Autistic Spectrum Disorders News

Fathers Age Associated With Decreased Social Abilities In Boys ( Oxford Journal 19-Dec-08 )

Tel Aviv University researchers found in several consecutive studies that older dads are more likely to have boys with autism and lower IQs. Most recently, they found that the older a father's age, the greater the chance that his son will display poor social abilities as a teen.

Brain Waves Show Sound Processing Abnormalities In Autistic Children ( Radiological Society of North America 2-Dec-08 )

Abnormalities in auditory and language processing may be evaluated in children with autism spectrum disorder by using magnetoencephalography (MEG), according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Adapting To Life With The Risk Or Reality Of Genetic Disease ( NSGC 5-Nov-08 )

If you are afflicted with a genetic disease -- or at risk of developing one -- how do you handle it? Do you tell your loved ones? What is the best way to cope? If your loved one has a genetic disorder, how do you best adapt?

Looking Through The Broken Mirror ( University of Nottingham 21-Oct-08 )

Researchers at The University of Nottingham are hoping to learn more about the causes of autism and Asperger's Syndrome, by putting a controversial theory to the test.

Parents' Fears, Confusion Over Autism Confirmed By Survey ( FIT 14-Oct-08 )

The first national survey of attitudes toward autism reveals that a small but significant percentage of people still believe the disease is caused by childhood vaccines.

Older Men More Likely To Father A Child With Autistic Spectrum Disorder ( RCP 3-Oct-08 )

Children born to older fathers are at increased risk of having an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Toddlers' Focus On Mouths Rather Than On Eyes Is A Predictor Of Autism Severity ( Yale 2-Oct-08 )

Scientists at Yale School of Medicine have found that two-year-olds with autism looked significantly more at the mouths of others, and less at their eyes, than typically developing toddlers. This abnormality predicts the level of disability, according to study results published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Program To Educate Teachers About Importance Of Early Intervention For Autism ( Autism Speaks 2-Oct-08 )

Autism Speaks, in partnership with the Ad Council and the CDC, announced today the launch of a new, groundbreaking educational tool kit, Talking to Parents About Autism, designed to promote early intervention and encourage educators to speak to a child's parents if they suspect a developmental delay.

Clues To Autism, Epilepsy, Mental Retardation From Rare Genetic Disorder ( CHB 26-Sep-08 )

A rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is yielding insight into a possible cause of some neurodevelopmental disorders: structural abnormalities in neurons, or brain cells.

Autism May be Missed In Girls ( BBCNews 18-Sep-08 )

Girls with mild autism are less likely to be identified and diagnosed than boys, a study suggests.

Healthy Minds Across America Features 48 Public Forums On Mental Health Research ( NARSAD 8-Sep-08 )

People concerned about the toll that mental health disorders are taking on their families and communities will have a unique opportunity to hear from world-class experts on what is known to-date about the causes, symptoms and progression of mental illnesses and learn about current and potential treatments.

NAS Response To The Work And Pensions Committee Report: Valuing And Supporting Carers ( NAS 4-Sep-08 )

Mark Lever, National Autistic Society Chief Executive said: "Caring for a person with autism can have a profound impact on individuals and families and can be very demanding both emotionally and financially, yet many receive very little help and support."

Researchers Study Diet In Autistic Children ( UTHSC 12-Aug-08 )

Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have embarked on one of the first double-blind, clinical studies to determine whether gluten and dairy products play a role in autistic behavior as parents have anecdotally claimed.

Chairman Of National Association Of UK Karate And Martial Art Schools Has Asperger's ( NAKMAS 1-Aug-08 )

Joe Ellis, Chairman of NAKMAS, the national governing body of all forms of martial arts in the UK, has announced that he has the neurobiological condition known as Asperger Syndrome. The announcement coincides with the introduction of the NAKMAS Asperger Syndrome training programme, aimed at educating martial arts coaches about the condition.

Disrupted Communication Networks In Brain Lead To Autism's Social Struggles ( CMU 29-Jul-08 )

Picking up on innuendo and social cues is a central component of engaging in conversation, but people with autism often struggle to determine another person's intentions in a social interaction. New research from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on the neural mechanisms that are responsible for such social difficulties in autism.

Oxytocin May Inhibit Social Phobia ( Karolinska Institutet 24-Jul-08 )

Common Mechanisms May Underlie Autism's Diverse Mutations ( NIH/NIMH 18-Jul-08 )

Middle Eastern Families Yield Intriguing Clues To Autism ( CHB 14-Jul-08 )

Lack Of Fragile X And Related Gene Fractures Sleep ( BCM 2-Jul-08 )

Autistic Man, Who Is Also Kidney Transplant Recipient, Found In Woods ( MNT 27-Jun-08 )

Drug Reverses Mental Retardation in Mice ( UCLA 24-Jun-08 )

'Faulty' Brain Connections May Be Responsible For Social Impairments In Autism ( UW 19-Jun-08 )

Response To The Carers Strategy By The National Autistic Society ( NAS 19-Jun-08 )

Autism Risk Higher For Preterm And Low Birthweight Girls ( MNT 11-Jun-08 )

'Trust Machinery' Identified In The Brain ( Cell Press 30-May-08 )

Autism Detected At 9 Months Of Age Using Research Tool ( McU 27-May-08 )

Mental Disorders Cost Society Billions In Unearned Income ( NIH/NMIH 23-May-08 )