Mitochondrial Energy Production Linked with Autism-Like Traits
Mice Study Shows Mutation in Mitochondrial DNA Exhibits Altered Brain Activity A new study has demonstrated that defects in the mitochondria of brain cells may be the root cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This compelling work was produced by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and published online in the Proceedings of the […]
IVIG Shows Promise for Treating Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome
Extended Dosing Provided Sustained Benefits up to 46 Weeks After Final Infusion Children who present with sudden and severe neuropsychiatric behaviors such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, tics, anxiety, irritability, and problems with attention and focus are typically diagnosed with either pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with […]
Assisted Autistic Communication Does Not Warrant Blanket Dismissal by Critics
Eye-Tracking Study Proves Genuine Communication Generated by Participant A recent study affiliated with the University of Virginia has examined the authenticity of a controversial communication practice for non-verbal individuals on the spectrum called facilitated communication or assisted autistic communication. For years, this method has come under scrutiny due its reliance upon the assistance of another […]
Mood Disorders Are Significantly More Common in ASD
And Challenging to Diagnose Due to Atypical Presentation A recent British review article published in the International Review of Psychiatry presented a thorough investigation into the occurrence of higher rates of mood disorders in individuals with autism than in the general population. The most common mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and seasonal […]
How Gut Microbes and Brain Disorders Could Be Linked
Findings May Lead to Microbiome Drugs for Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorders Fifteen years ago, neuroscientist Jane Foster discovered that bacteria in the gut may have influence over brain function and behavior. She came to this conclusion by conducting studies using two groups of mice. One group had healthy gut microbes and the other group lacked […]
