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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: learning and memory

October 2019
Marijuana plant

Cannabis compound improves sociability in autism mouse model

by  /  22 October 2019

A single dose of cannabidiol, a component of marijuana, eases seizures and improves learning and sociability in mice with mutations in an autism gene called CDKL5.

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Two mice in a lab test environment

Single seizure may have long-lasting effects on brain

by  /  21 October 2019

A single seizure early in life leads to enduring behavioral problems, including diminished sociability, in mice.

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September 2019

DNA deletion boosts odds of autism, especially in girls

by  /  2 September 2019

The loss of 21 genes on chromosome 3 may substantially raise the risk of autism.

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July 2019
Mobile with objects like earbuds, ears, eyes and black and white striped disk hanging

We need precise measurements of sensory traits related to autism

by  /  30 July 2019

Separating sensitivity to sensory stimuli from the response to the stimuli may help scientists understand the root cause of sensory traits in autistic people.

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Family groups, researchers join forces to solve mysteries of autism gene

by  /  10 July 2019

Families of children with mutations in a gene called SYNGAP1 have spurred research into the effects of the mutations on people — and how to treat them.

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April 2019
Illustration of a child seen in front of cables, with matching cables in the brain area not fully connected

Families need guidance before buying a communication app for autism

by  /  23 April 2019

The popularity of mobile devices offers families the promise of communication with their autistic child, but success is more than a click away.

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March 2019
Portrait of Jill Silverman

Webinar: Jill Silverman makes case for rat models of autism

 /  20 March 2019

Watch the complete replay of Jill Silverman discussing using rat models to study neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism.

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November 2018

Sound strategy enables precise control of brain circuits

by  /  6 November 2018

Applying sound waves to a mouse’s brain provides a safe way to push molecular probes into the brain to manipulate activity there.

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May 2018
a group of elementary school age kids in a huddle, talking.

Use of certain social strategies linked to anxiety in autism

by  /  23 May 2018

Children with autism often have problems understanding others’ thoughts; those who use mental strategies to compensate for these problems may be unusually anxious.

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Intellectual disability’s introduction in the DSM-5: What’s the impact?

by  /  9 May 2018

The move to replace ‘mental retardation’ with ‘intellectual disability’ is widely accepted, but little data exist on the impact of this change.

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