FeaturedNeuroscience·January 14, 2020Flame retardants and pesticides overtake heavy metals as biggest contributors to IQ lossExposure to flame retardants and pesticides resulted in more than a million cases of intellectual disability in children between 2001 and 2016. However, adverse outcomes from exposure to mercury and lead fell significantly during the same period. Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·December 6, 2019How gene mutation causes autism and intellectual disabilityGenetic mutations in Usp9X results in the brain growing fewer synapses during development. The mutation also causes hyperactivity and an increased risk of anxiety. The findings shed new light on the cause of autism and other intellectual disabilities. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·September 18, 2019Early maternal anemia tied to intellectual disability, ADHD and autismChildren born to mothers diagnosed with anemia before the 31st week of pregnancy were at a higher risk of developing ADHD, ASD, and other intellectual disabilities than children born to mothers diagnosed with anemia during the final weeks of pregnancy. The risk of being diagnosed with autism was 4.9% higher for those born to mothers who experienced early pregnancy anemia. For ADHD, those born to anemic mothers had a 9.3% higher risk than those born to mothers who developed the condition during late pregnancy. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·August 16, 2019Study links gene to children with physical and intellectual disabilitiesRare variants in the DDX6 gene have been linked to significant disruption in the development of the central nervous system, affecting basic motor skills and resulting in intellectual disabilities. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 21, 2019Researchers call for the term ‘high functioning autism’ to be consigned to historyResearchers argue the term "high functioning autism" be abandoned by the scientific community as it is misleading and may create harmful expectations of abilities for children on the autism spectrum. "High functioning autism" is not a diagnostic term. The term is based on IQ assessments rather than functional assessments. While children with ASD may exhibit normal-to-higher IQ for their age, many experience skill based, social and behavioral difficulties that impact their daily lives. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 19, 2018Autism Mutations Make the Brain Less FlexibleStudy sheds light on how SETD5, a gene associated with ASD, alters behavior and may lead to less flexibility in the brain. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·May 22, 2018New Brain Development Disorder IdentifiedResearchers have identified a new neurodevelopmental disorder. The study reveals the inherited disorder can produce learning difficulties and increase seizure risks. The researchers have implicated a recessive mutation in CAMK2A in this new disorder. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·November 13, 2017Potential Treatment For Autism and Intellectual DisabilityA GABA receptor modulating drug has been shown to reverse both social and cognitive deficits induced by a genetic mutation associated with autism and intellectual disabilities, researchers report. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·November 6, 2017Eight New Epilepsy Genes DiscoveredUsing whole genome sequencing, researchers have identified eight novel genes associated with epileptic encephalopathy. Read More
AutismFeaturedOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·October 5, 2017Multivitamin Use During Pregnancy Linked to Lower Autism With Intellectual Disability RiskAccording to Drexel University researchers, mothers who took multivitamins during pregnancy were 30% less likely to have children who develop autism with intellectual disability. However, researchers note the occurrence of autism without intellectual disability was not affected by the use of prenatal multivitamins. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 17, 2017Placebo Effect Despite Intellectual DisabilityA new study provides contrary evidence to popular belief and states people with congenital intellectual disabilities are sensitive to placebo-like effects. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsPsychology·April 11, 201726 Novel Genes Linked to Intellectual DisabilityResearchers have identified 26 new genes that are linked to intellectual disabilities. Read More
