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Spectrum: Autism Research News

News Archive

March 2011

Cognition and behavior: Children with autism make more sounds than words

by  /  18 March 2011

Toddlers with autism have typical — although delayed — language skills, but produce more growls, yells and, especially, squeals than do typically developing children, according to a study published in February in Autism Research.

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Mitochondrial function disrupted in children with autism

by  /  17 March 2011

The first study to look at mitochondria — the powerhouses of the cell — in postmortem brain tissue taken from children with autism has found significant abnormalities in their function in some regions of the brain.

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Genetics: Cell communication pathway linked to autism

by  /  16 March 2011

Mutations in a gene that organizes synapses — the junctions between neurons — may increase the risk of autism, according to a study published in February in Autism Research. The study bolsters evidence linking a pathway involved in cell-to-cell communication to autism.

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Cognition and behavior: Music is promising autism therapy

by  /  15 March 2011

Integrating music into interventions helps children who have autism with their social skills, language and behavior. But methods should be standardized and tested for effectiveness at home, according to a meta-analysis published in January in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

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Machine-learning tool shows promise for autism diagnosis

by  /  14 March 2011

It’s too soon to call it a diagnostic test for autism, but an algorithm that detects patterns in brain waves shows promise as one component of a screening battery for the disorder, say researchers familiar with the work.

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Cognition and behavior: Oxytocin prevents seizures, improves behavior

by  /  11 March 2011

The hormones oxytocin and vasopressin rescue social deficits — including resistance to change and a greater propensity for seizures — in mice lacking the oxytocin receptor, according to a study published in February in Biological Psychiatry.

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Root strategy

by  /  11 March 2011

A new technique for creating stem cells from hair may help researchers understand how neurons and the junction between them form.

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Meeting brings unusual focus to Phelan-McDermid syndrome

by  /  10 March 2011

The first international meeting on Phelan-McDermid syndrome brought together researchers and family members of those affected by the disorder, sparking collaboration and some emotion.

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First-ever Phelan-McDermid meeting has its Eureka moments

by  /  10 March 2011

The First International Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Symposium, held last week in New York City, brought together scientists and patient advocates to share insights — including a surprising realization about mice missing the SHANK3 gene.

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Molecular mechanisms: Fragile X mice resistant to change

by  /  9 March 2011

Mice that model fragile X syndrome have trouble changing their minds, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in February.

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