Articles tagged with Developmental Disorders
A novel screening process for early identification of infants at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental learning delay (DLD) has been developed. The study uses biomarkers such as abrupt head circumference acceleration and absence of head tilt reflex to identify infants at risk by 9 months.
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...
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.
Research found that boys are at greater risk for delayed language development than girls, with family reading and writing difficulties increasing the risk. The study also highlights the importance of early identification and enabling language environments to support children with delayed language development.
A study found that families with higher levels of parental education and income use more CAM therapies for children with autism. Nearly 40% of children with autism used CAM treatments, compared to 30% with developmental delay. Most CAM users chose low-risk options.
Researchers tested four portable vision screening devices on 108 pediatric patients and found that all four performed well, with comparable sensitivity and specificity ratings. The new devices, combined with updated guidelines and a reimbursement code, promise to improve early screening for amblyopia.
Researchers studying chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome aim to uncover genetic variation and identify biological pathways leading to schizophrenia in the broader population. The project may inform novel, more effective treatments for psychiatric disorders.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute found that none of the children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome met strict diagnostic criteria for autism. Evaluations should be performed to assess autism and guide therapy selection based on symptoms such as language delay.
Mental and substance use disorders were the leading cause of non-fatal illness worldwide in 2010, with depressive disorders accounting for 40% of the burden. The analysis also found that mental and substance use disorders were responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, with opioids causing the greatest health burden.
A Virginia Commonwealth University study demonstrates that intensive job training can lead to high levels of competitive employment for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program, called Project SEARCH with Autism Supports, achieved an 87% job placement rate among participants.
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.
A new study found that children with autism perceive motion twice as quickly as their peers, suggesting a fundamental cause for the developmental disorder. This heightened sensitivity to motion may contribute to painful sensory experiences and complex social and behavioral deficits.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause of developmental delay in Amish individuals, characterized by learning disabilities and hyperactivity. The HERC2 gene mutation leads to an unstable protein that causes similar symptoms to Angelman syndrome.
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.
A new study by University of Colorado researchers found significant differences in eligibility criteria for Part C early intervention services among US states. The study highlights the need for more uniform criteria to ensure that all eligible children receive necessary services.
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.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found significant health care shortcomings among autistic adults, including lower rates of preventive services and higher emergency department use. The research highlighted the need for better primary care services for this population.
Research identified UBE3B as the gene responsible for a rare developmental disorder in children, causing brain abnormalities and reduced growth. The study used a combination of DNA sequencing and mouse models to confirm the link between the gene mutation and the disorder.
A study found two distinct patterns of language, social and motor development in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By the third birthday, the level of impairment between early- and late-emerging ASD symptom groups is comparable. Early signs of delay were not easily detected using existing clinical tests.
A study of over 1,000 children found that Hispanic kids are more likely to be diagnosed with developmental delay than expected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and culturally relevant information. The results also suggest that bilingual children who receive secondary language exposure may have lower cognitive scores.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that children with ADHD have delayed brain development, particularly in frontal regions. This suggests a global delay in brain structure important for controlling action and attention.
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.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found that infants with weak head and neck control are more likely to develop language and social developmental delays, suggesting a potential early indicator of autism. The study adds motor skills evaluation to existing screenings, improving early detection of developmental delays.
Researchers identify hormone Dilp8 as key player in regulating insect growth, ensuring proper body size and proportions. The protein helps slow down tissue growth, allowing organs to develop correctly and maintain symmetry.
A major study found strong links between maternal diabetes, obesity, and the likelihood of having a child with autism or another developmental disorder. Mothers with diabetes were nearly twice as likely to have a child with developmental delays, while obese mothers were 1-2/3 times more likely to have an autistic child.
A recent study published in Nature sequenced exomes of 175 trios with autism spectrum disorder and found many new gene mutations, but few definitive causes. The researchers observed an increased protein-protein connectivity among affected genes and implicated two genes, KATNAL2 and CHD8, as potential risk factor genes.
Research from Michigan State University found that autistic children born preterm or post-term have significantly higher screening scores for autism spectrum disorder than those born on time. The study also reveals a link between the length of pregnancy and the severity of autism symptoms.
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.
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.
A new study finds that minority toddlers with autism exhibit more delayed language, communication, and gross motor skills compared to Caucasian peers. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive screening and assessment practices to ensure early detection and intervention.
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.
Infants born prematurely in Malawi are at a higher risk of death and developmental delays compared to term-born infants. The study found that premature babies were 1.79 times more likely to die than term babies, with increased rates of underweight and disability.
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.
A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a sudden chromosomal catastrophe that occurs early in development, leading to developmental delay and cognitive disorders. The study found that this catastrophe shares similarities with massive genomic rearrangements in cancer.
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.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, developed a novel screening approach to detect Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD) in babies at 1-year check-ups. The 'One-Year Well-Baby Check Up Approach' has shown a positive predictive value of 75% using a simple, five-minute screening technique.
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.
The Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) Project collects genomic data from 12,000 children with developmental delays or multiple malformations. The goal is to develop clinical tools to unlock genetic reasons for these conditions, enabling doctors to make rapid diagnoses in up to one in five cases.
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.
Scientists have discovered a genetic partnership between two proteins that enables nerve cells to connect correctly in the brain. The study suggests that similar mechanisms may play a role in human brain development and could lead to new therapies for developmental disorders.
A recent study published in Neurology found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are unlikely to outgrow handwriting problems into their teenage years. Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute also discovered that perceptual reasoning skills are a key predictor of handwriting performance in adolescents with ASD.
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.
Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advocates for 'country ownership' to maximize development aid impact. Countries must have clear vision and control over resources, allowing them to tailor proven practices to their specific circumstances.
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.
Researchers will design vision, speech, and wearable sensor technologies to analyze child behavior. The goal is to identify children at risk for autism and other developmental delays, with the potential to improve treatment delivery and outcomes.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children with developmental coordination disorder are three times more likely to be overweight than typically developing children. The researchers also noted an increased risk of obesity over time, regardless of gender.
The University of Utah has received a $2.4 million, four-year grant to track the growth of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Utah 8-year-olds. The grant is part of a nationwide effort to better understand the increasing prevalence of ASDs, which affect about one out of every 110 American children.
A consensus statement recommends chromosomal microarray (CMA) as the new standard practice for genetic evaluation of children with unexplained developmental delay, autism or birth defects. CMA consistently has a diagnostic yield of 15 to 20 percent, compared to five percent with G-banded karyotyping.
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.
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.
A new study found that stress can aggravate the impact of prior streptococcal infection on symptoms of Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers identified a link between psychosocial stress and worsening tic and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity in children with Tourette syndrome and OCD.
Researchers have gained new understanding of Arl13b's function in Joubert syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by developmental delay and low muscle tone. The study reveals that Arl13b regulates ciliary transmembrane protein localization and transport to the tip of the cilium.
Researchers found a gene deletion in chromosome 15 associated with significant learning and behavioral problems, including developmental delay, mental retardation, and epilepsy. The study suggests that the nicotinic receptor plays a crucial role in these conditions.
Chinese dyslexia is characterized by two disorders: visuospatial deficit and phonological disorder, differing from English dyslexia which primarily affects phonological processing
Children with microcephaly are at risk of neurologic and cognitive problems, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and eye and ear disorders. Doctors recommend screening for coexisting conditions, brain scans, and genetic testing to identify the causes of microcephaly.
Researchers discover HYLS1 is a centriolar protein required for cilia formation in humans, linking hydrolethalus syndrome to the emerging class of human ciliopathies. The study expands knowledge on human ciliopathy diseases, providing insights into severe birth defects and early neonatal death.
The Interactive Autism Network is expanding its research initiative to adults with autism, enrolling individuals to gain insight into their experiences and connect them with researchers. The IAN Project aims to provide much-needed data on the lives of adults with autism, addressing a significant unmet need.
A six-year study found that administering high doses of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to pre-term infants through breast milk or formula reduces significantly delayed mental development. Premature girls showed better mental development than boys, but the exact reason for this difference remains unclear.
A study found a link between a chromosomal aberration at 1q21.1 and various developmental disorders in children, including mental retardation, growth issues, seizures, autism, and heart defects. The researchers suggest that the aberration may contribute to subtle disorders in carriers who appear unaffected.
Ahi1 and Hap1 form a stable complex in mouse brain, but truncated Ahi1 fails to stabilize Hap1; this affects TrkB levels crucial for nerve and brain development. The study provides insight into Joubert syndrome mechanisms.