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

Does air pollution reduce cognitive function over time?

Researchers examine available studies for correlations between declining cognitive function in childhood and adult life and air pollution.

4 Dec 2022

Chemical residue from commercial dishwashers causes gut epithelial barrier damage

Residue from rinse agents is left behind on dishes after they are cleaned in professional-grade dishwashers.

1 Dec 2022

Removal of cilia from the brain's striatum impairs time perception and judgment, study finds

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered that removal of cilia from the brain's striatum region impaired time perception and judgment, revealing possible new therapeutic targets for mental and neurological conditions including schizophrenia, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome.

30 Nov 2022

Specific genetic variant linked to early-onset childhood epilepsy discovered

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have discovered a specific genetic variant in SCN1A, the most common genetic epilepsy, that leads to an earlier onset of epilepsy, with clinical features distinct from other epilepsies.

30 Nov 2022

Human fetal cerebellar cell atlas reveals the origin of aggressive medulloblastomas

Studying mice has filled encyclopedias with breakthrough medical discoveries. But when it comes to brain cancers, the little rodents have long exhibited fundamental limitations.

30 Nov 2022

New study questions the perception that autistic individuals experience less pain

People with autism have normal pain thresholds but increased sensitivity to painful stimuli, concludes a study in PAIN, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain.

30 Nov 2022

UQ student awarded national prize for debunking common autism myth

A University of Queensland PhD student has been awarded a national prize for debunking a common myth about children with autism.

30 Nov 2022

Animal study pinpoints a gene that is vital for development of earliest social behaviors

Little is known about how social behavior develops in the earliest stages of life. But most animals––including humans––are born with an innate ability to interact socially or form bonds with others. And that contributes to success throughout life.

24 Nov 2022

Two studies reveal insights into how the spinal cord and brainstem contribute to sense of touch

The sense of touch is essential to almost everything we do, from routine tasks at home to navigating unfamiliar terrains that may conceal dangers.

23 Nov 2022

Previously unknown links between genetic factors in ASD identified

In a new study published today in Cell Reports, researchers from the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute (DKJEI), part of the Krembil Research Institute at University Health Network, have identified previously unknown connections between genetic factors in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

22 Nov 2022

Gene mutation associated with autism causes an overstimulation of brain cells

Scientists looking to understand the fundamental brain mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder have found that a gene mutation known to be associated with the disorder causes an overstimulation of brain cells far greater than that seen in neuronal cells without the mutation.

21 Nov 2022

Researchers to develop brain imaging radiotracers for better understanding of Alzheimer's, autism

Emory researchers are on the cusp of seeing in real time how brain diseases like Alzheimer's and autism spectrum disorder affect a patient's brain function.

21 Nov 2022

Brain organoids reveal how alcohol exposure impairs the development and functioning of new brain cells

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses significant peril to the healthy development of the unborn child. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

20 Nov 2022

Gut microbiome plays a role in Alzheimer's

In a recent review published in the journal Pharmacological Research, researchers in Brazil investigated the role of gut microbiota in cognition, brain function, behavior, and neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.

17 Nov 2022

NIH researchers identify differences in gene activity in the brains of individuals with ADHD

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have successfully identified differences in gene activity in the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

16 Nov 2022

Small molecules found in breast milk may reduce the likelihood of infants developing allergies

Breastfed babies are believed to suffer fewer allergic conditions, like eczema and food allergies, than formula-fed babies; yet the reason has not been well understood.

15 Nov 2022

Sick profit: Investigating private equity’s stealthy takeover of health care across cities and specialties

Two-year-old Zion Gastelum died just days after dentists performed root canals and put crowns on six baby teeth at a clinic affiliated with a private equity firm.

14 Nov 2022

How air pollution affects the central nervous system over time

An article published in the journal Toxics describes how air pollutants adversely impact the human nervous system.

13 Nov 2022

Sociability in monkeys associated with higher abundance of beneficial gut bacteria

Social connections are essential for good health and wellbeing in social animals, such as ourselves and other primates. There is also increasing evidence that the gut microbiome – through the so-called 'gut-brain axis' – plays a key role in our physical and mental health and that bacteria can be transmitted socially, for example through touch.

11 Nov 2022

‘Impending intergenerational crisis’: Americans with disabilities lack long-term care plans

Thinking about the future makes Courtney Johnson nervous. The 25-year-old blogger and college student has autism and several chronic illnesses, and with the support of her grandparents and friends, who help her access a complex network of social services, she lives relatively independently in Johnson City, Tennessee.

11 Nov 2022