Articles related to AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD)

Researchers identified regulatory variants affecting the X-linked gene MECP2 that may contribute to autism risk in males, offering a potential genetic explanation for part of the long-observed male predominance in autism spectrum disorder. Mutations associated with approximately 30% reductions in MECP2 expression produced autism-related phenotypes without causing classic Rett syndrome.

In a longitudinal analysis of more than 167,000 children in Wales, maternal depression was associated with higher rates of special educational needs and neurodevelopmental disorders. Additional risk observed among antidepressant-exposed pregnancies remained difficult to separate from underlying depression severity.

Analysis of genetic testing data from nearly 180,000 individuals with autism suggests that Phelan-McDermid syndrome may affect approximately 1 in 7,300 people. The findings indicate the condition may be substantially more common than previously estimated and highlight ongoing diagnostic gaps.

Youth with ADHD and comorbid ASD showed distinct medication patterns and greater psychiatric burden in a large EHR cohort. The observational findings did not establish causal treatment effects.

Single-nucleus multi-omics sequencing across genetically diverse ASD mouse models revealed convergent molecular and cellular changes in early brain development, despite distinct underlying mutations.

Approach-withdrawal behavioral patterns — including dysregulated negative affect and resistance to routine change — showed moderate associations with co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms in a cohort of 280 children with autism.