Breaking Down Language Development in Autism

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Summary: Researchers conducted a novel study on language development in autistic children, revealing that it does not follow a linear path but progresses through three distinct stages. This study is the largest of its kind, involving over 31,000 participants. It challenges traditional views by showing that language comprehension and […]

Autism’s Brain Structure Secrets Revealed

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Summary: Researchers developed a groundbreaking approach using Diffusion MRI to explore the brain structures of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This technique measures how water molecules move through the brain, revealing structural differences in the neural pathways of autistic versus non-autistic individuals. By applying mathematical models, the team […]

Gene Mutation Increases Autism Risk

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Summary: Researchers made significant strides in understanding autism spectrum disorder’s genetic underpinnings. By studying mice with a frameshift mutation in the KMT2C gene, they observed behavioral and cognitive impairments resembling ASD symptoms. Through extensive molecular analyses, they discovered an unexpected increase in the expression of genes linked to ASD […]

Acetaminophen in Pregnancy Not Linked to Autism, ADHD Risk

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Summary: A comprehensive study involving over 2.4 million Swedish children has debunked the notion that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability in offspring. The research employed a novel sibling comparison method to eliminate confounding familial and environmental factors, revealing no increased risk […]

Cannabis in Pregnancy Linked to Autism and ADHD Risk

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Summary: Researchers identified a strong link between prenatal cannabis use disorder (CUD) and heightened risks of ADHD, ASD, and ID in children. The study analyzed over 222,000 mother-offspring pairs in Australia, revealing that children of mothers with prenatal CUD were almost twice as likely to develop these neurodevelopmental disorders. […]

Early Gut Flora Imbalance May Predict Autism and ADHD

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Summary: Disturbances in gut flora during infancy are linked to the later development of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. Analyzing over 16,000 children from the ABIS study, researchers identified significant biomarkers in cord blood and stool samples that correlate with future diagnoses of these disorders. The study highlights […]

Embracing Neurodiversity: Beyond Stigma to Strength

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Summary: A new study highlights the need to recognize and celebrate the diverse skills of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. The research advocates for a shift in perspective, focusing on strengths such as creativity, resilience, and problem-solving, rather than deficits. The study emphasizes that acknowledging […]

Household Chemicals Linked to Brain Health Risks

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Summary: Certain household chemicals, including those found in personal-care products and furniture, pose a risk to brain health, potentially contributing to diseases like multiple sclerosis and autism. The study reveals that these chemicals damage oligodendrocytes, essential cells for nerve cell protection. Key findings include the identification of harmful organophosphate […]

People With Autism Experience Pain at a Higher Intensity

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Summary: People with autism experience pain at a higher intensity than those not on the autism spectrum and are less adaptable to the sensation. This revelation contradicts the prevailing belief that those with ASD tend to be indifferent to pain. Source: Tel Aviv University A new study has examined […]

Spotted around the web: Birth cohort research; DNA methylation; medical marijuana

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WEEK OF January 23 rd Research roundup Birth cohorts are a valuable way to study genetic and environmental influences that contribute to autism. In 2020, Spectrum explored the idea that heritability in autism is not limited to genes. Nature Reviews Neurology Rett syndrome occurs in 7 out of every […]