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

Study provides valuable insight into the developmental origins of schizophrenia

Scientists from Cardiff University have discovered new links between the breakdown in brain cell development and the risk of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

16 Jan 2022

GI problems experienced by children with ASD have a significant impact on wellbeing of their families

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to new research from Kennedy Krieger Institute, GI problems experienced by individuals with ASD have a significant impact on the wellness of the individual and also on their family members.

11 Jan 2022

Small cluster of neurons in the brain stem found to coordinate vocalization with breathing

The vocal sounds of humans-;laughing, crying, and the babbling of babies-;have the same rhythmic quality as the sounds made by many mammals, songbirds, and even some species of fish.

7 Jan 2022

Research uncovers how a mouse brain understands sensory information

The brain is the most complex organ in our body – constantly absorbing and interpreting our surroundings, and guiding our movement, thoughts, behaviors and emotions.

6 Jan 2022

Distrust in state power closely linked vaccine hesitancy

Distrust of the state in Turkey, religion and abortion resistance in the United States. Politics and culture are just as important in explaining vaccine hesitancy as health.

5 Jan 2022

Study defines a novel way to identify potential new interventions for autism

Researchers from King's College London have shown that there are variations in how a brain chemical called GABA regulates the processing of visual stimuli.

5 Jan 2022

Study pinpoints brain networks behind speech planning

A new study has identified a brain circuit that is active while we plan our spoken replies during conversation.

5 Jan 2022

The brains of infants with autism do not tune in with motherese speech

Motherese is a form of simplified, exaggerated melodic speech that parents use to communicate with newborns and young toddlers.

3 Jan 2022

Recommended choline intake during pregnancy improves child's sustained attention

Seven-year-old children performed better on a challenging task requiring sustained attention if their mothers consumed twice the recommended amount of choline during their pregnancy, a new Cornell study has found.

3 Jan 2022

Strains - not species - of gut bacteria may provide better insights into the microbiome

Every day, the billions of bacteria that inhabit your digestive system change; the food you eat, medications you take, and germs you're exposed to make some bacteria flourish more than others.

24 Dec 2021

Cochlear implantation provides benefits for deaf children with autism spectrum disorder

Restoring hearing through cochlear implantation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help them understand spoken language and enhance social interactions, according to a study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

23 Dec 2021

All carers are encouraged to 'Get Boosted Now'

A new study, published today by the University of Birmingham and UCL, adds further evidence to the importance of a booster vaccine for both carers and care home residents as they are encouraged to Get Boosted Now.

22 Dec 2021

How can we increase confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine?

In this interview, we speak to Professor Rishi Goyal and Professor Dennis Yi Tenen about their latest research that investigated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

22 Dec 2021

Star-shaped cells in the brain regulate cognitive flexibility

As we live in a dynamically changing environment, it is important for our brain to not only learn new things but also to modify existing memories.

21 Dec 2021

Deletion of autism-linked gene diminishes myelin in mice

Myelin, a sheath of insulation around nerves that enables electrical impulses to efficiently travel through the central nervous system, is diminished in mice that have a gene deletion associated with autism spectrum disorder, new research finds.

21 Dec 2021

Pandemic poses short- and long-term risks to babies, especially boys

The pandemic has created a hostile environment for pregnant people and their babies. Stress levels among expectant mothers have soared. Pregnant women with covid are five times as likely as uninfected pregnant people to require intensive care and 22 times as likely to die. Infected moms are four times as likely to have a stillborn child.

21 Dec 2021

Scientists publish the most extensive description to date of WAGR syndrome

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have published the most comprehensive description to date of the rare genetic disorder known as WAGR syndrome. This new report identified several clinical issues not classically associated with the disease and provides guidance for proper diagnosis, management, and potential treatment options.

21 Dec 2021

Researchers use machine learning to shed light on genetic mutations linked with spina bifida

Weill Cornell Medicine researchers are using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence, to shed light on genetic mutations associated with spina bifida.

20 Dec 2021

New tool provides an unprecedented view of brain cell activity in a synapse

To solve the mysteries of how learning and memory occur, Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists have created a system to track millions of connections among brain cells in mice — all at the same time — when the animals' whiskers are tweaked, an indicator for learning.

20 Dec 2021

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy found to impact infant neurodevelopment

New research suggests that prenatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure increases the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in the baby’s first year of life.

20 Dec 2021