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Realizing the promise of education

The University of Miami's Linda Ray Intervention Program demonstrates positive outcomes for children with developmental delays, cognitive improvements, and reduced need for special education services. Children who received 25 hours of services per week made significant strides in cognitive, language, and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJuvenile and Family Court Journal·DateSep 24, 2014

Study: SSRI use during pregnancy associated with autism and developmental delays in boys

A study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found prenatal SSRI exposure was nearly 3 times as likely in boys with ASD relative to typical development. Exposure during the first trimester increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while third trimester exposure elevated risk for developmental delays (DD) in boys.

Obesity and depression linked in teen girls says new Rutgers-Camden study

A new study by Rutgers University–Camden professor Naomi Marmorstein found that depression in early adolescence predicts obesity in late adolescence among female participants. Conversely, obesity in late adolescence predicts the onset of depression in early adulthood. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between the two disorde...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 21, 2014

Atypical development in the siblings of children with autism is detectable at 12 months

Researchers detected atypical development in nearly half of the younger siblings of children with autism by 12 months. The study found that many of these children showed delays in social, communication, cognitive, or motor development, particularly in social-communication domains.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2014

Cry analyzer seeks clues to babies' health

Researchers developed a computer-based tool to analyze babies' cries for subtle acoustic features that can indicate neurological problems or developmental disorders. The new analyzer uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate over 80 parameters, offering non-invasive ways to measure disruptions in young babies' brains and behavior.

Folic acid lowers risk of autism

A new study found that taking folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy can lower the risk of childhood autism by 40%. The study, based on data from Norway's Mother and Child Cohort Study, suggests that this prevention method is simple, inexpensive, and effective.

Researchers find new genetic pathway behind neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute have identified a new genetic process that could lead to novel treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetic mutations affecting brain development can occur in genes of unknown function, suggesting a previously overlooked pathway in brain development.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 6, 2012

UC Davis MIND Institute study shows that fever during pregnancy more than doubles the risk of autism or developmental delay in children

A UC Davis study shows that mothers who experienced fevers during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay. The researchers recommend controlling fevers while pregnant to modify the risk of having a child with these conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 23, 2012

Potential role of parents' work exposures in autism risk examined

A pilot study found associations between parental exposure to certain solvents and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children. The researchers also observed higher levels of asphalt and solvent exposures among parents of children with ASD compared to those without the condition.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 12, 2012

When one side does not know about the other one

Scientists study the impact of asymmetrical light input on cerebral hemispheric specialization and interhemispheric cooperation in bird embryos. The results show that information exchange is impaired without light-stimulation, which may help understand developmental disorders like ADHD or autism.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2012

Diagnosing developmental coordination disorder

A new study from the University of Haifa identifies developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children through a simple writing task, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with DCD struggle with motor coordination, leading to difficulties in everyday tasks like dressing and typing.

Live longer with fewer calories

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified an enzyme required for caloric restriction to work effectively, which can slow down ageing and delay the development of age-related diseases. Increasing the production of another enzyme, Srx1, repairs damaged Prx1, potentially counteracting genetic defects and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 31, 2011

Unraveling the complex genetics of autism

Researchers identified rare genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorders, including duplications and deletions of DNA regions. These findings suggest a diversity of genetic causes for the disease and highlight the importance of targeting specific subtypes of autism for effective treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 8, 2011

A world first: The discovery of a common genetic cause of autism and epilepsy

A new gene, SYN1, has been identified as a predisposing factor for both autism and epilepsy in individuals from Quebec. Mutations in this gene lead to impaired synaptic function, causing communication between neurons to break down. This study provides a key to understanding the comorbidity of these devastating diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateApr 8, 2011

Spotlight on autism research

UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

Life threatening breathing disorder of Rett syndrome prevented

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a way to prevent intermittent episodes of breath holding associated with Rett syndrome by increasing levels of aminobutyric acid and stimulating serotonin receptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for alleviating symptoms in patients with this debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2010

Mental maturity scan tracks brain development

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a new method to track brain development in children using functional MRI scans, which may shed light on psychological and developmental disorders. The approach uses mathematical analysis to identify abnormal brain function, enabling early detection and potential treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 2010

Stanford imaging study discovers brain development differences in kids with fragile X syndrome

A longitudinal study found that brains of young boys with fragile X syndrome differ from those without the condition, showing an overabundance of gray matter in certain regions and diminished presence in others. This knowledge can be used to monitor new therapies' effectiveness in restoring brain structure and function.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2010

Study provides new insights into the implications of autism onset patterns

Children with early developmental warning signs may face lower risk for poor autism outcomes than those who experience a loss of skills, study finds. Researchers examined 2,720 parents and found significant differences in development, symptom severity, and educational needs among children with three patterns of autism onset.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 20, 2010