The amygdala, a brain region that governs emotions, may contain an unusually high number of neurons in young children with autism. Each of these neurons may also have an excess of connections to other cells. As these children grow up, however, some amygdala neurons, and many of their connections, se…

The post Budget boom; CRISPR retraction; basketball benefit and more appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

Microscopic silicon wires could enable scientists to excite specific neurons with light without first inserting genes into the cells1. The wires could stimulate particular neuronal circuits, such as those linked to autism. Using an established technique called optogenetics, researchers can control n…

Each brother presents autism differently.Source: The Autism Site

The post Webinar: Feng Zhang discusses genome editing in autism research appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

Several types of genetic alterations that affect mitochondria increase the risk of autism, two new studies suggest. Mitochondria, the organelles that power cells, have a circular genome with 37 genes. People inherit their mitochondrial DNA from their mothers, so the DNA stays relatively consistent f…

Those interested should reach out as soon as possible. Optomen USA is their final stages of casting applicants. Documentary producers at Optomen USA are looking for people with neuro-divergent conditions such as Aspergers, autism, or Tourette Syndrome who would like their assistance finding employme…

This is a heartbreaking reality for some people on the spectrum.Source: The Autism Site

This month’s ASAT feature comes to us from David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Pamela Feliciano, PhD. To learn more about ASAT, please visit their website at www.asatonline.org. You can also sign up for ASAT’s free newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment, and like them on …

“Out of the struggle, you find that unique gift that comes from your disability.” That’s what Patrick Dempsey, the actor best known and adored for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, led with when he spoke at Gatepath’s annual “Power of Possibilities” event. He spoke candidly about gr…

The post Ask me first: What self-assessments can tell us about autism appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

Mice missing TAOK2, a gene in a segment of chromosome 16 linked to autism, have big brains, immature neuronal junctions and asocial behavior, a new study shows1. The findings suggest that TAOK2 is a key contributor to autism from among the genes in this region. People missing a copy of some or all o…

Finding biological markers for psychiatric conditions is the holy grail of mental health research. Clinicians currently rely on subjective measures to diagnose these conditions and track an individual’s response to treatment. Replacing these subjective measures with objective ones called ‘biomarkers…

"She spoke directly to my son. She treated him like a person with feelings and a voice and worth."Source: The Autism Site