Autism

Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

What is Autism?

Autism is not a single disease entity. It is part of a range of developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and last through adulthood.

Autism Causes

Autism Mechanism

Autism Classification

Autism Screening

Autism Prognosis

Gut Bacteria and Autism Development

Detecting Autism Early

Autism Management

Autism History

Autism Related Conditions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism

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The Reward System and Autism

Autism and Junk DNA

Autism and Sleep Problems

Picky Eating and Autism: Tips & Advice

Travelling with a Child Who Has Autism

Moving House with Autism: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Allergies

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

Are Apraxia and Autism Related?

Evidence for Autism being a Genetic Condition

Autoantibodies and Autism

What is Sensory Overload?

Latest Autism News and Research

Light therapy may affect healing in the brains of people who suffered traumatic brain injury

Low-level light therapy appears to affect healing in the brains of people who suffered significant brain injuries, according to a study published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America.

28 May 2024

Phytochemicals show promise in treating neurological disorders by influencing the gut-brain axis

Researchers reviewed the potential therapeutic effects of phytochemicals on the gut-brain axis, finding they could influence brain function and reduce neurological symptoms by modulating gut microbiota.

26 May 2024

Experts recommend structured approach to optimize exercise interventions in MS rehabilitation

A team of experts in multiple sclerosis (MS) research recommends a structured approach to the study of mechanisms of exercise training for improving outcomes for multiple sclerosis (MS).

24 May 2024

Two new studies offer insights into the molecular biology of neuropsychiatric disease

Working under the umbrella of the PsychENCODE Consortium, the mental health research project established in 2015 by the National Institutes of Health, a team of Mount Sinai scientists has uncovered important new insights into the molecular biology of neuropsychiatric disease through two new studies published in a special issue of Science on Friday, May 24.

24 May 2024

High-tech imaging and VR used for mapping the brain and understanding developmental disorders

Through high-tech imaging and virtual reality, a University of South Florida medical engineering professor is creating a detailed map of the brain that can be used to better understand developmental disorders, such as autism, and provide earlier, more effective treatments for brain injuries and diseases.

24 May 2024

Comprehensive study provides new understandings of genomic influences on neuropsychiatric disease

A new analysis has revealed detailed information about genetic variation in brain cells that could open new avenues for the targeted treatment of diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

23 May 2024

UCLA research connects genetic risk and brain changes in autism

A groundbreaking study led by UCLA Health has unveiled the most detailed view of the complex biological mechanisms underlying autism, showing the first link between genetic risk of the disorder to observed cellular and genetic activity across different layers of the brain.

23 May 2024

Novel catalog of gene-isoform variation unveiled in the developing human brain

A team led by researchers at UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania has produced a first-of-its kind catalog of gene-isoform variation in the developing human brain.

23 May 2024

Maternal cannabis use disorder linked to higher autism risk in children, study finds

A study in Psychiatry Research reveals that maternal cannabis use disorder significantly increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. The risk is 3.5 times higher for children exposed to cannabis during the prenatal period.

23 May 2024

Using design thinking to create autism-inclusive healthcare environments

Autism is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in the U.S., affecting an estimated one out of 36 children.

22 May 2024

4 ways vaccine skeptics mislead you on measles and more

Measles is on the rise in the United States. So far this year, the number of cases is about 17 times what it was, on average, during the same period in each of the four years before, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

22 May 2024

Sharp-wave ripples shed light on the brain's daydreaming mechanism

Part of what makes us human is our ability to think about people, places, or events that aren't currently present-;but we still don't know exactly how our brains do this.

22 May 2024

New CRISPR screen method reveals cellular drivers of neurological disorders

The brain is often referred to as a "black box"-;one that's difficult to peer inside and determine what's happening at any given moment.

20 May 2024

SIDBI trial: No benefit of iron supplements for breastfed infants' development

The American Pediatric Association recommends iron supplements to all healthy infants who breastfeed longer than 4 months, while its European counterpart, Society of Gastroenterology, Hepataology and Nutrition, does not recommend it.

20 May 2024

Study demonstrates link between disrupted developmental dopamine signaling and ASD

Recent evidence suggests that dopamine plays a crucial role in neural development. In a novel study, investigators demonstrated the link between disrupted developmental dopamine signaling and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

16 May 2024

New guideline issued for antiseizure medication use in pregnant epilepsy patients

A new guideline has been issued to help neurologists and other clinicians determine the best antiseizure medications for people with epilepsy who may become pregnant.

16 May 2024

Study reveals CNTN4 gene's role in neuronal development and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

New research has shed light on the complex interplay between cell proteins, and how they impact on neurons in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.

15 May 2024

RoboCA3T: A novel robot-inspired computer-assisted adaptive autism therapy

A new study published in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning introduces a novel Robot-Inspired Computer-Assisted Adaptive Autism Therapy (RoboCA3T) that leverages the natural affinity of children with autism spectrum disorder towards technology and robots.

15 May 2024

Metabolomics study finds biomarkers predicting autism in newborns

A study in Communications Biology utilized metabolomics in newborns to identify markers that might predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD), finding distinct metabolic profiles in children with ASD compared to typically developing children.

14 May 2024

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders face increased risk of congenital abnormalities

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders report congenital abnormalities, such as defects of the heart and/or urinary tract, at least ten times more frequent compared to other children.

14 May 2024