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

See more featured articles »

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

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

Machine learning unveils hidden gender differences in brain structure

Artificial intelligence (AI) computer programs that process MRI results show differences in how the brains of men and women are organized at a cellular level, a new study shows.

14 May 2024

Researchers discover how gut microbes influence social behavior in mice

For people with autism, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain often go along with the social struggles and repetitive behaviors that define the condition.

13 May 2024

Understanding the metabolic changes from birth to diagnosis of autism

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shed new light on the changes in metabolism that occur between birth and the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood.

10 May 2024

Ketogenic diet a potential therapy for autism by reshaping gut bacteria and brain inflammation

Modified ketogenic diet modulates gut microbiome, inflammatory markers, and brain-related miRNAs in autistic children, correlating with improved behavioral symptoms. The diet increases beneficial gut bacteria and reduces inflammatory cytokines and BDNF levels.

9 May 2024

Gene linked to intellectual disability can regulate learning and memory

A gene previously linked to intellectual disability has been found to regulate learning and memory in mice.

8 May 2024

Tele-mentoring program shows promise in addressing opioid reliance for chronic pain management

More Americans suffer from chronic pain than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Yet, a shortage of pain medicine specialists persists, causing many pain sufferers to seek care in primary care settings.

7 May 2024

Rutgers scientists create CRISPR-edited mice to study the neurobiology of Tourette disorder

In research that may be a step forward toward finding personalized treatments for Tourette disorder, scientists at Rutgers University–New Brunswick have bred mice that exhibit some of the same behaviors and brain abnormalities seen in humans with the disorder.

6 May 2024

Price inflation tied to higher mental health service utilization among adults and elderly in England

The relationship between price elevation and psychiatric care in the British population.

6 May 2024

Umbilical cord milking safe for newborns' neurodevelopment, study finds

An alternative method of transferring blood cells to weakened newborns through their umbilical cord does not carry long-term neurodevelopmental risks compared to standard practice, a recent study found.

3 May 2024

‘Breaking a promise’: California deficit could halt raises for disability workers

Families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities say Gov. Gavin Newsom is reneging on a scheduled raise for the workers who care for their loved ones, and advocates warn of potential lawsuits if disability services become harder to get.

2 May 2024

New biomarkers identified for predicting psychosis risk in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

A recent study led by UC Davis Health researchers provides new insights into the molecular changes linked to the rare genetic condition 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, or 22q.

1 May 2024

Study uncovers molecular mechanism linking nonsense-mediated RNA decay to microcephaly

Nonsense-mediated RNA decay, or NMD, is an evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism in which potentially defective messenger RNAs, or mRNAs (genetic material that instructs the body on how to make proteins), are degraded.

1 May 2024

Study reveals how genetic changes in SCN2A gene impact autism and epilepsy

A genetic change or variant in a gene called SCN2A is a known cause of infantile seizures, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, as well as a wide range of other moderate-to-profound impairments in mobility, communication, eating and vision.

26 Apr 2024