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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: autism

March 2011

Prenatal tests for autism mutations pose ethical dilemmas

by  /  31 March 2011

Genetic syndromes associated with autism are increasingly being diagnosed in utero because of techniques that can identify subtle mutations in the genome. But the technology is ahead of the ethical debate on whether and how to inform parents about mutations with unknown effects.

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Researchers trace wiring in the brain

by  /  30 March 2011

Researchers have mapped the architecture of a brain circuit active during vision in the cerebral cortex — a region involved in memory and planning — they reported 10 March in Nature.

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Genetics: Parkinson’s disease gene linked to autism

by  /  30 March 2011

Two children with Asperger syndrome have disruptions in the PARK2 gene — one child has a duplication in the gene whereas the other has a deletion — according to a study published in February in the American Journal of Medical Genetics.

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Whiz kids

by  /  29 March 2011

For many years, autism was considered synonymous with intellectual disability. A new study shows that perception is inaccurate.

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Genetics: Small duplications identify new schizophrenia gene

by  /  29 March 2011

A neurotransmitter called VIPR2, or vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor, is a candidate gene for schizophrenia and, potentially, autism, according to a study published in February in Nature.

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Why fold Asperger syndrome into autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5?

by  /  29 March 2011

In the new diagnostic manual for psychiatric disorders, Asperger syndrome will be folded into autism spectrum disorder. Francesca Happé, a member of the committee that made the recommendation, explains the rationale behind the decision.

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Could a virus cause autism?

by  /  28 March 2011

An Italian group is investigating the provocative hypothesis that some cases of autism are the result of a viral infection passed from sperm to fetus.

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Face time

by  /  25 March 2011

In the world of Skype, instant messages and tweets, face-to-face interaction is still the best route to discovery, according to an intriguing study published in December.

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Cognition and behavior: Study defends mirror neuron theory of autism

by  /  25 March 2011

Activity in the mirror neuron system may improve with age in people who have autism, according to a study published in February in Biological Psychiatry. The finding could help resolve contradictory reports on the involvement of mirror neurons in the disorder.

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New candidate gene may explain male bias of autism

by  /  24 March 2011

A gene that regulates the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the brain could help explain why males are more susceptible to autism than are females, according to a study published in PLoS One in February.

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