A distinct DNA methylation signature has been discovered in cord blood of children who are later diagnosed with autism. The findings could provide a new biomarker for early detection and intervention for ASD. Read More
Mouse study reveals the choroid plexus can act as a conduit for inflammation that can arise from maternal inflammation, impacting fetal brain development. Read More
Sensorimotor problems associated with ASD are caused by several complex and precise neurobiological processes, including differences in the way those with autism perceive the world around them. Read More
The risk of ASD may increase slightly for every week a child is born before or after 40 weeks gestation. Read More
The immune molecule interleukin-17 (Il-17a) appears to influence vigilance and alertness in mouse models. Findings suggest the immune cell affects both brain function and behavior. Read More
The levels of a protein called FABP4 are significantly lower in children aged four-to-six in children with autism. Read More
People on the autism spectrum have lower levels of a protein that regulates serotonin in the brain. Read More
Reassessing years of research on Theory of Mind in autism, researchers argue the brains of those with ASD may be able to grasp what others think but may have a more difficult time processing the degree to which others think differently from themselves. Read More
SERT Ala56 impacts the structure of the SERT protein cells, increasing the activity of the transporter to abnormally high levels. The high-activity state results in the removal of too much serotonin from brain sites where serotonin is needed, both during development and in adults. Read More
Study refutes any association between the H1N1 vaccine given to pregnant women and an increased risk of autism diagnosis in children. Read More
Alterations in the excitation and inhibition balance is regulated in the developing brain by astrocytes via the ephrin-B1 protein. The loss of astrocytic ephrin-B1 alters the E/I balance by reducing inhibition, resulting in hyperactivity of neural circuits. The hyperactivity results in reduced sociability in mice. Read More
A new physiological test relies on an algorithm that analyzes metabolites in blood samples to predict whether a person has an ASD diagnosis. The algorithm was 94.7% effective in determining autism diagnosis and was slightly more reliable when co-occurring conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, were taken into account. Read More
