Autism
Association of HLA-DRB1 alleles and neuropsychological function in autism
Evidence suggests an association between autism and immune dysfunction. The associations between human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-A2, B44, DRβ1*04 (DR4), C4B, and haplotype B44-SC30-DR4 and autism have been reported in western countries but there is a lack of such information in Asian population. This study aimed to assess the association between HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies and the clinical phenomenology of autism.
No link found between prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and autism, Swedish study finds
A large population-based study in Sweden indicates that there is no link between smoking during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children.
3-D modeling software benefits kids with autism
A new study describes how workshops to teach Google’s 3D modeling software to kids with autism have benefited the intergenerational relationships within the participants’ families.
SHANK3 mutations identified in autism lead to modification of dendritic spine morphology via an actin-dependent mechanism
SHANK3 mutations identified in autism lead to modification of dendritic spine morphology via an actin-dependent mechanism
Molecular Psychiatry 17,
71 (January 2012). doi:10.1038/mp.2011.57
Authors: C M Durand, J Perroy, F Loll, D Perrais, L Fagni, T Bourgeron, M Montcouquiol
& N Sans
Autism may be linked to abnormal immune system characteristics and novel protein fragment
Immune system abnormalities that mimic those seen with autism spectrum disorders have been linked to the amyloid precursor protein (APP), according to new research. The study, conducted with mouse models of autism, suggests that elevated levels of an APP fragment circulating in the blood could explain the aberrations in immune cell populations and function -- both observed in some autism patients.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Autisticlike Traits: Similar Etiology in the Extreme End and the Normal Variation [Original Article]
Context Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been suggested to represent the extreme end of a normal distribution of autisticlike traits (ALTs). However, the evidence of this notion is inconclusive.
Objective To study whether there are similar genetic and/or environmental etiologies behind ASDs and ALTs.
Design A nationwide twin study.
Increased Rate of Amygdala Growth in Children Aged 2 to 4 Years With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Longitudinal Study [Original Article]
Context Precocious amygdala enlargement is commonly observed in young children with autism. However, the age at which abnormal amygdala enlargement begins and the relative growth trajectories of the amygdala and total brain remain unclear.
Objective To determine whether the rate of amygdala growth is abnormal and disproportionate to total brain growth in very young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Design Longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging study.
Prevalence and Correlates of Psychotropic Medication Use in Adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Caregiver-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology)
Teaching children with autism to imitate others may improve social skills
Teaching young children with autism to imitate others may improve a broader range of social skills, according to a new study.