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Research by Topic: Neurodiversity
Genetic Discovery Links Autism and Schizophrenia
Published August 4, 2013 in Nature NeuroscienceNelson Freimer and colleagues at UCLA studied a population in an isolated area of Finland where Schizophrenia is more common than in the average Finnish population. In this small group, it was discovered that the presence of a deletion on part of chromosome 22 was much more prevalent than in the rest of the population. This deleted region normally contains an enzyme, TOP3B. This lack of TOP3B is also linked to disruptions that can lead to Fragile X Syndrome, showing there may be a biological link between Fragile X and Schizophrenia. An article about this study can be found here:http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23995-genetic-discovery-links-autism-and-schizophrenia.html#.UgJvzZJJNf2
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.3484.html
Filed under: Autism News, Autism Research, Autism Science, Cognition, featured, Fragile X, Neurodiversity
Maternal antibodies from mothers of children with autism alter brain growth and social behavior development in the rhesus monkey
Published July 9, 2013 in Translational PsychiatryRecent studies have produced findings that suggest that immunoglobulin G (IgG) class antibodies cross the placenta during pregnancy and affect brain development. Researchers believe that this may lead to one form of ASD. The activity of IgG antibodies was monitored in groups of female rhesus monkeys during their first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Results […]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=23838889
Filed under: Autism Research, Autism Science, Brain Development, Neurodiversity
Study Finds Hyperconnectivity in Certain Brain Regions in Individuals with Autism.
Published June 26, 2013 in JAMA PsychiatryDuring a brain study, researchers found that individuals with autism have specific areas of hyperconnectivity in the brain. This supports the theory that unique autistic behaviors stem from differences in brain wiring.
http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1699377
Filed under: Autism News, Autism Research, Autism Science, Cognition, featured, Hyperactivity, Neurodiversity
Brain Imaging Study Shows Decreased Production of Chemical Messenger GABA in Individuals with Autism
Published May 23, 2013 in NeuroimageA new brain imaging study shows that children with autism have low levels of GABA, a chemical that keeps brain signals in check. This is the third study in two years that supports the theory of decreased production of GABA.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23707581
Filed under: Autism News, Autism Research, Autism Science, Brain Development, featured, Neurodiversity
Young Adults With Autism Can Thrive In High-Tech Jobs
Published April 22, 2013 in NPRFiled under: Adults, Autism News, Education, featured, Neurodiversity, Technology, Young Adult
Is the Neurodiversity Movement Misrepresenting Autism
Published January 16, 2013 in SlateFiled under: featured, Neurodiversity