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Autism

·April 22, 2023·3 min read

Early Indicators of Autism May Be Identified in Fetal Brain Scans

A study by King's College researchers has identified a link between autism traits and isolated fetal ventriculomegaly - a common antenatal brain abnormality. Using MRI brain scans, the study supports the need for early identification and intervention for families and could improve the long-term support of those affected.

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·April 21, 2023·4 min read

Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Linked to Fat Molecules

Study reveals a potential causal link between reduced levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in blood plasma and poor sleep quality and disrupted sleep patterns in children on the autism spectrum. Researchers also found lipidome signatures in autistic children with sleep disorders were similar to signatures associated with an unhealthy diet.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 17, 2023·4 min read

New Embryonic Brain Circuit Discovered

Researchers discovered a multi-layer circuit that forms in the cortex at an unexpectedly early stage of brain development. Genetically manipulating this circuit results in changes similar to those found in the brains of people with autism.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 12, 2023·5 min read

Molecular Signatures in Maternal and Cord Blood Linked to Autism Risk

A new study has linked specific molecules found in maternal blood and cord blood samples to an increased risk of a child being later diagnosed with autism. Some of the molecules identified are implicated in inflammation, neurotoxicity, impaired neurotransmission, and disruption of membrane integrity.

Autism Featured

·April 8, 2023·6 min read

Four Different Autism Subtypes Identified by Brain Activity

Using a combination of machine learning and neuroimaging data, researchers report people on the autism spectrum can be classified into four different subtype groups based on brain activity and behavior.

Autism Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 4, 2023·5 min read

How an Autism Gene Contributes to Infertility

FMR1, a gene mutation that causes Fragile X syndrome is also implicated in premature ovarian failure, resulting in infertility in females. The mutation alters neurons that regulate reproduction in the brain and ovaries.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 3, 2023·4 min read

Higher Lithium Levels in Drinking Water May Raise Autism Risk

Women who drink tap water containing higher levels of lithium are at higher risk of their children being diagnosed with autism later in life. Researchers found as lithium concentrations increased in drinking water, so too did the risk of ASD diagnosis.

This shows the researcher and a little boy

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 2, 2023·8 min read

Learning to Love Music

Researchers report on how using music therapy can help improve social and emotional formation in children on the autism spectrum.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 2, 2023·4 min read

These Neurons Are the Reason You Yawn When You See Others Do It, And They Could Help Us Teach Children More Creatively Too

Mirror neurons are essential for the human species. Not only do they allow us to learn by observation and imitation, but they also are essential for the development of empathy and social behaviors.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 2, 2023·6 min read

Treating Brain ‘Hotspots’ and Networks to Address Autism, Aggression and More

A new study identifies specific brain network hotspots linked to autism, aggression, and a range of other social behavioral problems. The findings reveal those with ASD who score lower on facial processing tests are more likely to have more severe symptoms of autism, especially social behavioral problems. The researchers report treatments such as tRMS may provide some hope for those on the autism spectrum.

This shows a little boy and a teddy bear

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 2, 2023·5 min read

Autism May Be Linked to Different Perceptions of Movement in Infancy

At the age of five months, children who are later diagnosed with autism show different activity in the visual cortex when viewing certain types of movement. Findings reveal those with ASD experience differences in perceptions of their surroundings from a young age, and this may affect their learning and overall development.

Autism Featured

·March 28, 2023·7 min read

Using Virtual Reality to Investigate Autism’s Neural Network Dynamics

Combining novel virtual reality imaging with machine learning, researchers were able to accurately detect mouse models of ASD compared to wild-type mice based on cortical functional network dynamics while the animal was in motion.