AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·July 22, 2025·5 min readGreen Space Lowers Developmental RisksChildren exposed to more green space before birth and during early childhood have a lower risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, a new study shows. Analysis of over 1.8 million mother–child pairs revealed reduced rates of ADHD, autism, and learning delays in areas with higher vegetation levels.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 21, 2025·5 min readAutism Masking Leaves a Mark on the BrainSome autistic teens mask their traits to “pass” as non-autistic in social settings, but a new study reveals the hidden cognitive toll. Using EEG, researchers found these teens show faster automatic responses to faces and dampened emotional reactivity, suggesting their brains may adapt to cope with social demands.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·July 15, 2025·9 min readNo Link Found Between Aluminum in Vaccines and Autism, ADHDA massive Danish study of over 1.2 million children has found no evidence that aluminum in early childhood vaccines increases the risk of neurological, autoimmune, or allergic disorders. Researchers analyzed 50 chronic conditions — including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, asthma, and juvenile arthritis — and found no association with cumulative aluminum exposure from vaccines given before age two.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·July 11, 2025·7 min readWhen Words Aren’t Enough: Autistic Adults Navigate Nonverbal ChallengesAutistic adults describe nonverbal communication as an exhausting “unwritten language” they must decode in real time, according to a new study. Reviewing hundreds of firsthand accounts, researchers found that many struggle to interpret facial expressions and body language while trying to perform expected cues themselves.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·June 30, 2025·3 min readTiny RNA Mark Helps Explain Brain Wiring and Mental DisordersNew research reveals how a tiny chemical mark on RNA helps wire the brain during development. Scientists discovered that m6A methylation regulates the production of proteins essential for axon growth, including APC and β-actin.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·June 25, 2025·5 min readShared Genetic Roots of Autism and Heart Disease FoundNew research reveals that autism and congenital heart disease may share a common biological basis—tiny cellular structures called cilia. Scientists found that mutations in genes affecting cilia formation disrupt both brain and heart development, helping explain why the two conditions often co-occur.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·June 23, 2025·4 min readCBD Shows Promise in Easing Behavior Challenges in AutismSummary: A new clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe and potentially helpful in reducing problematic behaviors in boys with severe autism. While broad behavioral measures showed no significant differences from placebo, clinicians observed meaningful improvements in aggression, hyperactivity, and communication in many children taking CBD.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 20, 2025·3 min readNew Autism Data Reveals Insights Into Profound CasesResearchers have released genetic and behavioral data from over 1,500 children and adolescents with autism who were hospitalized in psychiatric units across the U.S. This group, often representing those with profound autism—marked by minimal language and high support needs—has been largely missing from previous datasets.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 13, 2025·3 min readDifferent Autism Genes, Same Brain SignatureNew research shows that different genetic forms of autism may produce a shared brain activity pattern, revealing a potential common neural signature despite distinct genetic origins. Using brain-wide recordings in preclinical models, scientists observed that autism-linked mutations affected how expectations are updated during decision-making.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 11, 2025·5 min readHidden Protein Defects Behind Autism IdentifiedResearchers have created a standardized mouse stem cell library containing 63 genetic variants strongly linked to autism spectrum disorder. Using CRISPR gene editing, the team generated mice and diverse tissues from these modified cells, allowing them to model autism at both the cellular and organismal level.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·June 8, 2025·5 min readListening to the Voices of AutismA massive study of over 700,000 Reddit posts has given researchers a unique window into the lived experiences of autistic individuals, revealing a focus on community, personal interests, and coping strategies. Using natural language processing, the team grouped posts into recurring themes like music, food, friendships, and emotional challenges.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 2, 2025·4 min readBoard Game Helps Autistic Players Express Emotions Through ImagesA new study finds that the storytelling board game Dixit may help people with autism express their thoughts and emotions. By selecting from illustrated cards, players can convey personal experiences and discuss complex topics like identity, anxiety, and social misunderstanding.Read More