New Grant Supports Stem Cell-Derived Model of Autism-Related Illness

For the first time, researchers are developing a test tube model of Rett syndrome, a debilitating autism-like illness, in neurons derived from human autism-like illness. The new study addresses a crucial gap in understanding the workings of the rare autism spectrum disorder.

Study Aims to Develop First Medications for Fragile-X Syndrome

A new NIMH grant is enabling scientists to begin testing safety and effectiveness of potential medications for fragile-X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation. People with other developmental disorders that share some of the same brain mechanisms which lead to fragile-X syndrome, including some cases of autism, also may benefit from this research.

Half of Children With Autism May be Diagnosable Soon After Their First Birthday

About half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be diagnosed soon after their first birthday; others with the disorder may appear to develop normally until that age and then falter or regress during their second year.

Brain Chemical Boosts Trust and Short-Circuits Fear

A brain chemical recently found to boost trust appears to work by reducing activity and weakening connections in fear-processing circuitry. The latest findings suggest new approaches to treating diseases thought to involve amygdala dysfunction and social fear, such as social phobia, autism, and possibly even schizophrenia.

Treating Autism

Autism is not curable but the behavioral and cognitive functioning symptoms can improve with the help of psychosocial treatments and pharmacological interventions.

Gene Linked to Autism

A version of a gene has been linked to autism in families that have more than one child with the disorder. Inheriting two copies of this version, scientists have discovered, more than doubles a child's risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.

Groups Join Together to Fund Research on Autism Susceptibility Genes

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. In an average year, one to six new cases of autism arise per 1,000 children. Experts believe that as high as 90 percent of the variance in the disorder is due to hereditary factors, and research suggests a strong interaction between environmental factors and multiple unknown genes.

Telltale Protein Defects Mark Fragile X Pathways

A team of scientists has identified a trove of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity and neuronal growth - some of them likely implicated in mental retardation and perhaps other neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

Understanding Autism

As a parent, teacher, or caregiver you may know the frustration of trying to communicate and connect with children or adults who have autism. You may feel ignored as they engage in endlessly repetitive behaviors. You may despair at the bizarre ways they express their inner needs. And you may feel sorrow that your hopes and dreams for them may never materialize. But there is help--and hope.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. In many cases, their baby seems "different" from birth---e.g., unresponsive to people and toys, or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time. The first signs of autism can also begin to appear in children who had been developing normally--when an affectionate, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, violent, or self-abusive, professional assessment is imperative.

How to Prepare Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome for Life’s Challenges

An Interview with Sue Coble, Ph.D.--By Catherine H. Knott, Ph.D.

Should young people with Asperger’s be advised to avoid certain pursuits that depend heavily on social interaction? Or should they be coached to try, even if jobs in those fields may be more difficult for them? Sue Coble, professor of psychology at the University of Alaska and Kenai Peninsula College, answers these questions and others, based on many years of Asperger’s and autism research.

New Study Finds Anti-Psychotic Medication Useful in Treating Serious Behavioral Problems Among Children With Autism

Autism is a chronic condition that appears in early childhood and is characterized by core symptoms of impaired social relatedness, delayed language, and restricted patterns of behavior. It affects as many as 20 children per 10,000. According to a study's just-released findings, a newer class of anti-psychotic medications can be successful and well tolerated for the treatment of serious behavioral disturbances associated with autistic disorder.