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Autism spectrum disorders news

Genetics

Knocking out one key gene leads to autistic traits, mouse study shows

More than 70 genes have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition in which differences in the brain lead to a host of altered behaviors, including issues with language, social communication, ...

Autism spectrum disorders

National data indicate that autistic birthing people are at increased risk for postpartum anxiety and depression

American women have the highest rate of maternal deaths among high-income countries, with outcomes worse for minoritized groups.

Autism spectrum disorders

Sibling secrets: Autism's impact on family ties

A recent study provides fresh insights into the dynamics of sibling relationships in families with a child diagnosed with autism. This research explores the unique perspectives of both mothers and siblings, unveiling fascinating ...

Neuroscience

Cancer drug could ease cognitive function for some with autism

An experimental cancer drug could make thinking easier for individuals with Rett syndrome, a rare disorder linked to autism, according to new research from the University of California San Diego—a discovery that could lead ...

Neuroscience

Researchers discover a new face-detecting brain circuit

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have uncovered a brain circuit in primates that rapidly detects faces. The findings help not only explain how primates sense and recognize faces, but could also have implications ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Children with autism face higher risk of eating disorders

Previous research has found that autism and eating disorders can occur together, as 20-30% of adults with eating disorders have autism, and 3-10% of children and young people with eating disorders.

Psychology & Psychiatry

Cognitive therapy can help treat anxiety in children with autism

Cognitive behavioural therapy and other psychosocial interventions are effective for treating anxiety in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder, according to an analysis of all relevant studies published in 2005-2018. ...

Genetics

Potential autism biomarker found in babies

A biological marker in infants that appears to predict an autism diagnosis has been identified in a small study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Autism spectrum disorders

Stress in parents of children with autism: Pets may help

While current events have increased stress for all families, parents of children with autism report higher levels of stress on average than parents of typically developing kids. Feeling overwhelmed and overburdened by various ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism prevalence rate increases

Lost in the shuffle of the current global pandemic, the CDC in March released a study causing the organization to increase their estimate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence to one in 54 children. This changes the ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism in males linked to defect in brain immune cells, microglia

Many cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may result from problems in immune cells that normally work to trim back unneeded brain connections in early life, suggests a new study led by scientists at Scripps Research.

Genetics

Single mutation leads to big effects in autism-related gene

A new study in Neuron offers clues to why autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more common in boys than in girls. National Institutes of Health scientists found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene, which has been ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism rates declining among wealthy whites, escalating among poor

Wealthy, white California counties—once considered the nation's hotbeds for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - have seen prevalence flatten or fall in the last two decades, while rates among poor whites and minorities keep ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Researchers find an early behavioral marker for autism

In the first study of its kind, University of Miami researchers have found a strong behavioral signal to indicate which infants who have an older sibling with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will themselves be diagnosed ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Study finds strength-based coding clubs benefit autistic teenagers

Autistic teenagers who participate in computer coding clubs that utilise their skill strengths show improved confidence and self-esteem, health and wellbeing, and social relationships, which can help lead to meaningful employment, ...