By Jim McKinley Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are very prevalent in the United States. One in 68 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s autism prevalence report in 2016. The number was unchanged from the previous report in 2014. That…

The post Social genome; nonspeaking host; microbiome brain and more appeared first on Spectrum | Autism Research News. Source: Spectrum News

A new inventory of proteins reveals their abundance in seven brain regions from infancy through adulthood1. The resource could help scientists accurately determine how protein levels in the brain are altered in conditions such as autism. Scientists can estimate protein levels in tissue by sequencing…

Dining out can be a challenge, but these restaurants make it easier.Source: The Autism Site

It's pretty rare...but not terribly so in people with autism.Source: The Autism Site

A fusion of two existing drugs alleviates autism-like features in a mouse model of the condition, according to a new study1. The fusion drug, called NitroSynapsin, boosts social interest and alleviates some repetitive behaviors in mice missing one copy of the autism candidate gene MEF2C. The drug ap…

The Art of Autism is excited to be part of the “A” Train at the Skirball March 11. Many of our artists will have art tables at this event. Below is an article we published about this incredible one-woman play. The backdrop to the play was formed of art work of Art of Autism artists ̵…

Could these two very different conditions be somehow connected?Source: The Autism Site

This piece originally appeared on bsci21.org. “We recently hired a behavior analyst to work with our 4 year old son. She seems like a robot! Are all BCBAs so ‘professional’ and focused on data? Should I find someone else who can be more relaxed and friendly? Does this person exist? What’s the d…

“Garrett is such a unique little man who loves Batman things. I am most proud of Garrett for never giving up. No matter how hard things get for him, he continues to move forward. For a little guy with no friends he sure makes do. He teaches me new things ever day and I am so proud to call him …

The heritable factors that underlie autism significantly overlap with those that influence unusual sensory responses, a new study of more than 12,000 twin pairs suggests1. The findings reinforce the idea that sensory sensitivities are a core feature of autism. They also hint that a better understand…

Because listening to what autistic people have to say is so important.Source: The Autism Site

Many people aren't familiar with this type of therapy that can help those on the spectrum. Source: The Autism Site

Nicole Brettell, 21, is studying art and creative writing at her local community college. Brettell has autism. Although she is an extremely bright young woman and a talented artist, she has difficulties communicating with others and some rigid thinking patterns that can interfere with forming relati…