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

Environmental stressors linked to fetal brain development challenges

Review article in the journal Antioxidants explores the impact of environmental factors on fetal and neonatal brain development, emphasizing the role of inflammation and oxidative stress from maternal stressors.

15 Apr 2024

NJHF awards $135K to Kessler Foundation scientists for pilot research projects

This year, New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF) granted $135,000 in awards to three Kessler Foundation scientists to support pilot research projects that exhibit promising potential.

13 Apr 2024

Study finds dysfunction of key brain systems in people with psychosis

Inside the brains of people with psychosis, two key systems are malfunctioning: a "filter" that directs attention toward important external events and internal thoughts, and a "predictor" composed of pathways that anticipate rewards.

13 Apr 2024

New technology can automatically identify infants at risk of developing neuromotor diseases

A team of researchers led by Huanyu "Larry" Cheng, the James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) at Penn State, tested the use of wearable sensors paired with a "tiny" machine learning algorithm to automatically monitor and evaluate general movements in infants.

13 Apr 2024

Does living near green space help soothe early childhood anxiety and depression?

Study reveals that increased residential green space is associated with reduced internalizing symptoms, like anxiety and depression, in children aged 2-5, highlighting the potential mental health benefits of accessible natural environments in early childhood development.

12 Apr 2024

Pain reliever use in pregnancy shows no link to child neurodevelopmental disorders, study finds

Extensive study explores acetaminophen use during pregnancy, analyzing its potential association with intellectual disability, ADHD, and autism in children, and ultimately finding no link when considering sibling analyses to control for unmeasured confounding factors.

11 Apr 2024

Researchers elucidate how gene mutation mechanism causes autism

Researchers show how mutations of gene transcription and chromatin regulation-related genes cause autism.

9 Apr 2024

Prenatal cannabis use disorder linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring

A new study presented at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2024 reveals a significant association between prenatal cannabis use disorder (CUD) and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID).

8 Apr 2024

Discovery of a fundamental biological mechanism opens path for novel therapies

The lab of Yongchao C. Ma, PhD, at Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered a fundamental biological mechanism that could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and autism, as well as different cancers.

4 Apr 2024

SRF announces grant to support research on SynGAP-Related Disorder in adults

The SynGAP Research Fund 501(c) today announced a grant to Dr. Danielle Andrade, Dr. Miles Thompson, Dr. Ryan Yuen, Dr. Rogier Kerssebook, and Dr. Anatoljevna Anna Kattentidt to support research on SynGAP-Related Disorder (SRD) in adults.

4 Apr 2024

End of internet subsidies for low-income households threatens telehealth access

For Cindy Westman, $30 buys a week's worth of gas to drive to medical appointments and run errands.

4 Apr 2024

Gut flora disruption in infancy linked to autism and ADHD

Disturbed gut flora during the first years of life is associated with diagnoses such as autism and ADHD later in life.

3 Apr 2024

JAX researchers develop a powerful platform to study human health conditions

In humans, the exact same mutation in a specific gene can produce widely different outcomes. It's a bit like adding the same amount of salt to different recipes-;the effect on the finished dish can be quite different, depending on the mix of other ingredients.

3 Apr 2024

Attacks on emergency room workers prompt debate over tougher penalties

Patients hurl verbal abuse at Michelle Ravera every day in the emergency room. Physical violence is less common, she said, but has become a growing threat.

3 Apr 2024

Kennedy Krieger Institute sheds light on autism management in Pediatric Clinics journal

Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute are sharing their expertise on autism spectrum disorder in a medical journal reaching thousands of pediatric professionals worldwide.

1 Apr 2024

WHO calls for urgent action on rising neurological conditions worldwide

A major new study released by The Lancet Neurology shows that, in 2021, more than 3 billion people worldwide were living with a neurological condition.

30 Mar 2024

Research reveals genetic factors in cerebral palsy development

A Canadian-led study has identified genes which may be partially responsible for the development of cerebral palsy.

29 Mar 2024

Research offers first insights into the mechanism behind synaptic development

The first analysis of how synaptic proteins change during early development reveals differences between mice and marmosets but also what's different in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

28 Mar 2024

Household chemicals endanger brain's myelin-forming cells

Study uncovers how environmental chemicals, specifically organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary compounds, negatively affect oligodendrocyte development, implicating them in potential neurodevelopmental risks such as ADHD and autism, by employing an innovative high-throughput screening approach on mouse and human stem cell-derived models.

26 Mar 2024

Study identifies brain energy metabolism dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders

A global collaborative research group comprising 131 researchers from 105 laboratories across seven countries announces a groundbreaking research paper submitted to eLife.

26 Mar 2024