http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/autism/ Autism symptoms and new approaches to treatment. Read current research on autism including early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders based on analysis of the placenta, genetic factors and more. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/autism/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111130942.htm If humans are genetically related to chimps, why did our brains develop the innate ability for language and speech while theirs did not? Scientists suspect that part of the answer to the mystery lies in a gene called FOXP2. When mutated, FOXP2 can disrupt speech and language in humans. Now, a new study reveals major differences between how the human and chimp versions of FOXP2 work, perhaps explaining why language is unique to humans. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111130942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121334.htm Teachers and parents must be vigilant in observing difficulties with language comprehension, reading and spelling in children and young people with autism, Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110202855.htm Researchers have developed a pupil response test that is 92.5 percent accurate in separating children with autism from those with typical development. In the study, the scientists found that children with autism have slower pupil responses to light change. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110202855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174256.htm Handwriting skills are crucial for success in school, communication, and building children's self-esteem. The first study to examine handwriting quality in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has uncovered a relationship between fine motor control and poor quality of handwriting in children with ASD. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121634.htm Scientists are beginning a clinical trial of a potential medication designed to correct a central neurochemical defect underlying Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. There has to date been no medication that could alter the disorder's neurologic abnormalities. The study will evaluate safety, tolerability and optimal dosage in healthy volunteers. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171557.htm Researchers have identified a part of the brain that responds to both facial and vocal expressions of emotion. They used the MagnetoEncephaloGraphic (MEG) scanner at the York Neuroimaging Centre to test responses in a region of the brain known as the posterior superior temporal sulcus. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085308.htm Scientists report having used a commercially available drug to successfully "rescue" animal brain cells that they had intentionally damaged by manipulating a newly discovered gene that links susceptibility genes for schizophrenia and autism. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162454.htm Researchers have identified a mutation on human chromosome 16 that substantially increases risk for schizophrenia. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020161952.htm Young animals treated with commonly-prescribed drugs develop behavioral abnormalities in adulthood say researchers. The drugs tested include those used to treat epilepsy, mood disorders and pain. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020161952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021212247.htm Researchers have uncovered a new genetic signature that correlates strongly with autism and which doesn't involve changes to DNA sequence. The changes are to the way the genes are turned on and off. The finding may suggest new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of autism. The researchers found higher-than-usual numbers of gene-regulating molecules called methyl groups in a region of the genome that regulates oxytocin receptor expression in people with autism. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021212247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125133.htm Women are better than men at distinguishing between emotions, especially fear and disgust, according to a new study. Scientists demonstrated that women are better than men at processing auditory, visual and audiovisual emotions. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019162914.htm In a large population-based study, researchers report that after adjusting for a number of factors, typically developing children and children with autism have similar levels of mercury in their blood streams. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019162914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012225541.htm A researcher has pinpointed the mechanism by which a gene associated with both autism and schizophrenia influences behavior in mice. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012225541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122049.htm Scientific understanding and medical treatments for autism spectrum disorders have advanced significantly over the past several years, but much remains to be done. Experts highlight the expanding knowledge of early brain development, and the importance of early diagnosis of ASDs, accompanied by intensive early treatment. They also recognize the important role of parent involvement in early recognition of ASDs. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131852.htm A new article explores vaccination history, vaccine safety monitoring systems in the US, and the two most publicized theoretical vaccine-related exposures associated with autism -- the vaccine preservative thimerosal and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. A review of published research shows that there is not convincing scientific evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007131210.htm Scientists have uncovered a single-letter change in the genetic code that is associated with autism. The finding implicates a neuronal gene not previously tied to the disorder and more broadly, underscores a role for common DNA variation. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007131210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916133519.htm Researchers have found a molecular mechanism that allows the proper mixing of neurons during the formation of columns essential for the operation of the cerebral cortex. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916133519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165103.htm Researchers have now discovered that establishing the neural wiring necessary to function normally depends on the ability of neurons to make finger-like projections of their membrane called filopodia. Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831080957.htm Autism can build a wall of poor communication between those struggling with the condition and their families. While a personal computer can help bridge the divide, the distraction and complexity of a keyboard can be an insurmountable obstacle. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831080957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090821163525.htm Can mental disorders result from altered non-coding RNA-dependent gene regulation during embryonic development? Researchers have found for the first time that a non-coding RNA called Evf2 is important for gene regulation and the development of interneurons that produce GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090821163525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830192041.htm In a finding that sheds new light on the neural mechanisms involved in social behavior, neuroscientists have pinpointed the brain structure responsible for our sense of personal space. The discovery could offer insight into autism and other disorders where social distance is an issue. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830192041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826113821.htm Scientists have found an important mechanism involved in setting up the vast communications network of connections in the brain. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826113821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090823184351.htm A form of partial epilepsy associated with auditory and other sensory hallucinations has been linked to the disruption of brain development during early childhood, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090823184351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190752.htm Common variations in a gene -- previously shown to be associated with Retts Syndrome, autism, and mental retardation -- are associated with differences in brain structure in both healthy individuals and patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142133.htm Imitation, the old saying goes, is the sincerest form of flattery. It also appears to be an ancient interpersonal mechanism that promotes social bonding and, presumably, sets the stage for relative strangers to coalesce into groups of friends, according to a new study. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143538.htm A new study indicates that pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome and/or tic disorder may develop from an inappropriate immune response to the bacteria causing common throat infections. The mouse model findings support the view that this condition is a distinct disorder, and represent a key advance in tracing the path leading from an ordinary infection in childhood to the surfacing of a psychiatric syndrome. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810024835.htm A genetic search using patients and mouse models has uncovered an unlikely gene critically involved in Dandy-Walker malformation, a common birth defect which causes mental retardation, motor delays and sometimes autism. This newly discovered function of the gene, which is never expressed in the brain, reveals a previously unknown role of the skull in directing brain development. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810024835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804193232.htm The way people with autism see and process the body language of others could be preventing them from gaging people's feelings, according to new research. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804193232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713201616.htm New information about the genes involved in a mammal's early brain development, including those that contribute to neurological disorders such as autism and mental retardation, has been discovered. The study is the first to use high-throughput sequencing to uncover active genes in developing brains, and it may be the best evidence yet for the activity in the brain of a large number of genes. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713201616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721122855.htm A common variation of the gene involved in regulating serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain may be linked to problem behaviors in adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, new research indicates. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721122855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720220414.htm The power of music affects all of us and has long appealed to our emotions. It is for this reason that researchers are using music to help children with autism spectrum disorders, for whom understanding emotions is a very difficult task. This inability robs them of the chance to communicate effectively and make friends and can often lead to social isolation and loneliness. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720220414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715074928.htm New research shows that the way preschool children understand false beliefs can be linked to particular aspects of brain development. This landmark research may aid in understanding developmental disorders such as autism. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715074928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101427.htm Scientists have identified 27 genes that are associated with a number of traits, including Asperger syndrome, autism, and empathy. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715074930.htm By scanning the brains of children ages 6 to 11 as they listened to children's stories, researchers have for the first time investigated brain regions associated with social cognition in human children. Researchers found that one of the brain regions, the right tempero-parietal junction, appeared to change its function between the ages of 6 and 11. This research has implications for the study of atypical social development, as happens in autism. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715074930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706113647.htm Researchers have uncovered important new insights into the neurological basis of autism. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706113647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708153233.htm Mothers of children with autism had higher levels of parenting-related stress and psychological distress than mothers of children with developmental delay. Children's problem behavior was associated with increases in both parenting-related stress and distress in both groups, but this relationship was stronger in mothers of children with autism. The research also found no link between a child's decreased daily living skills and increased parental stress and psychological distress. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708153233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707183136.htm Catastrophic epilepsy -- characterized by severe muscle spasms, persistent seizures, mental retardation and sometimes autism -- results from a mutation in a single gene, researchers report. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707183136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702110457.htm Since the 1970s, there has been much debate surrounding the fact that individuals with autism have difficulty in understanding speech in situations where there is background speech or noise. Neuroscientists argue in favor of smaller class sizes for children with autism. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702110457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625210421.htm Researchers have uncovered some of the central characteristics of genes underlying mental retardation. The research shortens the list of genes whose changes lead to this disorder from thousands to several dozen. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625210421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625202008.htm More pieces in the complex autism inheritance puzzle are emerging in the latest gene study of autism spectrum disorders. This study identified 27 different genetic regions where rare copy number variations -- missing or extra copies of DNA segments -- occurred in the genes of children with ASDs, but not in healthy controls. The copy number variations are thought to interfere with gene function, disrupting the production of proteins necessary for normal neurological development. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625202008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133053.htm Mice who inherit a particular chromosomal duplication from their fathers show many behaviors associated with human autism, researchers report. The duplicated chromosomal region in mice is the equivalent of human chromosome 15q11-13, the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality observed in autism, accounting for some five percent of all cases. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133049.htm In primates including ourselves, the ability to register where others are looking is key in social circles. And, according to a new report, the way our brains process gaze-direction is much more sophisticated than a simple eyes-right vs. eyes-left. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617154407.htm A protein called neuroligin that is implicated in some forms of autism is critical to the construction of a working synapse, locking neurons together like "molecular Velcro," a new study has found. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617154407.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624093309.htm Researchers have developed a specific and quantitative means of measuring levels of the fragile X mental retardation 1 protein, which is mutated in fragile X syndrome. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624093309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120835.htm Pediatric researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder than in children without ADHD. Many of those genes were already known to be important for learning, behavior, brain function and neurodevelopment, but had not been previously associated with ADHD. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616121339.htm Autistics are up to 40 percent faster at problem-solving than non-autistics, according to a new study published in the journal Human Brain Mapping. As part of the investigation, participants were asked to complete patterns in the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices -- test that measures hypothesis-testing, problem-solving and learning skills. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616121339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610124833.htm A new parent questionnaire will help health practitioners to more accurately gauge the acquisition of language skills in children with autism. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610124833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182908.htm Citalopram (Celexa), a medication commonly prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorders, was no more effective than a placebo at reducing repetitive behaviors, according to a multi-site clinical trial. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182908.htm