New Brain Pathway to Fear Discovered
The Human Sensory Cortex Stores Memories of Past Frightening Experiences Researchers from Florida State University have made a groundbreaking discovery involving fear pathways in the human brain. For years, scientists considered the amygdala to be the epicenter of fear processing in the brain. The almond-shaped brain structure was believed to be largely responsible for […]
Gestational Exposure to BPA May Be Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Review Summarizes the Developmental Neurotoxicity of BPA in Lab Animals A new literature review has examined the correlation between exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in humans. NDDs refer to nervous system disorders caused by changes in brain development. These disorders include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability […]
Can an Autism Hug Machine Help Control Challenging Behaviors of Children on the Spectrum?
Recent Study Suggests Deep Pressure Provided by One Type of Device Can Be Calming Deep pressure has been widely used by occupational therapists who work with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The deep pressure sensation is thought to regulate the sensory system, reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety of individuals on the spectrum. […]
Methylmercury Chloride Exposure Deteriorates Behaviors and Impacts the Immune System
Mouse Model Study Shows Increased Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines after Exposure New research from Saudi Arabia has investigated the effects of methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) exposure on BTBR mice. BTBR mice are an inbred mouse strain that exhibit core symptoms of autism-like behaviors. The authors of this new study hypothesized that MeHgCl exposure could be associated […]
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 […]
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 […]
