Research by Topic: Neurodiversity

Genetic Discovery Links Autism and Schizophrenia

Published August 4, 2013 in Nature Neuroscience

Nelson 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 Psychiatry

Recent 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 Psychiatry

During 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 Neuroimage

A 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