Autism

Physiological test for autism proves effective independent of co-occurring conditions

Developing a physiological test for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one that measures certain components in the blood, has the potential to be a paradigm shift for diagnosing ASD. Researchers now report a significant step toward addressing this challenge....
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Genetic link between cattle temperament and autism in humans

Researchers have discovered that cattle share an overlap of genes with humans that are critical in brain function and response to fear stimuli. The results open the way for research conducted on behavioral traits in humans to shed further light on temperament in cattle....
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Overlooked ‘housekeeping’ gene plays unexpected role in seizures

Molecules known as tRNAs are often overlooked in studies of disease processes. Researchers have found that a mutation in a tRNA gene called n-Tr20 -- expressed only in the brain -- can disrupt the landscape of entire cells, leading to chain reactions that alter brain function and behavior....
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Autistic people’s nerve cells differ before birth

A new study now shows in human brain cells that autism, a neurodevelopmental condition, can now be traced back to prenatal development, even though the disorder is not diagnosed until at least 18 months of age. The atypical development starts at the very earliest stages of brain organization, at the...
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Measuring social networks of young adults with autism

While social isolation is a core challenge associated with autism, researchers have laid the groundwork to show how interpersonal relationships, and the resources they provide, could impact autistic youth's adult outcomes.

Autism-cholesterol link

A new study identifies a subtype of autism arising from a cluster of genes that regulate cholesterol metabolism and brain development.

Future mental health care may include diagnosis via brain scan and computer algorithm

Most of modern medicine has physical tests or objective techniques to define much of what ails us. Yet, there is currently no blood or genetic test, or impartial procedure that can definitively diagnose a mental illness, and certainly none to distinguish between different psychiatric disorders with ...
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Pregnant mother’s immunity tied to behavioral, emotional challenges for kids with autism

Children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems, a new study has found. Offspring sex may also interact with maternal immune conditions to influence outcomes, particularly in terms of a child's cognition....
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AI-enhanced precision medicine identifies novel autism subtype

A novel precision medicine approach enhanced by artificial intelligence has laid the groundwork for what could be the first biomedical screening and intervention tool for a subtype of autism, reports a new study.

Early neural activity associated with autism

Researchers have found evidence of signature brain activity in infants that predicted ASD symptoms later at 18 months old.