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Autism Spectrum Disorders

Scientists develop first vaccine to help control autism symptoms

A first-ever vaccine created by University of Guelph researchers for gut bacteria common in autistic children may also help control some autism symptoms. The groundbreaking study by Brittany Pequegnat and Guelph chemistry ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 24, 2013 | popularity 3.7 / 5 (6) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Researchers successfully treat autism in infants

(Medical Xpress)—Most infants respond to a game of peek-a-boo with smiles at the very least, and, for those who find the activity particularly entertaining, gales of laughter. For infants with autism spectrum disorders ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 30, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Autism risk spotted at birth in abnormal placentas

Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine have figured out how to measure an infant's risk of developing autism by looking for abnormalities in his/her placenta at birth, allowing for earlier diagnosis and ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 25, 2013 | popularity 3.8 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

One in five U.S. kids has a mental health disorder, CDC reports

(HealthDay)—As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.

Psychology & Psychiatry created May 16, 2013 | popularity 2.2 / 5 (5) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Girls with autism may need different treatments than boys

(HealthDay)—With four to five times more males affected by autism spectrum disorders than females, much less is known about girls with autism.

Autism spectrum disorders created May 02, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Research discovers link between epilepsy and autism

(Medical Xpress)—University of Bath researchers have found a previously undiscovered link between epileptic seizures and the signs of autism in adults.

Neuroscience created May 16, 2013 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (2) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

No evidence of lyme disease in children with autism

(HealthDay)—A new study failed to find any evidence to back up a suggested association between Lyme disease and autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 30, 2013 | popularity 3 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Bigger birth weight babies at greater risk of autism

(Medical Xpress)—The biggest study of fetal growth and autism to date has reported that babies whose growth is at either extreme in the womb are at greater risk of developing autism.

Autism spectrum disorders created May 01, 2013 | popularity 3 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Brain biology tied to social reorientation during entry to adolescence

A specific region of the brain is in play when children consider their identity and social status as they transition into adolescence—that often-turbulent time of reaching puberty and entering middle school, ...

Neuroscience created Apr 23, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

New study examines social isolation of young adults with autism spectrum disorder

Young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to never see friends, never get called by friends, never be invited to activities and be socially isolated.

Autism spectrum disorders created May 02, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Childhood disability rate jumps 16 percent over past decade

More children today have a disability than a decade ago, and the greatest increase is among kids in higher-income families, according to a study to be presented Sunday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual ...

Pediatrics created May 05, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Drug shows some benefit for kids with autism

(HealthDay)—An experimental drug for autism did not improve levels of lethargy and social withdrawal in children who took it, but it did show some other benefits, a new study finds.

Autism spectrum disorders created May 02, 2013 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Epigenetic changes shed light on biological mechanism of autism

Scientists from King's College London have identified patterns of epigenetic changes involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by studying genetically identical twins who differ in autism traits. The study, published in ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 23, 2013 | popularity 3 / 5 (1) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Use of anti-epileptic drug during pregnancy associated with increased risk of autism

Maternal use of valproate (a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and other neuropsychological disorders) during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of autism in offspring, according to a study ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 23, 2013 | popularity 2 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast


The term "autism spectrum" is often used to describe disorders that are currently classified as pervasive developmental disorders. Pervasive developmental disorders include autism, Asperger syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. These disorders are typically characterized by social deficits, communication difficulties, stereotyped or repetitive behaviors and interests, and/or cognitive delays. Although these diagnoses share some common features, individuals with these disorders are thought to be "on the spectrum" because of differences in severity across these domains.

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