Studying brain tissue samples from people with ASD revealed a common set of alterations in genes associated with synaptic communication between neurons. The changes were identified mainly in neurons in the uppermost layers of the neocortex.
Researchers report alterations in RNA editing play a vital role in autism spectrum disorder.
Mouse models with one good copy and one inactive copy of the MEF2C gene showed social deficits, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and significant reductions in vocalization.
A new study reports the use of two new genetic testing technologies among children with autism may help identify genetic mutations potentially linked to the disorder.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism which appears to be critical for the maturation of brain function, and may be used to restore plasticity in the aging brain.
Researchers report genes implicated in human ASD are regulated differently in honeybees that are more unresponsive than their nest mates. The PNAS study provides insight into the genetic heritage shared across species and offers clues about the evolution of social behavior.
Researchers have identified neurons vital for socialized behavior in zebrasifh. The study reports, when the neurons are disabled, their orientation to one another breaks down in a similar way to socialization problems in humans with ASD.
Researchers have developed a new machine learning algorithm that can identify clusters of learning difficulties which did not match the previous diagnosis children had been given.
Recent studies have reported on a link between maternal infection and subsequent higher risk of autism in offspring. A new study from ACES reports similar findings in pigs. Mother pigs who develop infection during pregnancy have a higher risk of their piglets developing antisocial problems.
Data analysis from previous studies reveals if one twin is on the autism spectrum, there is a 96% chance the other twin will also be diagnosed with ASD. However, symptom severity varies greatly between the twins. Researchers estimate genetic factors contribute to only 9% of the cause of trait variation.
On average, girls on the autism spectrum are diagnosed 1.5 years later than boys. Over 50% of those on the autism spectrum exhibit co-occurring mental health and medical conditions, such as ADHD and epilepsy.
Researchers say, to better understand working memory, it is important to resolve the debate over how we hold and judge multiple pieces of information in mind.
