AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·April 9, 2021·9 min readADHD and Autism Associated With In-Utero Heavy Metals and Essential MineralsPrenatal exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic, and increased levels of the mineral manganese, were linked to an increased risk of ADHD and autism spectrum diagnosis in children.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 8, 2021·6 min readAutism Gene Study Finds Widespread Impact to Brain’s Growth Signaling NetworkMutations in the autism-related Dyrk1a gene lead to brain undergrowth in mice. Researchers say an existing drug appears to reverse the damage.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·March 29, 2021·5 min readRising Autism Rates, Specifically in Minorities and Socially Disadvantaged ChildrenIn the UK, one in 57 children is on the autism spectrum. The number is significantly higher than previously reported. Children from minority backgrounds were up to 38% more likely to be diagnosed with autism. Children with ASD were more likely to also experience social disadvantages.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·March 22, 2021·6 min readResearchers Close in on Root of Slow Motor Learning in AutismMotor learning deficits associated with autism may be the result of reduced levels of noradrenaline release in the primary motor cortex.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·March 17, 2021·3 min readA Tool for More Inclusive Autism ScreeningA new visual-based tool may help to reduce social disparities at a critical point of child development for a more accurate assessment of autism.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·March 12, 2021·5 min readAre There Differences in the Brains of Autistic Men and Women?In both neurotypical males and people on the autism spectrum, researchers found a reduction in resting-state brain function in the default mode network. Additionally, connectivity between the two hemispheres in the visual cortex is reduced in women with ASD.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·March 12, 2021·5 min readAdolescents With Autism May Engage Neural Control Systems DifferentlyProactive control is not impaired in those on the autism spectrum. Instead, those with ASD implement proactive control in a unique manner.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 3, 2021·4 min readEvolution Drives Autism and Other Conditions to Occur Much More Frequently in BoysHereditary forces that have evolved over millions of years favor mate selection and reproduction in the early years of male sexual maturity at the expense of longer-term well-being. This may explain why females tend to live longer and are less vulnerable to certain health and developmental disorders.Read More
AutismFeaturedPsychology·February 28, 2021·4 min readPicture Books Can Boost Physical Activity for Youth With AutismA new picture book with step-by-step instructions on how to do basic exercises like jumping jacks, helps increase levels of physical activity in young people with ASD.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·February 24, 2021·4 min readMachine Learning Used to Identify Autism Blood BiomarkersUsing machine learning to analyze blood samples, researchers have identified a group of new biomarkers that could lead to early diagnosis of autism.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2021·4 min readLinks Found Between Fetal Head Growth and Autism Spectrum DisorderMeasuring fetal head growth during pregnancy could help doctors identify which children are at risk of ASD. Researchers found fetuses with narrower heads during mid-gestation are more likely to be diagnosed with autism during childhood. The head development abnormalities appear to be sex-specific, with males and females showing different head shapes. Additionally, the head abnormalities appear to be related to the severity of ASD symptoms.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·February 17, 2021·3 min readHigh-Risk Gene for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Linked to Sleep ProblemsA genetic mutation linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders was associated with marked sleep disorders in fruit fly models. The findings add to the evidence that sleep disruptions are linked to early neurodevelopmental processes.Read More
