Autism Reading Room

The big question: what causes autism? A study of more than 2 million births in five countries suggests that most cases of autism spectrum disorder are inherited through genes, and that events during pregnancy contribute to relatively few cases. Learn more:

Largest Study to Date Finds Autism Is Mostly Heritable - Autism Reading RoomAutism Reading Room Largest Study to Date Finds Autism Is Mostly Heritable - Autism Reading Room | Powered by MindSpec

Although the average age for a child to receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 4 years old, researchers have uncovered patterns in infants and toddlers who go on to be diagnosed. One potential indicator among the youngest children is differences in visual attention, or gaze. A new study uncovered differences in joint visual attention appearing as early as 10 months in children who were ultimately diag-nosed with ASD. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=eye-tracking-study-infants-finds-pattern-asd

Families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may notice that they often experience gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms. Now, a small study has identified a biomarker with the potential to predict how quickly a child with ASD will respond to GI medicines. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-quiz=molecular-biomarker-may-predict-gi-symptoms-asd

There is currently no standardized treatment for the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, several therapeutic strategies have been researched to treat the right the wide range of ASD's presentations. A recent study suggests the drug aripiprazole may be effective in treating some behavioral symptoms related to ASD. Learn more:

Abilify Effective Against Behavioral Symptoms of ASD - Autism Reading RoomAutism Reading Room Abilify Effective Against Behavioral Symptoms of ASD - Autism Reading Room | Powered by MindSpec

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is usually diagnosed in toddlers and young children. A new study looking at neuronal stem cells sheds light on the early development of people with ASD, with the hope of leading to earlier diagnosis. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=study-sheds-light-development-neurons-asd

While the main characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are differences in behavior and social communication, many families have also noticed differences in their loved ones’ motor skills. A new study suggests that these differences are patterned, and that computer technology can now precisely measure them. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=different-posture-control-early-feature-asd

Managing “problem behaviors” in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a challenge for parents. A recent study analyzed nine types of strategies parents of children with ASD have leveraged to address and pre-empt these behaviors. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=strategies-work-parents-children-asd

Autism is a spectrum, with some cases much more severe than others. However, better social skills aren’t necessarily indicative of milder autism. A new study suggests that young people with autism and good social skills could be compensating with other strengths. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=teens-asd-compensate-better-social-skills

There is no standardized therapy for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, many therapies exist and target various levels of ASD severity. A new study evaluated a play therapy called 3i for children with ASD. Learn about the results: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=small-study-shows-promising-results-3i-play-therapy

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, or M-CHAT, is a screening administered when children are 18 months old. A small percentage of children who pass the M-CHAT turn out to be “false negatives” and ultimately receive an autism diagnosis. What do these children have in common? Learn more:

Traits of Kids Diagnosed with ASD after Passing M-CHAT - Autism Reading RoomAutism Reading Room Traits of Kids Diagnosed with ASD after Passing M-CHAT - Autism Reading Room | Powered by MindSpec

Thousands of studies have been conducted on genetic and other individual factors underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But what about the quality of life for young adults with ASD, and the services available to them? A recent article lays out a research agenda targeting this group and emphasizes how people with ASD need to be a part of this important conversation. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=research-needed-resources-young-adults-asd

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is about four times as likely to occur in males than in females. Because of that trend, scientists have suspected an association between ASD and testosterone. A recent study linked ASD to polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS), in which women produce elevated levels of testosterone. Learn more:

Autism Rates Higher in Women with PCOS & their Children - Autism Reading RoomAutism Reading Room Autism Rates Higher in Women with PCOS & their Children - Autism Reading Room | Powered by MindSpec