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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 ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Odds of autism up in children with congenital heart disease

(HealthDay)—The odds of developing autism spectrum disorder (AuSD) are increased for children with congenital heart disease (CHD), according to a study published online Oct. 10 in Pediatrics.

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders linked with excess weight gain in children

A recent meta-analysis published in Obesity Reviews revealed that children with autism spectrum disorders had a 41.1% higher risk of developing obesity than matched groups of children, and on average, 22 out of 100 children ...

Neuroscience

Team discovers one more piece to the autism puzzle

Mutations in a subunit of a receptor that binds the major inhibitory neurotransmitter GABAA in the brain have been linked, through a common mechanism, to epilepsy, autism and intellectual disability, researchers at Vanderbilt ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Severe morning sickness associated with higher risk of autism

Children whose mothers had hyperemesis gravidarum—a severe form of a morning sickness—during pregnancy were 53% more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to Kaiser Permanente research published ...

Autism spectrum disorders

More U.S. kids being diagnosed with autism, ADHD

(HealthDay)—More U.S. children today have developmental disabilities like autism and ADHD than a decade ago, though improved recognition may be a major reason, according to a government study.

Psychology & Psychiatry

Those with autism make good social psychologists

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by the inability of individuals to gauge the emotions and mental states of other people. However, if the lens is widened to include the behavior of people in general, those ...

Autism spectrum disorders

How parents and caregivers can help keep children with autism safe

Preventable injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadians under the age of 45. Unfortunately, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two to three times more likely to experience a preventable injury than ...

Autism spectrum disorders

There's no evidence caesarean sections cause autism or ADHD

A new study that combines data from over 20 million births has found that a cesarean section delivery is associated with autism spectrum disorder (autism) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism rates increasing fastest among black, Hispanic youth

Autism rates among racial minorities in the United States have increased by double digits in recent years, with black rates now exceeding those of whites in most states and Hispanic rates growing faster than any other group, ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Is it autism? The line is getting increasingly blurry

Around the world, the number of people diagnosed with autism is rising. In the United States, the prevalence of the disorder has grown from 0.05% in 1966 to more than 2% today. In Quebec, the reported prevalence is close ...

Autism spectrum disorders

New study shows how autism can be measured through a non-verbal marker

A Dartmouth-led research team has identified a non-verbal, neural marker of autism. This marker shows that individuals with autism are slower to dampen neural activity in response to visual signals in the brain. This first-of-its ...