1 in 22 children in California is diagnosed with autism, a new study reports. The number is higher than previous estimates in December which stated 1 in 44 children were on the autism spectrum. Earlier diagnosis and extensive early services may account for the higher number of children diagnosed with ASD in California.
As many as 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism, and those with ASD are at greater risk of obesity. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases, including dyslipidemia. Researchers say physicians should monitor children with ASD for signs of cardiometabolic disorders.
Genome and transcriptome analysis revealed BTBR autism mouse models have increased levels of endogenous retrovirus genes. BTBR/R models of ASD showed differences in the expression of a variety of genes that are indicative of endogenous retrovirus activation. BTBR/R mice exhibit autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning abilities.
Genes linked to inflammation, neurotransmission, and immunity act differently in the brains of those on the autism spectrum compared to neurotypical people. These differences begin during childhood and evolve throughout a person's lifespan.
Using EEG data, researchers discovered children on the autism spectrum do not automatically process illusory shapes as well as children not on the autism spectrum. The findings suggest something is going awry in the feedback-processing pathways in the brains of those with autism.
A genetic subtype of ASD and schizophrenia have a duplicate gene that triggers overactivity in neural circuits, leading to social deficits and seizures. When researchers reduced the level of the PRRT2 gene in mouse models of 16p11.2 duplication syndrome, social behaviors were restored and seizure activity decreased.
Environmental sensory signals are integrated differently in those with Fragile X syndrome, causing them to be underrepresented by cortical pyramidal neurons.
Researchers say brain wave data collected during routine hearing tests in newborns could help doctors to spot the signs of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD earlier.
A newly developed drug that blocks sodium channels in the cell membrane that can reverse MYT1L failure alleviates social behavior deficits in mouse models of ASD.
Study sheds light on why some people with autism experience aversion to certain smells and the neural mechanisms that underlie olfactory processing in those with ASD.
Researchers investigate how the gut microbiome may impact brain development and contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD and ADHD.
Toddlers on the autism spectrum who pay less attention to "motherese", or baby-talk, exhibited weaker social and language skills in later tests.