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Experimental compound, which has received orphan drug and pediatric rare disease designations from the FDA, displays effectiveness in treating symptoms of Autism and Alzheimer’s disease

An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 2021

Family-centered nutrition influences diet behaviors for children with autism

Children with autism benefit from group-based weight management and family-centered nutrition education, which improves eating habits and exercise motivation. The program's success rate is higher among families who complete the entire program, indicating its potential as an adjunct or alternative to traditional interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials

A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Study finds infants later diagnosed with autism show reduced social communication before their first birthday

A new study documents that observable social-communication differences for infants with ASD unfold by 9 months, pointing to a critical window for targeted intervention. Infants with ASD exhibit significantly fewer social and early speech skills than their typically-developing peers at 9 months of age.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021

National study aims to document relationship between language and cognition in childhood language disorders

Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.

Unraveling the mystery of touch

A new study reveals that sensitive skin surfaces are overrepresented in the brain due to stronger connections between sensory neurons and brain stem neurons. This mechanism may explain why certain body parts, like hands and lips, are more sensitive than others.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Autistic children struggle with hidden emotions

Research published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic children with difficulties integrating narrative context with facial expressions, leading to inaccurate emotion recognition. This highlights the importance of contextual cues in social exchanges for effectively managing interactions.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Scientists develop brain organoids with complex neural activity

Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Genetic cause of neurodevelopmental disorder discovered

A team of researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has identified a new gene, AP1G1, that is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities. The gene plays a crucial role in transporting essential materials within brain cells, and its disruption can lead to significant developmental delays.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2021

Hair follicles heal blisters at personal cost

Researchers discovered that hair follicle stem cells play a key role in healing skin blisters, which delays the growth of hair follicles in regenerated skin tissue. This balance between wound healing and development has implications for treating epidermolysis bullosa, pemphigoid diseases and other blistering conditions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJun 14, 2021

Poor judgment of autistic adults

A new study found that autistic adults are often misjudged due to stereotypical behaviors, leading to disadvantage in the legal system. The researchers argue that these behaviors can be misinterpreted by judges and juries, resulting in harsher sentences for autistic individuals.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 1, 2021

Physical discipline and cognitive deprivation associated with specific types of developmental delay

A study published in JAACAP found associations between physical discipline, cognitive deprivation, and specific types of developmental delay. The research indicates that physical discipline is linked to a higher risk of socioemotional delay, while cognitive deprivation is associated with cognitive delay.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2021

Balancing climate and development goals

A new study explores the climate consequences of developing countries reaching a specific per-capita GDP level before reducing carbon emissions. The research suggests that delaying decarbonization in these countries would result in less than 0.3°C of additional warming and only a 6% increase in total cumulative CO2 emissions by 2100.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 15, 2020

Prescriptions of antipsychotic medications in young children is declining

A Rutgers study found antipsychotic prescribing in young children is declining, but doctors continue to prescribe for conditions lacking FDA approval and without recommended psychiatric consultations. The study highlights the need for safer first-line psychosocial treatments to minimize risks associated with antipsychotic treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 9, 2020

NIH-funded study sheds light on abnormal neural function in rare genetic disorder

A NIH-funded study identified neuronal abnormalities in cortical cells from individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with mental illnesses and developmental delays. The study suggests that overexpression of the DGCR8 gene and exposure to certain antipsychotic drugs can restore normal cellular functioning.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

Finding a cause of neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism linking a protein mutation with abnormal nervous system development in neurodevelopmental disorders. A complex of proteins called the SWI/SNF complex was found to be affected, leading to changes in gene expression and brain development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 30, 2019