New Research Links Y Chromosome to Increased Autism Risk in Males
Findings Challenge Long-Held X Chromosome Theory and Offer New Direction for Autism Research A new study published in Nature Communications by researchers at Geisinger suggests a significant link between the Y chromosome and the increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males, offering new insights into the condition’s genetic roots. Analyzing data from 177,416 […]
Fewer Synapses Found in Brains of People with Autism
A groundbreaking study published in Molecular Psychiatry used PET scans to reveal that adults with autism have 17% fewer synapses—vital connections between neurons—than neurotypical individuals, with fewer synapses correlating to more pronounced traits associated with autism.
Pathological Demand Avoidance: Understanding Anxiety-Driven Behavior in Autism
Psychology Today article explores the controversial diagnosis of pathological demand avoidance (PDA), a behavioral profile often seen in individuals on the autism spectrum. PDA is characterized by an intense need to avoid everyday demands due to overwhelming anxiety rather than defiance.
Early Childhood Infections Associated with Higher Risk of Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
Maternal Infections During Pregnancy Show Weaker Association Due to Familial Factors: Researchers from Taiwan have recently conducted a large cohort study examining the potential influence of maternal infections during pregnancy and early childhood infections on the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tic disorders, and mental retardation (MR).
New Research Uncovers Key Gut Bacteria Associated With Autism
Middle Eastern scientists have recently explored the role of the gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by comparing individuals with ASD, their unaffected siblings, and a control group. Their study highlights significant microbiome differences, particularly the lower abundance of Turicibacter and Bacteroidetes and a higher abundance of Catenibacterium and Tenericutes in individuals with ASD.
MIND Institute Study Finds Higher Autism Risk for Siblings of Children with ASD
A new study by the UC Davis MIND Institute and the Baby Siblings Research Consortium, published in Pediatrics, found that approximately 20% of siblings born after a child with autism are diagnosed with the disorder. This rate is seven times higher than the general population’s 2.5%.
