Three independent research teams recently reported that for the first time, specific gene mutations known as 'De novo mutations' are risk factors for autism.
Autism
Did you know that every 1 in 110 eight-year-olds in the U.S. are diagnosed as ‘on the spectrum’ of ASD?
New Foundation-supported research to improve the diagnosis of autism includes:
- Finding better ways to diagnose autism
- Understanding the various subtypes and complexities of autism
- Better understanding of how children with autism learn tasks and behave compared to “normal” children
Drs. Rapoport and King
March 19, 2012
In 2008, Scientific Council Members Mary-Claire King, Ph.D. from the University of Washington—widely known for her discovery of a mutation in a gene she named BRCA1 that led to powerful breast cancer diagnostics—and Judith Rapoport, M.D. of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) led research teams discovering rare genetic mutations found in high volumes in people with...
TAGS: 25 Years of Breakthroughs, Basic Research, Brain Matters, General Mental Illness, Discoveries, Schizophrenia, Autism
Dr. Schahram Akbarian
January 16, 2012
In people with autism spectrum disorders, nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex and other brain regions show subtle defects. Rare genetic mutations account for only about 10 percent of autism cases. The cause of the remaining 90 percent remains unknown. Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Scientific...
New York Times
December 29, 2011
On the front page of Monday’s NY Times, Amy Harmon introduces Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith, two young adults diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a brain and behavior disorder ‘on the spectrum’ of Autism Spectrum Disorders, who forge a relationship based on their common understanding and mutual idiosyncrasies.
TAGS: Brain Matters, Autism
James McPartland, Ph.D.
December 23, 2011
NARSAD Young Investigator Grantee James C. McPartland, Ph.D. and colleagues at Yale University have conducted recent studies on Autism and the ability to process facial expressions. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have problems in processing facial displays of emotion.
TAGS: Brain Matters, Children & Adolescents, Diagnostic Tools / Early Intervention, Discoveries, Autism
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Q: Where will the breakthroughs come in treating Autism?
A: “As we understand more about basically closing the loops … from genes to brain and behavior and then thinking about interventions … I think we’re on the threshold for the first time of really, in a...
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