Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.
A study published in Autism in Adulthood found that British newspapers often portray autistic people negatively and stereotypically. The researchers analyzed sentiments towards autism and autistic people in 1,000 quotes from newspapers between 2011 and 2020 and found that identity-first language was linked to more positive sentiments.
A recent study published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology reveals that children born extremely preterm are at a higher risk of autism diagnosis. The screening test was effective in identifying autism in preterm children, with only a small percentage who screened positive later receiving no diagnosis.
A study of over 900 children with autism spectrum disorder found that brain overgrowth is associated with increased social and communication symptoms. The research used MRI brain images and mini-brain experiments to show that enlarged brains are linked to altered Ndel1 enzyme activity, potentially affecting brain development.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict individuals with elevated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk using limited medical and background information. This study shows promise for early identification and potentially improving ASD diagnosis and treatment strategies.
A new AI model developed by Karolinska Institutet can predict autism in young children with an accuracy of almost 80% for those under two years old. The model uses a combination of limited information to identify patterns and strong predictors of autism, such as age of first smile and eating difficulties.
A recent study discovered that knocking out a key gene, ASTN2, in mice results in changes to cerebellar structure and behavior. The knockout mice exhibited reduced socialization and communication, increased hyperactivity and repetitive behavior, similar to hallmark traits of autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers analyzed national Medicaid data to identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autistic pregnant people had significantly higher probability of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression compared to other groups.
A roundtable discussion explores the integration of positive psychology and autism, highlighting its potential to amplify strengths and improve interpersonal dynamics. The study suggests that appreciating character strengths can have a significant impact on daily life.
A study published in iScience has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research suggests that a higher IQ may confer resilience to atypical sensorimotor functioning, highlighting the need for more pr...
Researchers at UF Health have been awarded a five-year grant to work on a treatment for SYNGAP1 mutations, which cause seizures, sensory processing disorders, and intellectual disability. The goal is to create a pill that restores healthy gene production, boosting neuroplasticity.
A study of nearly 30,000 US caregivers found that comprehensive mental health coverage laws reduced difficulties in accessing care for children. Caregivers from diverse backgrounds faced more challenges, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive services.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
A new study found that autistic youth born in underserved neighborhoods are more likely to have greater ADHD symptoms. The Child Opportunity Index, which tracks neighborhood traits, was used to assess the relationship between environment and ADHD symptoms.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is investigating how prenatal inflammation increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism. She hopes to find a way to promote fetal resilience to inflammation using antioxidants like PQQ.
A new study by top researchers reveals one in five children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. The rate of autism recurrence is seven times higher in families with an autistic child compared to the general population.
Research published in Nature Communications found an association between prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and autism in boys. The study suggests that BPA may disrupt hormone-controlled male fetal brain development, leading to autism symptoms.
Researchers discovered that mutations in the SYNGAP1 gene disrupt prolonged human neuron development, leading to accelerated maturation and altered cognitive function. This finding has implications for understanding and treating intellectual disabilities and autism.
A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found a correlation between levels of dihydroxy fatty acids (diHETrE) in umbilical cord blood and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Higher levels of diHETrE were associated with impaired social interactions, while lower levels linked to repetitive behaviors.
Researchers found that a cancer drug can restore phagocytosis, a process crucial for brain health, in individuals with Rett syndrome by targeting microglia. The study highlights the potential therapeutic target of microglia in neurological conditions and may lead to new treatments.
Research on macaque monkeys reveals that neurons in the frontal cortex respond differently to real and filmed partners during turn-taking exercises. This finding suggests that these neurons may be involved in spatial perspective-taking, a cognitive operation that enables individuals to mentally rotate themselves into others' positions.
A cohort study found that a healthy prenatal dietary pattern was linked to reduced risk of autism diagnosis and social communication difficulties in offspring. Adherence to this dietary pattern was not significantly associated with reduced restrictive and repetitive behaviors.
A large study confirms that siblings of autistic children have a 20% chance of autism, with factors such as sex and number of autistic siblings influencing likelihood. The study also found racial and maternal education level differences in recurrence rates.
Children with conduct disorder show significant reductions in brain surface area and volume of subcortical regions compared to typically developing children. These findings suggest that the development of the brain is different in individuals with CD, highlighting the need for further research into this under-recognized condition.
A new study reveals that people with autism are overrepresented in board gaming compared to the general population, and playing modern board games provides a social outlet in a structured space. The research also shows that board games take pressure off meeting and interacting with others, offering a form of escapism.
A University of Maryland study reveals how the brain adapts to different listening situations, with the orbitofrontal cortex playing a central role. The findings may have implications for human health and well-being, particularly in conditions such as autism, dyslexia, or schizophrenia.
Autistic children exhibited significant post-traumatic stress symptoms within 30 days of the attack, with parents experiencing higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study highlights the urgent need for specialized mental health services for these families.
Researchers at NIH have identified a new brain circuit in primates that quickly detects faces, which could help explain how humans develop facial recognition skills. The discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying face detection and recognition, potentially providing insights into conditions like autism.
A study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers has discovered a crucial receptor protein that regulates the timing of temporary neural connections in the developing brain. Without this protein, mice exhibit atypical behaviors, highlighting its potential role in shaping brain circuits and preventing neurodevelopmental disorders.
Research on mouse models reveals that CBD and metformin can alleviate repetitive behaviour, impaired speech, and learning impairments associated with these genetic conditions. The study also explores the potential for broader use of these treatments in autism spectrum disorder-related conditions.
Researchers found ChatGPT consistently ranks resumes with disability-related honors and credentials lower than the same resumes without those honors. However, when trained to prioritize disability justice and DEI principles, the system improved its rankings for most disabilities, except for autism and depression.
Researchers found that siblings of children with autism who had relatives with schizophrenia or anxiety experienced increased social and communication difficulties. Family history of anxiety and intellectual disability was associated with lower verbal and nonverbal skills in these siblings.
Researchers found that toddlers with profound autism had larger embryonic brain cortical organoids (BCOs) compared to neurotypical controls. The BCO size was positively correlated with the child's later social symptoms, indicating that a larger brain may be the first sign of autism.
A new trial of a suicide prevention intervention for autistic adults found that almost two-thirds of participants found the adapted safety plans useful. The study, funded by the National Institute of Health Research, suggests that personalized interventions can reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors in autistic individuals.
A study by URV researchers found that 1.5% of children have ASD and 5% have ADHD, with a combined prevalence of 3.5%. These conditions increase the risk of abuse, isolation, or social exclusion in schoolchildren.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.