Autism Spectrum Disorders

Drug treatment corrects autism symptoms in mouse model

Autism results from abnormal cell communication. Testing a new theory, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have used a newly discovered function of an old drug to restore cell communications ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Mar 13, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (16) | comments 12 | with audio podcast

In vitro study finds digested formula, but not breast milk, is toxic to cells

Free fatty acids created during the digestion of infant formula cause cellular death that may contribute to necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe intestinal condition that is often fatal and occurs most commonly ...

Pediatrics created Dec 10, 2012 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (12) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Researchers find evidence of link between immune irregularities and autism

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) pioneered the study of the link between irregularities in the immune system and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism a decade ago. Since ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Jul 17, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (8) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Survey suggests family history of psychiatric disorders shapes intellectual interests

A hallmark of the individual is the cultivation of personal interests, but for some people, their intellectual pursuits might actually be genetically predetermined. Survey results published by Princeton University researchers ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Jan 26, 2012 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (9) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Neuroscientists find excessive protein synthesis linked to autistic-like behaviors

Autistic-like behaviors can be partially remedied by normalizing excessive levels of protein synthesis in the brain, a team of researchers has found in a study of laboratory mice. The findings, which appear in the latest ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Dec 23, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (8) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Research shows mice brains are 'very wired up' at birth, suggests experience selects which connections to keep

Ask the average person the street how the brain develops, and they'll likely tell you that the brain's wiring is built as newborns first begin to experience the world. With more experience, those connections are strengthened, ...

Neuroscience created Jun 06, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (6) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

BPA may affect the developing brain by disrupting gene regulation

Environmental exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread chemical found in plastics and resins, may suppress a gene vital to nerve cell function and to the development of the central nervous system, according ...

Medical research created Feb 25, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (6) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Researchers identify genetic systems disrupted in autistic brain

Autism has a strong genetic basis, but so far efforts to identify the responsible genes have had mixed results. The reason for this is that autism is influenced by many different genes, and different genes are involved in ...

Genetics created May 01, 2012 | popularity 3.8 / 5 (6) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

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

Both maternal and paternal age linked to autism

Older maternal and paternal age are jointly associated with having a child with autism, according to a recently published study led by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

Autism spectrum disorders created Feb 10, 2012 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (5) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

The risk of autism is not increased by 'too many vaccines too soon'

Although scientific evidence suggests that vaccines do not cause autism, approximately one-third of parents continue to express concern that they do; nearly 1 in 10 parents refuse or delay vaccinations because they believe ...

Pediatrics created Mar 29, 2013 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (5) | comments 1

New research suggests birth weight plays a role in autism spectrum disorder

Although the genetic basis of autism is now well established, a growing body of research also suggests that environmental factors may play a role in this serious developmental disorder affecting nearly one in 100 children. ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Jan 19, 2012 | popularity 4 / 5 (5) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Study compares traits of autism, schizophrenia

(Medical Xpress) -- A UT Dallas professor is studying the differences between the social impairments found in autism and schizophrenia to help develop better treatments for people with both disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders created Feb 27, 2012 | popularity 4 / 5 (5) | comments 2

Researchers discover new genes contributing to autism, links to psychiatric disorders

A new approach to investigating hard-to-find chromosomal abnormalities has identified 33 genes associated with autism and related disorders, 22 for the first time. Several of these genes also appear to be altered in different ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Apr 19, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers uncover a crucial link between protein synthesis and autism spectrum disorders

Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal have identified a crucial link between protein synthesis and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which can bolster new therapeutic avenues. Regulation of protein ...

Autism spectrum disorders created Nov 21, 2012 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 1 | 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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For combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, 'fear circuitry' in the brain never rests

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