ScienceDaily: Autism News
Updated : Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:05:01 EDT

Mirror neuron system functions normally in individuals with autism
Neuroscientists have found that the mirror neuron system, which is thought to play a central role in social communications, responds normally in individuals with autism. Their findings counter theories suggesting that a mirror system dysfunction causes the social difficulties exhibited by individuals with autism.
Publ.Date : Thu, 13 May 2010 11:00:00 EDT

Structural basis for autism disorders
There is still much that is unknown about autism, but a psychologist has completed a six-year study of brain tissue that, for the first time, provided physical evidence of short-range over-connectivity in the outer layer of the brain's cortex in those with autism.
Publ.Date : Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EDT

First drug to demonstrate therapeutic effect in a type of autism
Researchers have identified a drug that improves communication between nerve cells in a mouse model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). Behavioral symptoms of PMS fall under the autism spectrum disorder category.
Publ.Date : Fri, 21 May 2010 11:00:00 EDT

Infant's gaze may be an early, but subtle, marker for autism risk
New study results show that an early marker for later communication and social delays in infants at a higher-risk for autism may be infrequent gazing at other people when unprompted. The study also found that six-month-old high-risk infants demonstrated the same level of cause and effect learning skills when compared to low-risk infants of the same age.
Publ.Date : Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EDT

Extremely preterm children are three times as likely to have psychiatric disorder
Significant advances in the neonatal intensive care have resulted in increased survival rates of children who are born at less than 26 weeks of gestation, so termed "extremely preterm children." Notably, however, improved survival rates have been accompanied by a higher risk for later cognitive, neuromotor, and sensory impairments in these children.
Publ.Date : Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EDT

Dual approach gives a more accurate picture of the autistic brain
A new study, the first of its kind, combines two complementary analytical brain imaging techniques, to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the neuroanatomy of the autistic brain.
Publ.Date : Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EDT

80 percent autism-divorce rate debunked in first-of-its kind scientific study
Having a child with autism can put stress on the parents' marriage, and a frequently cited statistic leads to a common perception that the divorce rate among these families is as high as 80 percent. But a new study found that a child's autism has no effect on the family structure.
Publ.Date : Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Rare disease in Amish children sheds light on common neurological disorders
Researchers investigating a regulatory protein involved in a rare genetic disease have shown that it may be related to epileptic and autistic symptoms in other more common neurological disorders. A team of researchers demonstrate how mutations in the STRAD-alpha gene can cause a disease called PMSE (polyhydramnios, megalencephaly, and symptomatic epilepsy) syndrome, found in a handful of Amish children.
Publ.Date : Wed, 12 May 2010 17:00:00 EDT

Sleep disturbances associated with behavior problems in children with autism
Reports have suggested that sleep problems in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are associated with challenging daytime behaviors. A new study on a large group of youths with ASD confirms these reports and will support the development of treatments for sleep disturbances as a way to improve behavior, according to researchers.
Publ.Date : Mon, 03 May 2010 11:00:00 EDT

Fragile X syndrome gene's role in shaping brain uncovered
Researchers have discovered how the genetic mutation that causes Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation, interferes with the "pruning" of nerve connections in the brain.
Publ.Date : Sun, 09 May 2010 11:00:00 EDT

Compulsive behavior in mice cured by bone marrow transplant
Scientists earlier found that mice missing one of a group of core developmental genes known as the Hox genes developed an odd and rather unexpected pathology: the mutant animals groomed themselves compulsively to the point that they were removing their own hair and leaving self-inflicted open sores on their skin.
Publ.Date : Thu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 EDT

Gene linked to schizophrenia: New clues to disorder
An international study suggests that gene mutations may predispose some individuals to schizophrenia and provides new clues about the causes of this ambiguous disorder. The findings demonstrate that new mutations in the SHANK3 gene are found in schizophrenic patients.
Publ.Date : Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:00 EDT

Gastrointestinal problems common in children with autism
Gastrointestinal symptoms occur in nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders, and the prevalence increases as children get older.
Publ.Date : Mon, 03 May 2010 17:00:00 EDT

Genes found for schizophrenia are involved in brain signaling
By analyzing the genomes of patients with schizophrenia, genetics researchers have discovered numerous copy number variations -- deletions or duplications of DNA sequences -- that increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Significantly, many of these variations occur in genes that affect signaling among brain cells.
Publ.Date : Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Children with autism frequently receive psychotropic medications
A new study shows that use of psychotropic medications is common among children with ASD, with 27 percent of those enrolled in the network registry receiving at least one medication to manage their behavior. The most common reasons for medication use were hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, irritability and attentional concerns.
Publ.Date : Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT

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