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Autism

·April 30, 2022·6 min read

Autism, ADHD and School Absence Are Risk Factors for Self-Harm

The risk of self-harm presenting to emergency rooms is three times higher for boys with ASD compared to those not on the autism spectrum. Additionally, researchers found a four-fold increase in self-harm behaviors for both males and females with ADHD. Children with less than 80% school attendance also had a three times higher risk of self-harming behaviors.

This shows a sad boy looking out a window

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 26, 2022·4 min read

Gastrointestinal Issues Linked With Anxiety and Social Withdrawal for Kids With Autism

Researchers discovered a bi-directional relationship between internalizing symptoms, social withdrawal, and gastrointestinal problems in children and teens on the autism spectrum, reporting the symptoms seem to impact one another simultaneously.

This shows a gloved hand holding a COVID vaccine vial

Autism Featured Psychology

·April 22, 2022·2 min read

Study Examines COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Autism Community

Vaccine hesitance waned over time, and the majority of caregivers and dependents with ASD received the COVID-19 vaccine following FDA approval. However, overall vaccine hesitancy influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a minority of caregivers and dependents with ASD. Recent findings reveal that those on the autism spectrum are at greater risk of hospitalization following COVID-19 infection, and historically, a significant portion of parents of children with ASD are more likely to delay or decline any childhood vaccines.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 21, 2022·4 min read

Some Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Linked to Astrocytes

Abnormalities in astrocytes may play a critical role in some of the behavioral symptoms experienced by those with autism.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 16, 2022·4 min read

A ‘Social’ Gene in Fish Could Contain New Clues to Autism

Mutations to the EGR1 gene disrupt social behaviors in zebrafish models of ASD. Additionally, the mutation disrupts dopamine signaling from specific neurons, contributing to mood and social behavior disorders.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 6, 2022·6 min read

New AI-Driven Algorithm Can Detect Autism in Brain ‘Fingerprints’

A new AI algorithm can predict whether a person is on the autism spectrum by examining their brain scans. The algorithm can also predict the severity of symptoms and could be used as an early detection tool for ASD.

This shows perinatal brain scans with the ASD related areas highlighted

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 5, 2022·3 min read

Autism-Associated Brain Differences Can Be Observed in the Womb

A neuroimaging study of perinatal brains at 25 weeks of gestation reveals significant differences in brain structures in children who were later diagnosed with autism and those who were not. The findings add to the mounting evidence that ASD begins in early development.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 5, 2022·6 min read

Neurexin Controls Cerebellar Granule Cells, Offering Insight Into Autism and Schizophrenia Mechanisms

Neurexin regulates the survival of cerebellar granule cells independently of synapses. The findings shed new light on the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and ASD.

This shows the outline of a head and a brain

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 1, 2022·5 min read

Genetically Determined Levels of Inflammation Linked to Neuropsychiatric Illness

Genes associated with inflammation were linked to reduced gray matter in brain areas associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The findings shed new light on how neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and ASD may occur.

This shows a brain made up of cog wheels and a light bulb

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·March 31, 2022·5 min read

Autistic and Non-autistic People Share More in Common Than Previously Understood

When it comes to mental processing, researchers say there are fundamental similarities between autistic and people not on the autism spectrum.

This shows the amygdala highlighted in a brain scan

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·March 25, 2022·6 min read

Amygdala Overgrowth in Babies Who Later Develop Autism

Overgrowth of the amygdala at 6 - 12 months is an early indicator of autism diagnosis later in childhood and could be used as an early diagnostic for ASD in children.