Some parents can be unaware that many conditions share common characteristics with autism. It is important to investigate whether an individual meets the entire diagnostic criteria for ASD. An additional assessment goal is to identify and prioritize support needs and goals. Many concerned parents seek a diagnostic assessment to see...

Is It Autism or Another Diagnosis?

Autism spectrum disorder risk was similar with prenatal topiramate or lamotrigine vs. no antiseizure medication exposure. Prenatal valproate was tied to a dose-dependent increased autism spectrum disorder risk. Autism spectrum disorder incidence was higher for children with prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications vs. the general population, but some associations weakened...

Childhood autism may be linked to prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is quite prevalent, but its underlying mechanism is not well understood. In a recent study, researchers from Japan have found a significant link between the levels of specific dihydroxy fatty acids in umbilical cord blood and ASD symptoms. Their findings highlight the role of these metabolites in the developmental trajectory of ASD and could pave the way for early diagnostic techniques and a better understanding of ASD pathophysiology.

Umbilical Cord Blood Fatty Acids and Their Impact on Autism Development

Researchers have found evidence that children with high levels of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms show structural brain abnormalities, but treatment with stimulant medications can normalize these differences. This study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, compared brain structures among children with varying levels of ADHD symptoms and medication use, offering insights into how these medications may help beyond symptom management.

Stimulant medications normalize brain structure in children with ADHD, study suggests

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning capability and social behavior of people. Over the past few decades, awareness regarding ASD has increased, especially regarding its prevalence and effect on the lives of people diagnosed with ASD. However, several aspects related to ASD are not well understood, leaving much to be explored.

Fatty acids in umbilical cord blood might cause autism spectrum disorder

With more attention being paid to spectrum disorders including autism, and a noticeable increase in autism diagnoses, you may be wondering what causes autism and is autism genetic or environmental. Causes of autism are complex and explored ahead. This article will also discuss why some children and adults have different...

What Causes Autism?

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Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Q: Do vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?. A: Many studies have looked at whether there is a relationship between vaccines and ASD. To date, the studies continue to show that vaccines are not associated with ASD. Despite ongoing concerns from some parents and individuals, the CDC, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC), works to address these concerns through research and communication.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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An unusually large brain may be the first sign of autism — and visible as early as the first trimester, according to a recent study conducted by UCSD. Some children with profound autism face lifelong challenges with social, language, and cognitive skills, including the inability to speak. In contrast, others exhibit milder symptoms that may improve over time.

Scientists Have Uncovered Autism’s Earliest Biological Signs

ScienceAlert


One of the most detailed studies yet has cemented the link between  autism and what dwells within the gut.
The new analysis hasn't just studied the bacteria native to the digestive tract, but the fungi, archaea, and  viruses that can be found there, too.



					
			

The team, led by researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has developed a comprehensive assay that reveals a correlation between changes across the entire gut microbiome composition and diagnosis with  autism spectrum disorder.
While we still don't understand this link, the building evidence offers new ways to both diagnose and understand autism.
"What is exciting...

Autism in Children Linked to Changes in Gut Microbiome, Study Finds

Navigating the complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during adolescence presents unique challenges for both teens and their families. When young individuals with ASD transition into their teenage years, they often face heightened social, emotional, and academic demands. Many parents find themselves searching for comprehensive solutions that address the multifaceted...

Benefits of Residential Treatment for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Verywell Health

A recent study found people with carpal tunnel syndrome tend to develop cardiac amyloidosis, also known as “stiff heart syndrome,” about 10 to 15 years later. Experts say the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome may be an early warning sign for cardiac amyloidosis, as amyloid deposits can affect both the wrist’s connective tissue and the heart.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Triple Your Risk of Developing Stiff Heart Syndrome

T3D reveals a significant relationship between brain dysfunction and glucose levels, a critical factor in AD. Insufficient glucose levels can lead to an aggressive decline in insight, judgment, memory, and reasoning. Limited research reveals a link between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Additional research is needed to understand...

What Is Type 3 Diabetes?

Menkes syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to absorb and store copper. The disorder primarily affects infants, and it leads to serious complications and a shortened life span. Menkes syndrome, or Menkes disease, is a rare genetic disorder that causes problems with copper metabolism...

What Is Menkes Syndrome?

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have established new criteria for a memory-loss syndrome in older adults that speciﬁcally impacts the brain's limbic system. It can often be mistaken for Alzheimer disease. However, limbic-predominant Amnestic Neurodegenerative Syndrome, or LANS, progresses more slowly and has a better prognosis, and is now more clearly deﬁned for doctors working to ﬁnd answers for memory loss patients.

Mayo Clinic Researchers Define New Memory Loss Syndrome

There is no single test to diagnose Sjögren disease. Doctors will carry out a range of tests, such as blood, eye, and salivary gland tests, to look for signs of the disorder and rule out other conditions. Sjögren disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes dry eyes and mouth....

How do doctors diagnose Sjögren disease?

Visual hallucinations are a significant issue for many patients with Parkinson’s disease. A recent study published in the journal Brain reveals that these hallucinations are associated with a marked deficiency of cholinergic activity in specific regions of the brain, particularly the left ventral visual stream and the left superior temporal lobe. This research highlights the importance of cholinergic denervation in visual hallucinations, offering new insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment options.

Visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease linked to cholinergic deficiency

Summary: A new experimental cancer drug could ease cognitive difficulties for those with Rett syndrome, a rare autism-linked disorder, by enhancing brain cell functions. The drug, ADH-503, improves the activity of microglia, which are crucial for maintaining neural networks. Researchers found that healthy microglia restored synapse function in brain organoids...

Cancer Drug Shows Promise for Autism Cognitive Function

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a rare genetic condition affecting different parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery can help manage the condition. ALGS affects a person’s bile ducts. The liver secretes bile and bile ducts carry it from the liver to...

What to know about Alagille syndrome

A study reveals that brain inflammation leads to the release of a protein that impairs muscle function, suggesting potential treatments for related muscle fatigue in diseases like Alzheimer’s and long COVID. Infections and neurodegenerative diseases are known to cause brain inflammation. However, patients with brain inflammation often develop muscle...

Hidden Connection Discovered: New Research Links Brain Inflammation to Muscle Fatigue

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have drafted new criteria for a memory-loss disorder that bears similarities with Alzheimer's yet has a better prognosis. The corresponding article was published in Brain Communications. "This research creates a precise framework that other medical professionals can use to care for their patients. It has...

New Memory Loss Disorder that Mimics Alzheimer's Identified

NewsBreak

Umbilical Cord Blood Test Could Predict Autism Risk

Summary: A recent study suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Researchers found that higher levels...

Umbilical Cord Blood Test Could Predict Autism Risk

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