Children as young as three have an adult-like preference for visual fractal patterns commonly seen in nature. The findings suggest the preference for common natural fractal patterns develops early in life. Read More
A new study backs previous findings, reporting a reduced risk of ASD in the offspring of mothers who used folic acid and multivitamins both prior to and during pregnancy. Read More
An advanced neuroimaging study reveals how organophosphate exposure in the womb leads to altered brain activity in teens. Read More
A new study reveals how male sex steroids impact brain development. The findings could help shed light on behavioral developmental differences between males and females. Read More
A distinct DNA methylation signature has been discovered in cord blood of children who are later diagnosed with autism. The findings could provide a new biomarker for early detection and intervention for ASD. Read More
According to researchers, even before a preterm infant is born, they may have alterations in the brain's neural networks that could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Read More
A new study reports adolescent male mice fed with a diet lacking Omega-3 fatty acids performed worse on memory tests and showed increased anxiety during adulthood. Read More
A new study reports prenatal exposure to common antidepressants and antipsychotics does not increase the risk of a child developing autism. Read More
Signatures of brain activity in infants can predict autism symptoms at 18 months of age. In infants who later received a diagnosis of ASD, researchers noted decreased connectivity between frontal brain regions. The infants also showed increased connectivity across temporoparietal areas in the right hemisphere, which were associated with social information processing. Read More
New research explains how parts of the brain keep a delicate balance of zinc during embryonic neurodevelopment. Read More
According to researchers, marijuana use during pregnancy can result in premature birth and smaller babies with lower birth weight. Additionally, babies of mothers who smoked marijuana during pregnancy tend to be more irritable and easily frustrated in later infancy. Read More
A new study reveals children of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of being diagnosed with ASD. Researchers report women with PCOS have a 2.3% change of having a child with autism, compared to a 1.7% change for mothers without the condition. Read More