Autism

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Autism

This shows the outline of a child's head

·March 23, 2023·11 min read

Autism Rates Continue to Rise in California

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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·March 10, 2023·6 min read

An Association Between Autism in Children and Cardiometabolic Diseases

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.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 10, 2023·5 min read

Could an Ancient Virus Be a Genetic Driver of Autism?

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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·March 3, 2023·6 min read

Age-Related Brain Differences in Autistic Individuals

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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·March 1, 2023·5 min read

Through the Eye of the Beholder: People With Autism Process Illusory Shapes Differently

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.

This shows the outline of a head and brain

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·February 28, 2023·4 min read

Social Deficits and Seizures in Autism Type Tied to Overexcited Brain Circuits

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.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 16, 2023·4 min read

Sensory Signals Are Integrated Differently, Underrepresented by Neurons in Autism

Environmental sensory signals are integrated differently in those with Fragile X syndrome, causing them to be underrepresented by cortical pyramidal neurons.

Auditory Neuroscience Autism Featured Neuroscience

·February 14, 2023·4 min read

Brain-Wave Data and Hearing Test May Help Diagnose Autism Earlier

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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 14, 2023·4 min read

Drug Shown to Alleviate Autism-Associated Behavior

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.

This shows a young girl smelling a flower

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 13, 2023·4 min read

Study May Help to Explain Smell Challenges in Individuals With Autism

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.