Autism

Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

What is Autism?

Autism is not a single disease entity. It is part of a range of developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and last through adulthood.

What is Autistic Burnout?

Autism Causes

Autism Mechanism

Autism Classification

Autism Screening

Autism Prognosis

Gut Bacteria and Autism Development

Detecting Autism Early

Autism Management

Autism History

Autism Related Conditions

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism

The Reward System and Autism

Autism and Junk DNA

Autism and Sleep Problems

Picky Eating and Autism: Tips & Advice

Travelling with a Child Who Has Autism

Moving House with Autism: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Allergies

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

Are Apraxia and Autism Related?

Evidence for Autism being a Genetic Condition

Autoantibodies and Autism

What is Sensory Overload?

Latest Autism News and Research

Single dose IV iron shows promise in treating anemia during pregnancy

Anemia during pregnancy is a common occurrence and often due to iron deficiency. It is a global public health problem, affecting an estimated 37 percent of pregnant individuals, according to the World Health Organization.

31 Jan 2025

New study challenges link between mother's health during pregnancy and autism risk

While many studies have reported a link between a mother's health condition during pregnancy and her child's risk of autism, a new study shows that nearly all of these "associations" can otherwise be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare.

31 Jan 2025

3D-printed brain-like model helps unlock neuron growth secrets

Key cells in the brain, neurons, form networks by exchanging signals, enabling the brain to learn and adapt at incredible speed.

31 Jan 2025

Mayo Clinic researchers create organoid models for uveal melanoma study

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed organoid models to study uveal melanoma, one of the most common types of eye cancer in adults.

29 Jan 2025

Oral fecal transplantation could help prevent graft-versus-host disease in stem cell transplant patients

A new study shows that oral fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a feasible and safe addition to preventing graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation for blood cancers.

28 Jan 2025

What RFK Jr. might face in his nomination hearings this week

President Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer with no formal medical or public health expertise, as secretary of Health and Human Sciences.

28 Jan 2025

University Hospitals introduces endoscopic spine surgery for back pain patients with herniated discs

University Hospitals is now offering endoscopic spine surgery for patients needing treatment for back pain due to herniated discs in their spine.

24 Jan 2025

New genomic insights could transform bipolar disorder treatment

Study published in Nature identifies nearly 300 genomic regions associated with bipolar disorder, and 36 key genes involved in the disease.

23 Jan 2025

Autistic transgender people report poorer healthcare experiences

Researchers at the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University found that these individuals also report experiencing lower quality healthcare than both autistic and non-autistic people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth (cisgender).

20 Jan 2025

High-fat diet linked to impulsive behaviors and brain changes

Researchers examines how a high-fat diet modifies inhibitory control.

14 Jan 2025

A new framework for assessing the impact of chemicals on child health

Nations must start testing and regulating chemicals and chemical products as closely as the current systems that safeguard prescription drugs or risk rising rates of chronic illnesses among children, according to a New England Journal of Medicine report by a group of experts writing as the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health.

9 Jan 2025

Exploring the link between housing and health in autistic populations

Affordable and stable housing is critical to improving health across a person's lifespan. People with disabilities, including autism, comprise a significant share of people in need of housing assistance. However, the intersection of housing and health among individuals with autism is largely unknown because data on public housing and public health are not connected.

9 Jan 2025

New brain stem cell discovery could usher in better treatments for glioblastoma

The discovery of a new type of stem cell in the brain could usher in better treatments for the deadliest brain tumor.

8 Jan 2025

Study reveals how neuropilin2 gene influences autism and epilepsy development

The gene neuropilin2 encodes a receptor involved in cell-cell interactions in the brain and plays a key role in regulating the development of neural circuits.

8 Jan 2025

Multilingualism boosts executive function and reduces core symptoms in children with autism

A study reveals that multilingual exposure boosts executive function and perspective-taking in children with autism, highlighting its potential benefits.

8 Jan 2025

Differences in brain cell synapses may explain vulnerability to autism and schizophrenia

Specific brain cells known as layer 5 pyramidal neurons play a vital role in how our brains process information.

7 Jan 2025

Study sheds light on early brain differences between genders

Sex differences in brain structure are present from birth, research from the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge has shown.

7 Jan 2025

Study reveals how smell and hearing interact in mouse brains

Imagine you're at a dinner party, but you can't smell the food cooking or hear the dinner bell. Sounds like a dream, right? What if it wasn't?

6 Jan 2025

Research reveals cognitive advantages of multilingualism for autistic children

A new study from UCLA Health adds to the growing body of evidence on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages, finding that multilingualism not only enhances general cognitive abilities but also may help reduce certain symptoms and bolster control of daily thoughts and actions in children with and without autism.

3 Jan 2025

Mapping cerebellar nuclei outputs in an autism mouse model

The cerebellum plays a critical role in both motor and non-motor functions, and its dysfunction is linked to various mental disorders, including autism.

27 Dec 2024