What's New in Autism Spectrum Disorder? Harvard Review of Psychiatry Presents Research Update

Recent years have seen exciting progress in key areas of research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD): from possible genetic causes, to effective treatments for common symptoms and clinical problems, to promoting success for young people with ASD entering college. Updates on these and other advances in ASD research are presented in the March special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

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New Research Indicates Causal Link Between Vitamin D, Serotonin Synthesis and Autism

CHORI Scientists Rhonda Patrick, PhD and Bruce Ames, PhD, find causal link between Vitamin D, serotonin and autism. The findings point towards possible prevention and treatment options.

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Smart Technology Helps Doctors Spot Autism Earlier

Florida State University researchers are spearheading a project that will screen infants who are only 12 months old using smart technology that can search simultaneously for both autism and communication delays.

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New Autism Definition May Decrease Diagnosis by One Third

New diagnosis guidelines for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) may reduce by almost one third the total number of people being diagnosed, according to new research from Columbia University School of Nursing published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

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Researchers Pinpoint Brain Region Essential for Social Memory

Researchers have determined that a small region of the hippocampus known as CA2 is essential for social memory, the ability of an animal to recognize another of the same species. A better grasp of the function of CA2 could prove useful in understanding and treating disorders characterized by altered social behaviors, such as autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The findings, made in mice, were published on February 23, 2014, in the online edition of Nature.

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Study Finds Potential Solution for Feeding, Swallowing Difficulties in Children with DiGeorge Syndrome, Autism

Research out of the George Washington University reveals new information on the pathogenesis of feeding and swallowing difficulties often found in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and intellectual disability.

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Bundling Up in Frigid Weather: A Challenge for Children with Sensory Issues, Says USciences OT Prof

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Biostatistics Approach to Genetics Yields New Clues to Roots of Autism

Researchers have developed a statistical method for genetic screens that improves the classic genome-wide association screen, and, applying to autism, have uncovered genes related to the disorder that had not been suggested in previous analyses. The scientists offer evidence that beginning treatment in infants at the first symptoms could change the course of the disease, possibly preventing the permanent “pruning” of neurons, which occurs during the first two years of life, from cementing autistic symptoms in place.

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Study Shows Autistic Brains Create More Information at Rest

New research from Case Western Reserve University and University of Toronto neuroscientists finds that the brains of autistic children generate more information at rest – a 42% increase on average.

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