Tag: Autism
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A new computational approach to autism screening utilizing digital biomarkers shows promise
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel computational approach that can reliably predict an eventual diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children, without the need for additional blood work or procedures, using only diagnostic codes from past doctor’s visits. The new approach reportedly reduces the number of false-positive ASD diagnoses…
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Researchers find possible link between autism and nuclear receptor protein LXRβ
Research by University of Houston scientists discovered a possible link between nuclear receptor protein LXRβ (Liver X receptor Beta) and autism spectrum disorder. They found that nuclear receptor LXRβ deletion causes poor development of dentate gyrus, a part of brain’s hippocampus. The dentate gyrus, or DG, is responsible for emotion and memory and is known…
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Understanding "social brain" neural networks in autistic children
A team of researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, studies how neural networks develop in brains of toddlers with autism. Their findings are published in the journal eLife. As infants grow, they start reacting and responding to social cues like human gestures, voices, and faces. During this time their social brain develops. “Social…
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Understanding “social brain” neural networks in autistic children
A team of researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, studies how neural networks develop in brains of toddlers with autism. Their findings are published in the journal eLife. As infants grow, they start reacting and responding to social cues like human gestures, voices, and faces. During this time their social brain develops. “Social…
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Computational study finds new genetic targets for autism
Researchers at the University of Missouri created a new computational method that has connected several target genes to autism. Recent discoveries could lead to screening tools for young children and could help doctors determine correct interventions when diagnosing autism. Unlocking the genetic causes of autism requires data-intensive computations. In 2014, the National Science Foundation (NSF)…
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New biomarkers proposed for earlier diagnosis of autism
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed new blood and urine tests to indicate those with autism. The biomarkers in blood and urine could lead to earlier detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and consequently children with autism could be given appropriate treatment much earlier in their lives. The findings are published in Molecular…
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Adults with autism spectrum disorder showed good results with cognitive enhancement therapy compared to enriched supportive therapy
While there have been advances in early detection and many studies involving the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few efforts to date have focused on interventions for adults. These individuals experience significant challenges throughout adulthood, including unemployment, social impairment and poor quality of life. It is believed that the challenges people with…
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Research finds new genes behind Intellectual disability
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Queen’s University have identified 26 new genes linked to intellectual disability. The study, published online today in Molecular Psychiatry, has implications for the diagnosis and clinical care of those affected, and also adds to our growing knowledge of brain development and functioning. It may…
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Antidepressants use associated with birth defects
A new Université de Montréal study in the British Medical Journal reveals that antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women could increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects. The risk is 6 to 10 %, versus 3 to 5 % in women who do not take the drugs and it is high enough to…
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Researchers identify biomarker for autism caused by Dup15q syndrome
Researchers at the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment have identified a signature brain-wave pattern for children with autism spectrum disorder related to a genetic condition known as Dup15q syndrome. The research team noted that this signature is among the first quantitative biomarkers identified in electroencephalogram tests discovered for any syndrome highly associated with…
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