The way in which an infant visually examines an object may predict a later autism diagnosis, researchers say. Unusual visual inspection of items at 9 months was a strong predictor of an ASD diagnosis later in childhood.
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in eleven surveillance sites is 1 in 54 among children aged eight. This is a 10% increase from 2014 when it was 1 in 59. Since 2000, prevalence rates of ASD have almost tripled, from 0.67% to 1.85%.
A new study reveals antidepressant use during early pregnancy does not increase the risk for the offspring developing ADHD or autism, as previous studies suggest. However there was a slight increase in the risk of premature birth associated with antidepressant use during the first trimester.
A new stem cell study could help predict autism and could lead to new drug targets for ASD.
Researchers report newly identified risk factors differ from currently known genetic causes of autism. The variants identified do not alter the genes directly, but disrupt the neighboring DNA control elements that turn genes on or off. Additionally, the variants do not occur as new mutations in autistic children, but are inherited from parents.
Early developmental deficits in the formation of the brain's blood vessels cause autistic traits in mouse models of ASD.
A new study that used rhesus macaques with low levels of sociability revealed the animals had reduced levels of vasopressin in their cerebral spinal fluid, as did children diagnosed with ASD.
Lower levels of vasopressin were present in the cerebrospinal fluid of infants who later went on to be diagnosed with autism.
Researchers find video-based teaching can help autistic teens learn and use important social skills.
Study confirms the acceptability, feasibility and safety for using Project: EVO, a action video game experience, for children on the autism spectrum with co-occurring ADHD.
Researchers report a specially designed video game that rewards players for holding difficult poses can help to improve balance in children on the autism spectrum.
Virtual reality can help recalibrate time perception and sensorimotor actions. Researchers believe the technology could help in the treatment of ASD, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
