Mutations in the ASD/intellectual disability genes ADNP and POGZ result in abnormal activation and overexpression of immune response genes and genes for microglia. This results in abnormal brain synaptic function, characteristic of ASD and ID.
Histone H4 mutations in the spool cause intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, a new study reports.
Exposure 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.
Genetic 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.
Children 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.
Rare 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.
Researchers 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.
Study sheds light on how SETD5, a gene associated with ASD, alters behavior and may lead to less flexibility in the brain.
Researchers 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.
A 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.
Using whole genome sequencing, researchers have identified eight novel genes associated with epileptic encephalopathy.
According 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.
