Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, by an extremely limited range of activities and interests, and often by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors.
Computer analysis of EEG patterns suggests a potential diagnostic test for autism — Largest, most unbiased analysis to date finds distinguishing EEG features – Widely available EEG testing can distinguish children with autism from neurotypical children as early as age 2, finds a study from Boston Children’s Hospital. The study investigated EEGs as a potential diagnostic tool for autism, and offers hope for an earlier, more definitive test.
Agent reduces autism-like behaviors in mice — Boosts sociability, quells repetitiveness ? NIH study – National Institutes of Health researchers have reversed behaviors in mice resembling two of the three core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). An experimental compound, called GRN-529, increased social interactions and lessened repetitive self-grooming behavior in a strain of mice that normally display such autism-like behaviors, the researchers say.
Mutations in 3 genes linked to autism spectrum disorders – Mutations in three new genes have been linked to autism, according to new studies including one with investigators at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. All three studies include lead investigators of the Autism Sequencing Consortium (ASC).
April is Autism Awareness Month — The fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2012 – 5th annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2012. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.
New CDC Report Includes Autism Findings in New Jersey – New statistics issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders found among 8-year-old children in a sample area of New Jersey is significantly higher than in most other states surveyed.
In the brain, an earlier sign of autism – Earlier sign of autism can be noticed in 6 months old infants – In their first year of life, babies who will go on to develop autism already show different brain responses when someone looks at or away from them. Although the researchers are careful to say that the study, reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology, is only a first step toward earlier diagnosis, the findings do suggest that direct brain measures might help to predict the future development of autism symptoms in infants as young as six months.
Scientists identify defect in brain cell channel that may cause autism-like syndrome – What goes wrong in the brain when an individual suffers from autism. Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders of impaired social and verbal interaction. Currently, no medication exists to treat its underlying causes, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Tuning out: How brains benefit from meditation — Meditation may help brain to recover from diseases – Brain imaging study reveals that experienced meditators seem to be able switch off areas of the brain associated with daydreaming as well as psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
CSHL team finds evidence for the genetic basis of autism — Models of autism show that gene copy number controls brain structure and behavior – Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have discovered that one of the most common genetic alterations in autism — deletion of a 27-gene cluster on chromosome 16 — causes autism-like features.
Study of twins suggests genetic component of autism spectrum disorders may be moderate — Environmental component may be substantial – Shared environmental factors ? experiences and exposures common to both twin individuals ? accounted for 55% of strict autism and 58% of more broadly defined autism spectrum disorders (ASD), revealed by researchers. Genetic heritability accounted for 37% of autism and 38% of ASD.
