Eye Gazing in ASD: Indifference or Avoidance?
New Review Examines the Theory of Hypoactive vs. Hyperactive Amygdala A tendency to avoid eye contact is often an early indicator of autism in young children. Difficulties with eye contact frequently continue through the lifespan, creating challenges for social interactions for people on the spectrum. A new review published in the Journal of Autism and […]
One-third of Autism Caregivers Utilize ABA Programs
Although Controversial, 93% of Parents Have a Favorable View of the Therapy Last month SafeMinds Shares reported on a growing debate surrounding Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) programs. The controversy stems from adults who participated in ABA programs during childhood and view the therapy as an unethical and harmful attempt to conform individuals on the spectrum […]
Exposure to Chemicals During Pregnancy Affects Developing Fetus
New Study Shows the More Chemicals, the Fewer Words Giuseppe Testa, a professor of molecular biology at the Universita Statale in Milan, Italy recently tweeted a fascinating conversation about his newest study which examines the effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy on a child’s language development. Additionally, Professor Testa and his co-authors […]
Genomically Targeted Interventions May Lead to Meaningful Improvements in ASD
Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of a Gene Could Be Key For New Treatments As often recognized in autism research, there are currently no pharmacological treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat the core symptoms of the disorder. Given this sobering fact, new research from an international team of scientists that focuses […]
Differences Discovered Between Brains of Girls and Boys with ASD
Gender-Specific Autism Diagnostics May Be Needed According to a new Stanford study, girls with autism differ in several brain centers compared to boys with the disorder. These differences were discovered by analyzing hundreds of brain scans using artificial intelligence techniques. The Stanford researchers found that girls had different patterns of connectivity than boys did in […]
Pharmacological Treatment Given in First Weeks of Life Prevents Symptoms of Autism
New Rodent Research Shows a Specific Window to Support Cerebellar Development A study released last month shows that timing is critical when treating developmental disorders like autism. Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that blocking an overactive signaling pathway during the first five weeks of life prevents symptoms of autism […]
