Articles tagged with Developmental Disabilities
The UCLA Tarjan Center is launching a three-year initiative to expand employment opportunities for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program aims to improve employment pathways, workforce training, leadership development and access to disability resources. Through three complementary programs, participa...
A recent review of 3 million participants found small positive associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism and ADHD, but these associations weakened with higher-quality studies. The evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
A UCLA study found that teaching autistic children to 'think like a reporter' using cognitive reappraisal reduces brain activity in sensory regions and increases activity in areas regulating emotional responses. The technique, already used in cognitive behavioral therapy, shows promise in easing sensory difficulties in daily life.
Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.
UB's summerMAXyc program improved social skills, behaviors, and autism symptoms in autistic children ages 4-6. The 5-week program, conducted five days a week, followed a similar model to the IAR's successful summerMAX program for older children.
Researchers created normative growth charts for infant motor development using the MAIJU smart jumpsuit, providing a more detailed picture of how early development proceeds. The study found that motor skills do not appear in sudden jumps, but rather as a gradual shift towards a growing repertoire of skills.
Researchers identified referral gaps, diagnostic waits, and service pressures that can delay action after early autism concerns emerge. The study suggests practical changes to improve coordination and timely support for families, including repeat surveillance, closed-loop referral tracking, and needs-based support.
Salk Institute scientists found that maternal immune activation leads to epigenetic changes in mouse brains, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes were particularly significant in areas of the genome associated with autism spectrum disorder.
A new research tool, PGS-TRI, analyzes family data to understand how genetics and environment contribute to autism risk. The tool provides a more precise look at how 'nature' and 'nurture' interact within families, allowing researchers to better understand the complex factors that shape a child's health.
A study found a sharp increase in leucovorin dispensing to children aged 0-17 after a press conference touting its autism benefits, despite limited evidence supporting the claim. The spike in prescriptions rose 700% between 2024 and 2025, with the largest increases seen among children ages 6-11 and in the southern US.
A new study by Oregon State University found that a cat-training program for children with developmental disabilities fosters healthy child behaviors and strengthens relationships between children and their family cats. The program also improves cats' social behavior, making them more confident and socially active.
A Swansea University PhD researcher has received funding to attend the Psychonomic Society Annual Meeting to share her findings on how neurodivergent people process visual symbols. Her research reveals that neurodivergent participants respond more quickly and accurately to these symbols, highlighting important differences in cognitive ...
Scientists have discovered a new approach to treating genetic brain disorders by redirecting brain development. The therapy helps at-risk neurons grow and connect more normally, strengthening connections among existing neurons and restoring cognitive function.
Researchers found that a single dose of rapamycin rapidly improved symptoms in adult mice with autism-like changes, reversing abnormal brain signaling and behavior within two hours. The study suggests the adult brain's functional circuitry, not just its physical structure, as a target for future treatment approaches.
Research suggests that sports-based interventions may improve motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Martial arts and aquatic training demonstrated the most consistent benefits, particularly in balance and total motor skills. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A review article highlights the potential risks of certain medications during pregnancy on brain development, including autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altering fundamental brain processes can have detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for reduced use or alternative treatments.
Researchers found subtle patterns in brain activity while children listened to speech linked to verbal communication abilities in autistic youths. Altered brain signals suggested the brain may process speech less efficiently, with noisier signals associated with lower scores on everyday verbal communication.
A new study finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Children with autism who received focused ABA services showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that physically active children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome experienced less fatigue. Parents reported similar results, highlighting the importance of physical activity for long-term health outcomes in children with developmental disabilities.
A decade of canine research suggests that genetically engineered Beagles could be a complementary and welfare-conscious model for autism treatments. The study gathers findings on the behavior and traits of these dogs in relation to human autism, including signs of treatment with oxytocin and psychedelics.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored normal brain activity and improved behavior in mice with Fragile X syndrome by replacing the missing FMRP protein. The treatment administered during early development showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, social interactions, and probabilistic reversal learning.
Researchers discovered that common molecular effects occur across different genetic mutations in autism, particularly during early brain development. These findings could lead to stage-specific and sex-specific therapeutic approaches for early intervention.
A team studied 173 multiplex families from the Azores and Madeira islands, finding a single broken gene that travels through three generations and causes different illnesses. The CHD2 mutation is rare and affects schizophrenia, mood disorder, and autism in different family members.
Baylor College of Medicine researcher Dr. Jimmy Holder and his team will join the ARIA IMPACT Network to accelerate clinical trial readiness and implementation for promising therapies on autism. The collaboration aims to better understand how autism develops and changes over time in children with profound autism.
Boston Children's Hospital has been awarded up to $17.25 million to participate in the Innovative Medicine and Precision Approaches to Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Network, an international effort aimed at speeding up the development of urgently needed treatments for children with profound autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities...
Researchers identified a promising new strategy for reversing autism-related brain deficits by targeting a specific glycine transporter. The therapy restored NMDA receptor function in mouse models and human brain organoids, improving behavioral abnormalities such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.
Researchers will investigate the link between SYNGAP1 protein deficiency, cilia dysfunction, and clinical symptoms of SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. The study aims to inform rational drug design and provide new insights for targeted therapies.
The CURE SYNGAP1 COLLECTIVE is a collaborative framework uniting independent SYNGAP1 charities worldwide to accelerate treatments for individuals with SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. The Collective focuses on three primary pillars: research, industry engagement, and patient advocacy.
A research team at Niigata University has identified a copper-HIF1α-BNIP3-mTOR pathway connecting trace elements to glial cell development in autism spectrum disorder. Lower plasma copper levels were associated with higher ASD symptoms and reduced white matter volume, which was linked to social symptoms.
The LEGO Foundation Fellowship will support up to 10 researchers pursuing ambitious work on how children thrive in crisis and conflict settings, neurodivergent children, and AI-enabled learning. The fellowship aims to deepen understanding of what helps children learn, grow, and thrive.
CURE SYNGAP1 invests in remote assessment tools to broaden access to clinical care and trials for patients with SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. The study aims to evaluate the validity of a standardized remote developmental assessment to reduce travel burden.
Researchers identified two reproducible autism subtypes characterized by reduced brain connectivity (hypoconnectivity) or increased connectivity (hyperconnectivity), linked to synaptic pathways and immune-related systems, respectively. The study provides a biological foundation for precision medicine approaches.
A new screening tool tests for microbial metabolites in urine to identify children at risk for autism, with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test may guide more targeted interventions, including approaches to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
Research analyzed over 35.8 million emergency department visits to compare fall-related injury risks among adults with and without intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or cerebral palsy. Adults with these conditions were more likely to visit the emergency department due to falls, especially at younger ages.
The 2025 Impact Report showcases tangible progress made by CURE SYNGAP1, including almost $1.8M in grants and the most successful SYNGAP1 Science Conference ever. The report highlights the organization's focus on Collaboration, Transparency, and Urgency, driving momentum for clinical trials and treatments.
CURE SYNGAP1 partners with RARE-X to accelerate ProMMiS study's Patient-Reported Outcome measure data collection. This investment enables the centralized collection of high-quality PROs, essential for regulatory approval and therapy development.
Researchers developed a viable homozygous CHD8 mouse model, showing that stronger mutations can dramatically alter male–female autism patterns. The study revealed pronounced autism-related abnormalities in both sexes with severe mutations.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA gene, PTCHD1-AS, as a contributor to increased likelihood of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in males. The study found that deletions within this gene influence social interaction and repetitive behaviors without affecting cognition.
Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.
A large population-based study found that children with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of also having autism spectrum disorder. The study highlighted key differences between children with co-occurring conditions, including intellectual disability and age of diagnosis.
Researchers found that portrayals in media lacked diversity, often focusing on white, socially awkward male characters. Autistic participants felt that such portrayals were exaggerated and simplified, limiting public understanding and self-understanding.
Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.
Researchers are developing a new wearable technology to monitor babies' movements and detect early signs of autism. The study aims to improve early identification and intervention, which is crucial for optimal developmental outcomes in autistic individuals.
A large multiethnic study identifies genetic factors associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and its progression to osteoarthritis of the hip. Variations in COL11A2, CALN1, and TRPM7 genes were found to be common to both DDH and hip OA.
A landmark study found a significant association between prenatal prescription of sterol biosynthesis-inhibiting medications and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The research identified commonly prescribed medications as potential contributors to neurodevelopmental vulnerability.
Artificial intelligence models provide personalized advice, but may perpetuate negative stereotypes about people with autism. Researchers found that up to 70% of the time, AI discourages those with autism from socializing.
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
A new survey by Autism BrainNet reveals a significant disconnect between Americans' strong support for autism research and their limited understanding of postmortem brain donation. The survey found that 70% of respondents had never heard of brain donation, despite 92% agreeing its importance in advancing research.
The study identified a previously unknown recessive neurodevelopmental disorder caused by changes in the RNU2-2 gene, affecting thousands of individuals in the US. Symptoms vary widely, including developmental delays, limited speech, and seizures, and may be more common than previously thought.
Researchers developed a video modeling program to enhance romantic relationship skills in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study found that participants significantly improved their decision-making skills across four relationship domains, averaging 76% accuracy after the intervention. The findings high...
CURE SYNGAP1 accelerates treatment development for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders through rigorous research and family-led leadership. The organization has funded over $8 million in grants and identified over 1,707 patients to date.
A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...
A new study found that augmented reality job coaching significantly improves job performance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AR-based application delivered real-time guidance, enabling participants to complete complex tasks with minimal external support. This innovative approach has the potential t...
Online spaces provide bodily comfort, relief, and inclusion for some autistic adults, allowing them to express themselves and connect genuinely without scrutiny. This challenges the assumption that in-person interaction is always more valuable.
A new study found that nearly 25% of UK teachers received no training on supporting neurodivergent pupils, with most reporting brief and limited sessions. The researchers highlight a mismatch between the complexity of pupils' needs and the training teachers are currently receiving.
Researchers from Georgia State University, Marcus Autism Center and Emory University are collaborating to investigate the causes of profound autism in children. The 7,500 child study will explore patterns in development, behavior, brain activity and genetics to find more effective therapies.
A study analyzing data from 44,000 adults found that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression. The study also highlights significant healthcare treatment and access barriers facing this population.
This cross-sectional study highlights critical gaps in accessible mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms to address systemic inequities and provide disability-informed care.