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

Latest Autism News and Research

Effectiveness of Acceptance Commitment Therapy for autistic individuals has been investigated

A doctoral thesis at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has investigated whether Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be used for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

18 May 2022

Repeated DNA sequences in the genome may contribute to schizophrenia risk

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have found that repeated DNA sequences in the genome may contribute to an individual's risk of developing schizophrenia.

12 May 2022

Evaluating mental health of adults with neurodevelopmental disorders during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety, depression, and mental well-being of adults with neurodevelopmental disorders in the United Kingdom.

12 May 2022

Brain circuit in the anterior thalamus is crucial for remembering how to navigate a maze

As people age, their working memory often declines, making it more difficult to perform everyday tasks. One key brain region linked to this type of memory is the anterior thalamus, which is primarily involved in spatial memory -; memory of our surroundings and how to navigate them.

11 May 2022

Deficiency of YWHAZ gene alters neurodevelopmental process in zebrafish

An article published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry reveals the molecular mechanisms to explain how the YWHAZ gene –related to psychiatric and neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia– can alter the neurodevelopmental process.

10 May 2022

Postnatal gene therapy may be able to prevent or reverse deadly effects of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome

UNC School of Medicine Scientists have shown for the first time that postnatal gene therapy may be able to prevent or reverse many deleterious effects of a rare genetic disorder called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome.

10 May 2022

Inversions in the human genome found to be more common than previously thought

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg found that inversions in the human genome are more common than previously thought, which impacts our understanding of certain genetic diseases.

6 May 2022

Understanding how the COVID pandemic impacts childhood autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

A study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server assessed the effects and outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic on children suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on patients of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

3 May 2022

Study uses brain organoids to reveal how autism-linked genetic mutation disrupts neural development

In a study published May 02, 2022 in Nature Communications, scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine used human brain organoids to reveal how a genetic mutation associated with a profound form of autism disrupts neural development.

2 May 2022

Epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells during fetal development cause idiopathic autism

An international research group led by Professor Toru Takumi (Senior Visiting Scientist, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research) and Researcher Chia-wen Lin at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine has shown that idiopathic autism is caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells during fetal development, which results in immune dysregulation in the brain and gut.

2 May 2022

Autism, ADHD and school absence are associated with increased risk for self- harm in adolescents

Research led by King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has analyzed factors associated with self-harm in over 111,000 adolescents aged 11-17 years old.

29 Apr 2022

Scientists identify the neural basis of pleasant touch sensation

Studying mice, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a neural circuit and a neuropeptide -; a chemical messenger that carries signals between nerve cells -; that transmit the sensation known as pleasant touch from the skin to the brain.

28 Apr 2022