise for diagnosing ASD more accurately and efficiently than current methods.
A diagnostic study of 1,890 eyes supports the use of artificial intelligence in screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and assessing symptom severity. Retinal photographs may improve accessibility to specialized assessments by reducing resource strain.
A Rutgers study finds adults with cognitive disabilities report lower overall satisfaction with healthcare services and worse experiences in encounters. Poor patient-provider communication is a key contributing factor.
A national study using telehealth assessments aims to identify infants with early behavioral differences that may indicate autism or developmental delays. The study will provide valuable insights into predicting these developmental skills and offer improved feedback and support for families.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.
Researchers flag potential concerns over the impact of social chatbots on neurodiverse people, citing risks of fostering bad habits and reinforcing dysfunctional habits. The technology may relieve social anxiety but can also develop into a form of dependency that negatively impacts actual relationships.
Researchers used brain imaging and machine learning to identify distinct patterns of brain connectivity in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), taking into account individual differences. The study reveals that certain brain features are shared across subtypes, while others are unique to specific individuals.
A new UK study confirms autistic people have a reduced life expectancy, but the actual difference may be lower than previously claimed. The research found that autistic men and women without learning disabilities had average estimated life expectancies of 74.6 and 76.8 years respectively.
A novel AI system analyzing brain MRI scans can diagnose autism in children between 24 and 48 months with a 98.5% accuracy rate. This technology enables early detection of autism, potentially leading to improved independence, IQs, and therapeutic outcomes.
This study introduces Rigid-Autonomous Phase Sequences (RAPS), which may be responsible for cognitive, sensory-motor, and memory-related challenges in ASD. RAPS can lead to inflexible neural pathways causing difficulties with learning, social communication, and memory.
A comprehensive meta-analysis led by Dr. Micheal Sandbank reveals that many low-quality studies are driving intervention recommendations and patient outcomes in early childhood autism care. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research to understand the positive and negative effects of various interventions.
A study of 1.3 million Canadian children found a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in those born to parents with infertility. The research suggests that certain obstetrical and neonatal factors may contribute to this increased risk, highlighting the need for further exploration of these factors in individuals with infertility.
A study of 318,000 children found that those from disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis. Early intervention and family support resources are needed for these communities
A new USC study reveals that variants of the autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 can disrupt early brain development in the cortex, a region involved in higher-order cognitive functions. The research found that disease-causing variants of SYNGAP1 alter the cells' cytoskeletons and lead to disorganized neural circuits.