Researchers mine epigenetic data to reveal immune-response pathways that might prove critical to understanding autism Using data from blood and brain tissue, a team led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that they could gain insights into mechanisms that might help explain autism by analyzing the interplay between genes and...
Tag: <span>ASD</span>
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How coping mechanisms help autistic people
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham was diagnosed with Asperger’s in his 40s. In a recent documentary, naturalist and wildlife presenter, Chris Packham, talked about having Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism. It was a rare snapshot into the life of an adult with Asperger’s – and especially so as Packham only realised this in his 40s....
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New autism study a “shocking wake-up call” for society, say academics
People who show characteristics of autism are more at risk of attempting suicide, according to a Coventry University study whose results are being presented to a United States federal advisory committee tomorrow. Researchers found that people who exhibited higher levels of autistic traits were more likely to try to end their lives than people without the...
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Most alternative therapies for treating autism show inconclusive benefits
Dr. Shafali Jeste has no tolerance for those who would promote therapies for treating autism that lack any scientific basis. Dr. Shafali Jeste knows well the desperation of a parent seeking a cure for their child with autism spectrum disorder. As a clinician who both researches the causes of the disorder and treats children...
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Google Glass autism app is a real conversation-starter
Although Google Glass never did reach the market, the technology could presumably be adapted to other smart glasses Among other things, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations. That’s why a team of scientists, led by University of Toronto assistant professor Azadeh Kushki, created Holli. It’s an app...
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New autism diagnosis guidelines miss the mark on how best to help children with developmental problems
Autism has become a default consideration for any child who struggles socially, behaviourally, or with sensory stimuli. The first national guidelines for diagnosing autism were released for public consultation last week. The report by research group Autism CRC was commissioned and funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in October 2016. The NDIS has taken over the...
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New genetic risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder identified
Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately one out of every 68 children in the United States. Despite expansive study, the origin and risk factors of the complex condition are not fully understood. To better understand the root causes, an international team led by researchers at OHSU in Portland, Oregon has applied a new systematic analysis to...
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How exposing children with autism to risk can teach them resilience and life skills
Last night’s ABC Australian Story episode Clearly, Africa is not the practical answer to helping the majority of children thrive. But the lessons learnt from the journey may encourage a slightly “riskier” approach to parenting and education for some children with autism. An unconventional approach Parents James and Benison decided to take Sam to Africa for six months to “expose him...
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Researchers investigate possible link between carnitine deficiency and autism
Researchers are always looking for new clues to the causes of autism, with special emphasis on prevention or treatment. At Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Arthur Beaudet has been following clinical and genetic clues in patients with autism spectrum disorder and experimental results in animal models that have led him to propose that the lack...
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Could autism be helped by changing a patient’s diet? Taking probiotics and adopting a gluten-free lifestyle may improve sufferers’ social behaviour and ability to express emotions
Gluten causes a ‘leaky gut’, where toxins travel to the brain and cause symptoms Probiotics are thought to reverse this process by strengthening the gut’s lining Researchers believe this may offer a cheap, effective way of treating the disorder They add that more research is needed and behavioural therapy should continue Autism may be helped by...