Science News
Funding autism research is a primary goal of Autism Speaks. While ten years ago there were only a handful of scientists working on this problem, now there are well over 1000, and more begin work on autism every day.
To help you keep up on their efforts, we'll provide a regular digest of the latest scientific and medical research on autism. Because many are reprinted from scientific journals, they may contain technical language. Also note that due to copyright issues, abstracts may link you to sites where the full text of the article is available for a fee.
Remember to check back regularly to find updates on the latest autism research.
Symposium: Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Researchers, clinicians and pediatric specialists in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and nutrition convened this week at a symposium hosted by Autism Speaks, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Spearheaded by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network, the symposium was held to raise awareness and plan new research directions for GI disorders in autism.
Date: 11/19/09
IACC 2008 Summary of Advances Selects Autism Speaks' Funded Research
The 2008 IACC Summary of Advances has been released and highlights 37 significant studies on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including many funded by Autism Speaks. The document provides an overview of the major autism findings of 2008, and details scientifc breakthroughs in six topic areas critical to those affected by ASD.
Date: 11/19/09
Autism Speaks Launches Science Ambassador Program
Autism Speaks is pleased to announce the launch of the new Science Ambassador Program. Trained to function as community liaisons, Science Ambassadors are volunteers who help advance Autism Speaks' science mission through increased public awareness of our science programs.
Date: 11/13/09
IACC Votes to Include Research on Several Environmantal Exposures
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee unanimously approved a short-term research objective for studies to determine if there are sub-populations that are more susceptible to environmental exposures such as immune challenges related to naturally occurring infections, vaccines or underlying immune problems.
Date: 11/12/09
$1M Grant Provides Stimulus to Autism Speaks' Bioinformatic Infrastructure
Autism Speaks has received a $1 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds will help to build upon the bioinformatic infrastructure of Autism Speaks' clinical programs, and will enhance the dissemination of large-scale genetic and clinical datasets generated by the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and the Autism Tissue Program.
Date: 11/06/09
Autism a Focal Point of the 2009 Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting
This year's annual five-day Society for Neuroscience meeting brought together over 30,000 scientists and autism science featured prominently on the agenda. Multiple sessions were devoted solely to autism spectrum disorders, placing the challenges and unique features of autism in front of tens of thousands of the world's best thinkers.
Date: 11/06/09
Autism Speaks Hosts Dennis Weatherstone Memorial Fellowship Luncheon
On October 29 Autism Speaks hosted the first annual Dennis Weatherstone Memorial Fellowship Luncheon. The event introduced the first class of Weatherstone Fellows: eight young scientists selected through a highly competitive process to receive two-year research grants to complete projects under the supervision of leading scientists in the field of autism research.
Date: 10/30/09
Autism Speaks-Funded University Course on Technology Encourages Careers in Autism
Autism Speaks' Innovative Technology for Autism (ITA) initiative sponsors university courses to introduce young designers to the complexities of autism, and now announces the 2010 installment at the University of Southern California. Six years of these popular courses have yielded exciting designs in the form of organizational devices, virtual reality-based learning games and data capture devices for therapists and teachers, and have ushered many students into the burgeoning field of Autism Technologies.
Date: 10/30/09
Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Highlighted in National Symposium
On November 15, 2009, Autism Speaks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) will host one of the largest gatherings of researchers, clinicians and pediatric specialists to better understand the gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Date: 10/29/09
Workshop Discusses Ethics of Risk Factor Dissemination
Scientists, clinicians, media representatives and parents of individuals with autism gathered at Drexel University in Philadelphia for an Autism Speaks-sponsored workshop, Ethics of Communicating Scientific Findings of Autism Risk. Attendees heard from leaders in environmental health, ethics, genetics, genetic counseling, epidemiology, and experts in risk communication, and engaged in smaller group discussions to make recommendations for best practices.
Date: 10/23/09
Researchers Focus on Non-Verbal Autism at High Risk High Impact Meeting
Autism Speaks High Risk High Impact Initiative recently convened a meeting focused specifically on non-verbal individuals with autism. The goal is to provide new insights into the capabilities and potential treatment approaches for those who are unable to communicate through speech.
Date: 10/09/09
IACC Subcommittee Meeting Focuses on Updating the Strategic Plan
The Subcommittee for Planning the Annual Strategic Plan Updating Process, a subcommittee of the IACC, met recently to discuss new research gaps, opportunities to advance research and prioritizing goals. Included in the discussions were individuals with ASD, family members, clinicians, researchers, and others.
Date: 10/09/09
Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and Autism Tissue Program in Collaboration with the Autism Genome Project Continue to Support Important Genetic Research and Findings
"A Genome-wide Linkage and Association Scan Reveals Novel Loci for Autism" published in Nature Using AGRE Data and ATP Tissue Extends Prior Research Findings.
Date: 10/07/09
Autism Speaks Awards Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellowships
Autism Speaks has announced the first class of Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellows. Made possible by a multi-year grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and named in honor of its former Chairman of the Board, Sir Dennis Weatherstone, eight fellowship projects were selected for funding by Autism Speaks with awards totaling $448,000 over the next two years. The fellowship awards will provide highly qualified candidates with exceptional research training opportunities in all areas related to the study of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Date: 10/02/09
Global Autism Public Health Initiative Takes Center Stage at World Focus on Autism Event
An expert panel of autism service, research, and public health professionals convened at Autism Speaks' recent World Focus on Autism event to spotlight the activities of the Global Autism Public Health Initiative (GAPH) and the impact these activities have had on the current state and future direction of autism public health. The discussion demonstrated how science can provide the basis for addressing autism around the world, but only when properly in tune with the awareness and service needs of local communities.
Date: 09/25/09
Autism Speaks' Grantees Receive $30M to Pursue Novel Molecular-based Therapeutics for Fragile X and Autism
Seaside Therapeutics has announced that private venture investors have committed millions more dollars to further the development of novel therapeutics for Fragile X and related disorders, including autism. Approximately one third of individuals with Fragile X also have an autism diagnosis.
Date: 09/21/09
HRHI Investigators Recruiting for Brain Connectivity Study
A new study funded by the Autism Speaks' High Risk, High Impact (HRHI) initiative invites preschool children to participate in experiments that combine functional imaging and EEG techniques to examine active connections in the sleeping brain.
Date: 09/18/09
AIR-P Grant to Fund New Projects on Autism Treatment Research
In May, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) announced the first Request for Applications (RFA) for its Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) initiative. Under this initiative, funding was approved for four exciting research proposals addressing autism-related medical issues such as sleep disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, metabolism, and bone mineral density.
Date: 09/11/09
Study Finds Prenatal Ultrasound Is Not Associated With Higher Risk For Autism
A recent study funded in part by Autism Speaks and just published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders examined whether there is a relationship between autism and exposure to prenatal ultrasound scans. The investigators found no differences in the number of ultrasounds received by the mothers who had children diagnosed with autism and those whose children did not receive a diagnosis.
Date: 09/10/09
Study Provides Insights into Autism and Epilepsy
A team of researchers from Harvard University have uncovered the function of a gene that plays a key role in human epilepsy disorder and offers clues into epilepsy in autism. In studies funded in part by Autism Speaks, the researchers found that the LGl1 gene functions to control the remodeling of nerve cell synapses that occurs during the critical period of brain growth following birth.
Date: 09/04/09
Baby Siblings Research Consortium Releases 2008 Report
Autism Speaks' Baby Siblings Research Consortium focuses its efforts on discovering the earliest signs and symptoms of autism. The group, made up of 23 researchers around the world, has now released its 2008 report, which includes information on its recent publications as well as updates on its many ongoing projects.
Date: 09/04/09
Article Summarizing Autism Speaks Sponsored Symposia on Gene and Environment Interaction Published
In October 2008 Autism Speaks sponsored a research symposium discussing how model systems may be used to study environmental toxicants. The proceedings of that meeting, authored by the speakers of the symposium, have just been released as a publication in the journal Neurotoxicology.
Date: 08/27/09
Autism Tissue Program Partners with Donor Services of Indiana to Increase Pace of Autism Research
Autism Speaks announces the addition of the Donor Services of Indiana (DSI) as a new collaborator with the Autism Tissue Program (ATP). Brain tissue provides a critical resource for researchers to pursue scientific investigation into the biological causes of autism. DSI's expertise in the fields of tissue banking and public education of the significance of tissue donation makes them a strong advocate and partner of ATP's efforts in autism research.
Date: 08/21/09
Autism Speaks Announces Launch of New Website for the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P)
Autism Speaks announces the creation of a new website for the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P). The site, which can be accessed at www.autismspeaks.org/airp, features information on the wide range of activities conducted by the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), including the development of clinical practice guidelines for insomnia and gastrointestinal issues.
Date: 08/07/2009
An Interview with Dr. Geri Dawson, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks, about the Organization's Research Funding and Position on Vaccines and Autism
A recent interview with Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer, Geri Dawson, Ph.D., discusses the possible correlation between vaccines and autism. Dr. Dawson addresses Autism Speaks' stance on the issue and explains how the organization funds research.
Date: 07/30/2009
Autism Speaks Supports Seminar on Gene-Environment Interactions and their Influence on Child Health
Made possible by an environmental sciences grant, Autism Speaks recently held the "Autism: Genes and the Enviroment" symposium at the 49th Annual Society of Teratology meeting. The theme of this year's meeting was "genetic and environmental interactions on maternal and child health." Although scientists in this area have long appreciated that certain compounds administered prior to or during pregnancy can have long-term detrimental consequences, this was the first time autism was highlighted at this very influential meeting.
Date: 07/23/09
Autism Speaks and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Collaborate to Share Ideas
What might autism spectrum disorders, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes all have in common? According to scientists at the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation's Annual Mitochondrial Medicine Symposium, dysfunctional mitochondria may lie at the core of at least some forms of these and other chronic disorders.
Date: 07/09/09
New Study Pinpoints Difference in the Way Children With Autism Learn New Behaviors
Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have collaborated to uncover important new insights into the neurological basis of autism. Their new study, funded in part by Autism Speaks, and published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, examines patterns of movement as children with autism and typically developing children learned to control a novel tool. The findings suggest that children with autism appear to learn new actions differently than do typically developing children. As compared to their typically developing peers, children with autism relied much more on their own internal sense of body position (proprioception), rather than visual information coming from the external world to learn new patterns of movement. Furthermore, researchers found that the greater the reliance on proprioception, the greater the child's impairment in social skills, motor skills and imitation.
Date: 07/08/09
Autism Speaks Recommendation Makes the List of National Priorities for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is a way to identify what works for which patients under what circumstances. Congress, in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, appropriated $1.1 billion to jump-start the nation's efforts to accelerate CER. ARRA tasked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to recommend national priorities for research questions to be addressed by CER and supported by ARRA funds. Autism Speaks made its recommendations regarding studies on comparative effectiveness of autism treatments to the Agency for Quality Health Research. One of these recommendations has been included in the top 100 priorities for CER funding.
Date: 07/06/09
New Study Uses AGRE Data to Identify Genetic Mutations Linked to Autism Risk
Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) continues to play an integral role in elucidating new findings in the complex autism inheritance puzzle. Utilizing genetic samples from the AGRE cohort, a research team identified 27 genetic regions where rare gene variations – missing or extra copies of certain genes – were found in children with autism. These multiple genetic duplications and deletions are thought to interfere with gene function, which can disrupt the production of proteins necessary for normal neurological development. The study is published in the June 26 edition of the journal PLoS Genetics.
Date: 06/26/09
AIR-P Steering Committee Convenes to Develop Next Steps for Autism Treatment and Research
In May, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) held the first in-person meeting of the AIR-P Steering Committee, whose role is to guide and oversee the research and guideline development activities specific to the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), an initiative of the Combating Autism Act. Built on the ongoing structure of the ATN, the AIR-P's focus is on research and the development of clinical guidelines for screening and treating physical health concerns common to children with autism.
Date: 06/26/09
iCARE Studies Prevalence and Risk Factors of Autism Around the World
In early 2009, Autism Speaks awarded more than $1 million over three years to the International Collaboration for Autism Registry Epidemiology (iCARE). This one-of-a-kind research endeavor will study the prevalence and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) around the world. Unique in its approach to autism research is its use of pooled data from the national health registries of six international sites including Australia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Israel.
Date: 06/10/09
NIH Autism Center of Excellence Network Announces Launch of Most Comprehensive Study of Earliest Possible Causes of Autism
A network of leading autism researchers from three regions across the country today launched one of the largest research studies of its kind to investigate early risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The network, called the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI), will follow a cohort of up to 1,200 pregnant women who already have a child with autism. The study is considered one of the best-equipped to discover biological markers and environmental risk factors for autism due to its elevated autism risk pregnancy cohort, wide ranging data collection with extensive bio-sampling, length of time it follows pregnant women and their babies, and multi-disciplinary team of expert investigators.
Date: 06/09/09
Autism Speaks Sponsored Meeting Focuses on Brain Connectivity
Research over the past five years has shown that one of the systems impacted in autism appears to be brain connectivity. The need now is to understand exactly what mechanisms govern brain connectivity, and how those mechanisms may become damaged in autism. Therefore, Autism Speaks joined several other organizations in sponsoring the "Wiring the Brain" meeting, which took place April 21-24, in Adare Manor, Co. Limerick, and which brought together world-class researchers in developmental neurobiology, psychiatry, neurology, human genetics, systems and cognitive neuroscience. The aim was to foster communication between these often separate disciplines. Discussions centered on the topics of understanding the mechanisms that underlie brain wiring, how variation of genes critical for neural development affects neuronal connectivity and behavior, and how such variation can contribute to disease.
Date: 06/03/09
Now Available to Families: Baby Siblings Research Consortium Guide on Clinical Assessment of Infants
In May, the journal Pediatrics published an article authored by members of Autism Speaks' High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium (BSRC) to expand on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations on evaluation by primary care providers of 18 and 24 month olds with suspected autism spectrum disorder, and is part of an ongoing effort of the BSRC to share research findings with the clinical community. The paper outlines several early signs of autism that physicians and other health care providers should be aware of, and also identifies potential screening tools that may be used to detect early behavioral indicators. In addition to helping pediatricians understand the needs of children with early warning signs, the paper was meant to help support parents with questions about the development of their own child. Autism Speaks has received special permission to provide families with the complete text of the article.
Date: 05/29/09
Groundbreaking Study Seeks 3,000 Participants from Across the U.S.
Researchers from UCLA, Washington University, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute are calling on all families touched by autism to participate in a vital and innovative study in the hope of having as many new families as possible join the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) – a web-based autism research effort that has already collected data from thousands of families – to prove that online family-researcher collaboration can increase the pace of autism research. The study is funded by a special Autism Speaks grant as part of its High Risk-High Impact initiative. Families who share information on their child's diagnosis, development, and treatments online will now have the opportunity to provide biological samples as well – a step crucial to advancing autism research.
Date: 05/29/09
TIME Reports on New Genetic Findings: Risk Gene More Common in Boys than in Girls
TIME magazine published an article, "A Genetic Clue to Why Autism Affects Boys More," which highlights a study recently completed by researchers at UCLA. In the study, published online by the journal Molecular Psychiatry, scientists identified an autism-risk gene, CACNA1G, which is more common in boys than in girls.
Date: 05/20/09
Progress in All Areas of Autism Research on Display at IMFAR
The eighth annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) recently concluded in Chicago, after three days of more than 900 presentations. More than 1,500 researchers from all over the world attended the meeting. From demonstrations of innovative technologies to a keynote address about crucial neural pathways that may be disrupted, and potentially fixed, in autism, this meeting gave scientists from all areas of autism research a chance to discuss their findings. The presentations this year were not only directed at understanding and remediating the core deficits of autism, but also at finding ways to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families.
Date: 05/15/09
Autism Tissue Program Reports from IMFAR
A growing number of researchers contributed to sessions devoted to the study of the brain at this year's International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). Autism Speaks Autism Tissue Program (ATP) makes post-mortem brain tissue available to as many qualified scientists as possible to advance autism research. Using brain tissue, scientists can go far beyond the constraints of other technologies and study autism on both a cellular and molecular level. This year, conference themes of neurodevelopment, genetics and environment were reiterated in the sessions on brain tissue research.
Date: 05/15/09
Autism Researchers Gather in Chicago for 8th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)
The 8th IMFAR will host more than 1400 researchers, delegates, autism specialists and students from 30 countries, in the world's largest gathering of researchers and clinicians devoted to a better understanding of autism. The meeting will be held in Chicago from May 7-9, 2009. Keynote presentations include “Fulfilling the Promise of Molecular Medicine in Autism,” “What Would “Better” Diagnoses of ASDs Look Like?” and “Copy Number Variations (CNVs) In Autism: What Do They Mean?" Presentations in oral and poster sessions will focus on the latest research and findings on genetics, animal models, neuropathy, neuroimaging, epidemiology, social and emotional issues, longitudinal studies and early intervention and other treatments.
Date: 05/07/09
Autism Speaks Releases First Strategic Plan for Autism Research
Autism Speaks released its strategic plan for autism research, which outlines its goals and priorities for research funding over the next three years. The Autism Speaks Strategic Plan, developed in consultation with its Scientific Advisory Committee and outside advisors, is focused on innovation and an emphasis on translating discoveries into diagnosis and treatments for individuals living with autism today. Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., chief science officer of Autism Speaks, introduced the Strategic Plan today at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR).
Date: 05/07/09
Autism Genes Discovered; Help Shape Connections Among Brain Cells
A research team has connected more of the intricate pieces of the autism puzzle, with two studies that identify genes with important contributions to the disorder. One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases, while another study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two crucial gene pathways. Significantly, both studies detected genes implicated in the development of brain circuitry in early childhood.
Date: 04/28/09
Autism Speaks Environmental Innovator Award Recipient Publishes New Data
In a series of manuscripts currently being published, Isaac Pessah, Ph.D. from UC Davis and recipient of the Autism Speaks Environmental Innovator award in 2006, reports the potential effects of low dose polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on brain development. Using an animal model, Dr. Pessah focused his research on the impact of PCBs on a protein known as the ryanodine receptor.
Date: 04/27/09
Autism Speaks Announces Collaboration with the National Children's Study
Autism Speaks announces it will be advancing the study of genetic and environmental contributions to the risk of autism by collaborating with the National Children's Study (NCS), one of the richest research resources to ever study children's health. It aims to recruit 100,000 pregnant women from across the U.S. to follow those children through adulthood.
Date: 04/16/09
Collaborative Symposia to Explore the Relationship Between Autism and Mitochondrial Diseases
Autism Speaks and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) have partnered to host a special science symposia at the annual UMDF meeting in June. This Autism Speaks sponsored session is part of our ongoing effort to collaborate with the UMDF to encourage dialogue between autism and mitochondrial disease researchers. The cost of attending the session is $50 for non-UMDF members, and attendees will be able to view research in this area and attend other science sessions throughout the day.
Date: 04/03/09
New Study Focuses on Toddler Response to Biological Motion
In its March 29 issue, Nature reports on an NIH-funded study out of the Yale Child Study Center that focuses on toddler response to biological motion. Researchers found that young toddlers with autism are not sensitive to biological motion, or all movements made by people including facial expressions, speech and gestures. The study, funded in part by Autism Speaks, helps explain why young toddlers with autism often do not make eye contact or pay attention to what others are doing. Instead, toddlers with autism are drawn to movements that are highly synchronized, which is not characteristic of most human movements.
Date: 03/30/09
Autism Speaks Publishes Family Connections Newsletter for Spring 2009
Autism Speaks Clinical Programs Department is pleased to announce the release of its annual newsletter, Family Connections. A major highlight for the year was the launch of the Online System for Clinical Research (OSCR) – a web-based data entry system built on the same technology used for the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). OSCR was developed as a tool to facilitate family participation and accelerate the pace of autism research.
Date: 03/19/09
Autism Speaks Announces New Appointments to Scientific and Treatment Advisory Boards
Autism Speaks aims to support only the most exceptional research and, to assist in this mission, calls upon top scientists and clinicians in the world to review research proposals. Under the direction of Chief Science Officer, Geri Dawson, Ph.D., Autism Speaks announces the appointment of new members to its Scientific and Treatment Advisory Boards. These groups are selected to generate a mix of those experienced in autism together with researchers from areas outside autism to increase the stimulation of new ideas and approaches. What they have in common is a strong commitment to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Date: 03/19/09
Survey Results Demonstrate Physicians' Perspectives on Primary Care for Children with Autism
The results of a survey study released in the March issue of Pediatrics revealed that primary care physicians believe there is a great need to improve primary care for children with autism and to provide more education for physicians in how to provide that care. The study, supported in part by Autism Speaks, surveyed 3100 pediatricians and family physicians about their perspectives on caring for children with autism.
Date: 03/09/09
Experts in Early Diagnosis and Treatment Share Ideas, Thoughts and Progress
Scientists that focus on understanding the risk factors and earliest signs of autism met on January 28-29 to share new ideas at the annual meeting of Autism Speaks' sponsored High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium. The symposium focused on two topics of interest: regression and the broader autism phenotype. Investigators shared findings in these areas which have emerged from ongoing studies that track the development of high risk infant siblings throughout early life and are helping to shed light on the early course of autism spectrum disorders.
Date: 03/06/09
Autism Speaks Announces $5 Million to Fund Studies on Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Autism
Autism Speaks has announced its commitment of $5 million to investigate genetic and environmental risk factors for autism. The project will expand and link two large-scale, multi-site studies – the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) and Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) and will facilitate the collaborative prospective study of more than 2000 infant siblings of children with autism. This support will allow these two projects to expand data collection in each project during critical periods of development, including genetic, neurobiological, diagnostic and environmental information on families recruited.
Date: 03/05/09
Researchers Identify Gene Variant Associated with Both Autism and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Several studies have reported that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often have gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance. In the March issue of Pediatrics, researchers from Vanderbilt University, MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) and the University of Southern California were the first to report that a gene involved in the development of parts of the brain responsible for social behavior and communication, also is involved in the development and repair of the GI system.
Date: 03/02/09
NICHD Director Dr. Alexander Discusses the Need for More Research on Environmental Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders
At a recent NIH Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting, the member of the committee representing the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) was the only federal member to abstain from voting to reverse a previously voted-on decision to approve objectives relating to vaccine safety research as part of its deliberations for the Strategic Plan for Autism Research. Autism Speaks' Chief Science Officer, Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., spoke with Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the NICHD to seek clarification on their position regarding the research on the role of environmental factors in autism.
Date: 02/25/09
Sports, Exercise and Physical Activity Show Benefits for Individuals with Autism
New research and anecdotal evidence suggest that some alternative therapeutic choices that include sports, exercise and other physical activities can be useful adjuncts to traditional behavioral interventions, leading to improvement in symptoms, behaviors and quality of life for individuals with autism. Reviewing some of the current literature, Autism Speaks' Chief Science Officer, Geri Dawson, Ph.D., and Assistant Director of Research and Public Health, Michael Rosanoff, MPH, demonstrate that physical activity may be an effective supplement to, and potentially enhance the benefits of proven behavioral interventions.
Date: 02/20/09
Autism Speaks Announces Results Reported for the Study of Fluoxetine in Autism (SOFIA)
Autism Speaks today announced initial results reported for the first industry-sponsored trial of the Autism Clinical Trials Network (ACTN), the Study of Fluoxetine in Autism (SOFIA). These results showed that fluoxetine was not effective for reducing repetitive behaviors in children and adolescents with Autistic Disorder as compared to placebo.
Date: 02/18/09
Autism Consortium Sponsors Two Studies Published in February's Proceedings of the National Acadamies of Sciences Journal
In the first study, "Partial Reversal of Rett Syndrome-like Symptoms in MeCP2 Mutant Mice," researchers demonstrated that daily injections of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in a mouse model of Rett-syndrome resulted in significant reduction of associated movement and respiratory symptoms. In the second study, titled "Haploinsufficiency for PTEN and Serotonin Transporter Cooperatively Influences Brain Size and Social Behavior," researchers demonstrate that multiple, interacting genetic risk factors may influence the severity of autistic symptoms.
Date: 02/10/09
2008 "Top Ten" List of Events in Autism Research Released
To document the progress made toward our mission to discover the causes and treatment for autism spectrum disorders, Autism Speaks' Science Program has compiled a list of the most important research events to have impacted autism in 2008. This year's list contains several surprising results from metabolism, immunology, brain development and treatment research, together with advances in translational research, clinical trials and DNA technology that have all combined to shape the direction of autism research for 2009 and beyond.
Date: 02/06/09
IACC Discusses Vaccine Safety
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) met this week to discuss the NIH strategic plan for autism research and, more specifically, the removal of two objectives on vaccine safety research that were withdrawn from the plan at the last meeting. Because of the manner in which the objectives were withdrawn, Autism Speaks had previously voiced its disappointment and withdrew its support from the strategic plan. The IACC heard presentations from Mark Noble, Ph.D., a scientist from the University of Rochester Medical Center, who provided an analysis of published studies on thimerosal and Bruce Gellin, M.D., M.P.H., director of the federal government's National Vaccine Program Office.
Date: 02/06/09
IAN Launches Vaccine Survey
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has launched a Vaccine Questionnaire. The online survey gives families participating in the IAN Research project an opportunity to share their beliefs and practices with regard to vaccinations. This information will provide researchers with an opportunity to study both what families believe and what decisions they are making based on those beliefs. Based on what is learned from families' responses, researchers will be able to plan and conduct additional vaccine-focused studies.
Date: 02/06/09
Autism Speaks Awards $2.2 million to Continue Support of IAN
In Dec. 2008, Autism Speaks board of directors approved $2.2 million to support the Interactive Autism Network's (IAN) continuing development. Since its inception, IAN has registered over 27,000 families, including over 10,000 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Over the next two years, IAN proposes to increase the number of its registrants, expand research-related services, enhance scientific interactions and collaboration and expand its revenue base.
Date: 01/22/09
Autism Treatment Network Announces 2008 Achievements
The culmination of the first 12 months of work by ATN clinicians was unveiled at the Annual Autism Treatment Network (ATN) Program Meeting, held this past December in Santa Monica, Calif. The primary aim of the meeting was to elicit comment on the draft procedures, tools and related documentation developed over the preceding year to support the establishment of consensus guidelines for the screening and treatment of autism and commonly associated conditions, including sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal complaints.
Date: 01/22/09
Autism Speaks Establishes the Dennis Weatherstone Fellowship Program
Autism Speaks received a grant of $3.75 million from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to establish the Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program at Autism Speaks, which will attract young, talented scientists into the field of autism research. Beginning in 2009, the program will fund up to eight fellows annually on a competitive basis.
Date: 01/08/09
Top Scientific Achievements in Autism in 2008
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D. offers one scientist's perspective on the scientific achievements in autism last year and a brief look forward to the year ahead. 2008 saw scientific progress in all areas of research including environmental, genetic, early detection, behavioral intervention, and more.
Date: 01/08/09
Autism Speaks Announces High Risk, High Impact Initiative with Funding for Five New Projects
Autism Speaks announces a novel research vehicle – the new High Risk-High Impact (HR-HI) initiative – conceived to support cutting-edge research in areas that are under-investigated or which could benefit substantially by bringing in outside experts. Two million dollars has been awarded for five ambitious proposals.
Date: 01/08/09
Autism Speaks Announces New Epidemiology Funding
In 2008, Autism Speaks launched specially-designed funding mechanisms to bring a focus on international autism epidemiology research, and now announces its commitment of $1.5 million to five new studies focused on global autism prevalence and risk factors.
Date: 01/08/09
Language Benchmarks in Children with ASD
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, or NIDCD, assembled a group of researchers with interests and experience in the study of language development and disorders in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The group worked for 18 months through a series of conference calls and correspondence, culminating in a December 2007 meeting, sponsored by Autism Speaks.
Date: 01/05/09
To help you keep up on their efforts, we'll provide a regular digest of the latest scientific and medical research on autism. Because many are reprinted from scientific journals, they may contain technical language. Also note that due to copyright issues, abstracts may link you to sites where the full text of the article is available for a fee.
Remember to check back regularly to find updates on the latest autism research.
Symposium: Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Researchers, clinicians and pediatric specialists in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and nutrition convened this week at a symposium hosted by Autism Speaks, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Spearheaded by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network, the symposium was held to raise awareness and plan new research directions for GI disorders in autism.
Date: 11/19/09
IACC 2008 Summary of Advances Selects Autism Speaks' Funded Research
The 2008 IACC Summary of Advances has been released and highlights 37 significant studies on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including many funded by Autism Speaks. The document provides an overview of the major autism findings of 2008, and details scientifc breakthroughs in six topic areas critical to those affected by ASD.
Date: 11/19/09
Autism Speaks Launches Science Ambassador Program
Autism Speaks is pleased to announce the launch of the new Science Ambassador Program. Trained to function as community liaisons, Science Ambassadors are volunteers who help advance Autism Speaks' science mission through increased public awareness of our science programs.
Date: 11/13/09
IACC Votes to Include Research on Several Environmantal Exposures
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee unanimously approved a short-term research objective for studies to determine if there are sub-populations that are more susceptible to environmental exposures such as immune challenges related to naturally occurring infections, vaccines or underlying immune problems.
Date: 11/12/09
$1M Grant Provides Stimulus to Autism Speaks' Bioinformatic Infrastructure
Autism Speaks has received a $1 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds will help to build upon the bioinformatic infrastructure of Autism Speaks' clinical programs, and will enhance the dissemination of large-scale genetic and clinical datasets generated by the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and the Autism Tissue Program.
Date: 11/06/09
Autism a Focal Point of the 2009 Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting
This year's annual five-day Society for Neuroscience meeting brought together over 30,000 scientists and autism science featured prominently on the agenda. Multiple sessions were devoted solely to autism spectrum disorders, placing the challenges and unique features of autism in front of tens of thousands of the world's best thinkers.
Date: 11/06/09
Autism Speaks Hosts Dennis Weatherstone Memorial Fellowship Luncheon
On October 29 Autism Speaks hosted the first annual Dennis Weatherstone Memorial Fellowship Luncheon. The event introduced the first class of Weatherstone Fellows: eight young scientists selected through a highly competitive process to receive two-year research grants to complete projects under the supervision of leading scientists in the field of autism research.
Date: 10/30/09
Autism Speaks-Funded University Course on Technology Encourages Careers in Autism
Autism Speaks' Innovative Technology for Autism (ITA) initiative sponsors university courses to introduce young designers to the complexities of autism, and now announces the 2010 installment at the University of Southern California. Six years of these popular courses have yielded exciting designs in the form of organizational devices, virtual reality-based learning games and data capture devices for therapists and teachers, and have ushered many students into the burgeoning field of Autism Technologies.
Date: 10/30/09
Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Highlighted in National Symposium
On November 15, 2009, Autism Speaks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) will host one of the largest gatherings of researchers, clinicians and pediatric specialists to better understand the gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Date: 10/29/09
Workshop Discusses Ethics of Risk Factor Dissemination
Scientists, clinicians, media representatives and parents of individuals with autism gathered at Drexel University in Philadelphia for an Autism Speaks-sponsored workshop, Ethics of Communicating Scientific Findings of Autism Risk. Attendees heard from leaders in environmental health, ethics, genetics, genetic counseling, epidemiology, and experts in risk communication, and engaged in smaller group discussions to make recommendations for best practices.
Date: 10/23/09
Researchers Focus on Non-Verbal Autism at High Risk High Impact Meeting
Autism Speaks High Risk High Impact Initiative recently convened a meeting focused specifically on non-verbal individuals with autism. The goal is to provide new insights into the capabilities and potential treatment approaches for those who are unable to communicate through speech.
Date: 10/09/09
IACC Subcommittee Meeting Focuses on Updating the Strategic Plan
The Subcommittee for Planning the Annual Strategic Plan Updating Process, a subcommittee of the IACC, met recently to discuss new research gaps, opportunities to advance research and prioritizing goals. Included in the discussions were individuals with ASD, family members, clinicians, researchers, and others.
Date: 10/09/09
Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and Autism Tissue Program in Collaboration with the Autism Genome Project Continue to Support Important Genetic Research and Findings
"A Genome-wide Linkage and Association Scan Reveals Novel Loci for Autism" published in Nature Using AGRE Data and ATP Tissue Extends Prior Research Findings.
Date: 10/07/09
Autism Speaks Awards Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellowships
Autism Speaks has announced the first class of Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellows. Made possible by a multi-year grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and named in honor of its former Chairman of the Board, Sir Dennis Weatherstone, eight fellowship projects were selected for funding by Autism Speaks with awards totaling $448,000 over the next two years. The fellowship awards will provide highly qualified candidates with exceptional research training opportunities in all areas related to the study of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Date: 10/02/09
Global Autism Public Health Initiative Takes Center Stage at World Focus on Autism Event
An expert panel of autism service, research, and public health professionals convened at Autism Speaks' recent World Focus on Autism event to spotlight the activities of the Global Autism Public Health Initiative (GAPH) and the impact these activities have had on the current state and future direction of autism public health. The discussion demonstrated how science can provide the basis for addressing autism around the world, but only when properly in tune with the awareness and service needs of local communities.
Date: 09/25/09
Autism Speaks' Grantees Receive $30M to Pursue Novel Molecular-based Therapeutics for Fragile X and Autism
Seaside Therapeutics has announced that private venture investors have committed millions more dollars to further the development of novel therapeutics for Fragile X and related disorders, including autism. Approximately one third of individuals with Fragile X also have an autism diagnosis.
Date: 09/21/09
HRHI Investigators Recruiting for Brain Connectivity Study
A new study funded by the Autism Speaks' High Risk, High Impact (HRHI) initiative invites preschool children to participate in experiments that combine functional imaging and EEG techniques to examine active connections in the sleeping brain.
Date: 09/18/09
AIR-P Grant to Fund New Projects on Autism Treatment Research
In May, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) announced the first Request for Applications (RFA) for its Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) initiative. Under this initiative, funding was approved for four exciting research proposals addressing autism-related medical issues such as sleep disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, metabolism, and bone mineral density.
Date: 09/11/09
Study Finds Prenatal Ultrasound Is Not Associated With Higher Risk For Autism
A recent study funded in part by Autism Speaks and just published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders examined whether there is a relationship between autism and exposure to prenatal ultrasound scans. The investigators found no differences in the number of ultrasounds received by the mothers who had children diagnosed with autism and those whose children did not receive a diagnosis.
Date: 09/10/09
Study Provides Insights into Autism and Epilepsy
A team of researchers from Harvard University have uncovered the function of a gene that plays a key role in human epilepsy disorder and offers clues into epilepsy in autism. In studies funded in part by Autism Speaks, the researchers found that the LGl1 gene functions to control the remodeling of nerve cell synapses that occurs during the critical period of brain growth following birth.
Date: 09/04/09
Baby Siblings Research Consortium Releases 2008 Report
Autism Speaks' Baby Siblings Research Consortium focuses its efforts on discovering the earliest signs and symptoms of autism. The group, made up of 23 researchers around the world, has now released its 2008 report, which includes information on its recent publications as well as updates on its many ongoing projects.
Date: 09/04/09
Article Summarizing Autism Speaks Sponsored Symposia on Gene and Environment Interaction Published
In October 2008 Autism Speaks sponsored a research symposium discussing how model systems may be used to study environmental toxicants. The proceedings of that meeting, authored by the speakers of the symposium, have just been released as a publication in the journal Neurotoxicology.
Date: 08/27/09
Autism Tissue Program Partners with Donor Services of Indiana to Increase Pace of Autism Research
Autism Speaks announces the addition of the Donor Services of Indiana (DSI) as a new collaborator with the Autism Tissue Program (ATP). Brain tissue provides a critical resource for researchers to pursue scientific investigation into the biological causes of autism. DSI's expertise in the fields of tissue banking and public education of the significance of tissue donation makes them a strong advocate and partner of ATP's efforts in autism research.
Date: 08/21/09
Autism Speaks Announces Launch of New Website for the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P)
Autism Speaks announces the creation of a new website for the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P). The site, which can be accessed at www.autismspeaks.org/airp, features information on the wide range of activities conducted by the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), including the development of clinical practice guidelines for insomnia and gastrointestinal issues.
Date: 08/07/2009
An Interview with Dr. Geri Dawson, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks, about the Organization's Research Funding and Position on Vaccines and Autism
A recent interview with Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer, Geri Dawson, Ph.D., discusses the possible correlation between vaccines and autism. Dr. Dawson addresses Autism Speaks' stance on the issue and explains how the organization funds research.
Date: 07/30/2009
Autism Speaks Supports Seminar on Gene-Environment Interactions and their Influence on Child Health
Made possible by an environmental sciences grant, Autism Speaks recently held the "Autism: Genes and the Enviroment" symposium at the 49th Annual Society of Teratology meeting. The theme of this year's meeting was "genetic and environmental interactions on maternal and child health." Although scientists in this area have long appreciated that certain compounds administered prior to or during pregnancy can have long-term detrimental consequences, this was the first time autism was highlighted at this very influential meeting.
Date: 07/23/09
Autism Speaks and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Collaborate to Share Ideas
What might autism spectrum disorders, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes all have in common? According to scientists at the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation's Annual Mitochondrial Medicine Symposium, dysfunctional mitochondria may lie at the core of at least some forms of these and other chronic disorders.
Date: 07/09/09
New Study Pinpoints Difference in the Way Children With Autism Learn New Behaviors
Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have collaborated to uncover important new insights into the neurological basis of autism. Their new study, funded in part by Autism Speaks, and published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, examines patterns of movement as children with autism and typically developing children learned to control a novel tool. The findings suggest that children with autism appear to learn new actions differently than do typically developing children. As compared to their typically developing peers, children with autism relied much more on their own internal sense of body position (proprioception), rather than visual information coming from the external world to learn new patterns of movement. Furthermore, researchers found that the greater the reliance on proprioception, the greater the child's impairment in social skills, motor skills and imitation.
Date: 07/08/09
Autism Speaks Recommendation Makes the List of National Priorities for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is a way to identify what works for which patients under what circumstances. Congress, in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, appropriated $1.1 billion to jump-start the nation's efforts to accelerate CER. ARRA tasked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to recommend national priorities for research questions to be addressed by CER and supported by ARRA funds. Autism Speaks made its recommendations regarding studies on comparative effectiveness of autism treatments to the Agency for Quality Health Research. One of these recommendations has been included in the top 100 priorities for CER funding.
Date: 07/06/09
New Study Uses AGRE Data to Identify Genetic Mutations Linked to Autism Risk
Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) continues to play an integral role in elucidating new findings in the complex autism inheritance puzzle. Utilizing genetic samples from the AGRE cohort, a research team identified 27 genetic regions where rare gene variations – missing or extra copies of certain genes – were found in children with autism. These multiple genetic duplications and deletions are thought to interfere with gene function, which can disrupt the production of proteins necessary for normal neurological development. The study is published in the June 26 edition of the journal PLoS Genetics.
Date: 06/26/09
AIR-P Steering Committee Convenes to Develop Next Steps for Autism Treatment and Research
In May, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) held the first in-person meeting of the AIR-P Steering Committee, whose role is to guide and oversee the research and guideline development activities specific to the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), an initiative of the Combating Autism Act. Built on the ongoing structure of the ATN, the AIR-P's focus is on research and the development of clinical guidelines for screening and treating physical health concerns common to children with autism.
Date: 06/26/09
iCARE Studies Prevalence and Risk Factors of Autism Around the World
In early 2009, Autism Speaks awarded more than $1 million over three years to the International Collaboration for Autism Registry Epidemiology (iCARE). This one-of-a-kind research endeavor will study the prevalence and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) around the world. Unique in its approach to autism research is its use of pooled data from the national health registries of six international sites including Australia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Israel.
Date: 06/10/09
NIH Autism Center of Excellence Network Announces Launch of Most Comprehensive Study of Earliest Possible Causes of Autism
A network of leading autism researchers from three regions across the country today launched one of the largest research studies of its kind to investigate early risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The network, called the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI), will follow a cohort of up to 1,200 pregnant women who already have a child with autism. The study is considered one of the best-equipped to discover biological markers and environmental risk factors for autism due to its elevated autism risk pregnancy cohort, wide ranging data collection with extensive bio-sampling, length of time it follows pregnant women and their babies, and multi-disciplinary team of expert investigators.
Date: 06/09/09
Autism Speaks Sponsored Meeting Focuses on Brain Connectivity
Research over the past five years has shown that one of the systems impacted in autism appears to be brain connectivity. The need now is to understand exactly what mechanisms govern brain connectivity, and how those mechanisms may become damaged in autism. Therefore, Autism Speaks joined several other organizations in sponsoring the "Wiring the Brain" meeting, which took place April 21-24, in Adare Manor, Co. Limerick, and which brought together world-class researchers in developmental neurobiology, psychiatry, neurology, human genetics, systems and cognitive neuroscience. The aim was to foster communication between these often separate disciplines. Discussions centered on the topics of understanding the mechanisms that underlie brain wiring, how variation of genes critical for neural development affects neuronal connectivity and behavior, and how such variation can contribute to disease.
Date: 06/03/09
Now Available to Families: Baby Siblings Research Consortium Guide on Clinical Assessment of Infants
In May, the journal Pediatrics published an article authored by members of Autism Speaks' High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium (BSRC) to expand on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations on evaluation by primary care providers of 18 and 24 month olds with suspected autism spectrum disorder, and is part of an ongoing effort of the BSRC to share research findings with the clinical community. The paper outlines several early signs of autism that physicians and other health care providers should be aware of, and also identifies potential screening tools that may be used to detect early behavioral indicators. In addition to helping pediatricians understand the needs of children with early warning signs, the paper was meant to help support parents with questions about the development of their own child. Autism Speaks has received special permission to provide families with the complete text of the article.
Date: 05/29/09
Groundbreaking Study Seeks 3,000 Participants from Across the U.S.
Researchers from UCLA, Washington University, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute are calling on all families touched by autism to participate in a vital and innovative study in the hope of having as many new families as possible join the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) – a web-based autism research effort that has already collected data from thousands of families – to prove that online family-researcher collaboration can increase the pace of autism research. The study is funded by a special Autism Speaks grant as part of its High Risk-High Impact initiative. Families who share information on their child's diagnosis, development, and treatments online will now have the opportunity to provide biological samples as well – a step crucial to advancing autism research.
Date: 05/29/09
TIME Reports on New Genetic Findings: Risk Gene More Common in Boys than in Girls
TIME magazine published an article, "A Genetic Clue to Why Autism Affects Boys More," which highlights a study recently completed by researchers at UCLA. In the study, published online by the journal Molecular Psychiatry, scientists identified an autism-risk gene, CACNA1G, which is more common in boys than in girls.
Date: 05/20/09
Progress in All Areas of Autism Research on Display at IMFAR
The eighth annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) recently concluded in Chicago, after three days of more than 900 presentations. More than 1,500 researchers from all over the world attended the meeting. From demonstrations of innovative technologies to a keynote address about crucial neural pathways that may be disrupted, and potentially fixed, in autism, this meeting gave scientists from all areas of autism research a chance to discuss their findings. The presentations this year were not only directed at understanding and remediating the core deficits of autism, but also at finding ways to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families.
Date: 05/15/09
Autism Tissue Program Reports from IMFAR
A growing number of researchers contributed to sessions devoted to the study of the brain at this year's International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). Autism Speaks Autism Tissue Program (ATP) makes post-mortem brain tissue available to as many qualified scientists as possible to advance autism research. Using brain tissue, scientists can go far beyond the constraints of other technologies and study autism on both a cellular and molecular level. This year, conference themes of neurodevelopment, genetics and environment were reiterated in the sessions on brain tissue research.
Date: 05/15/09
Autism Researchers Gather in Chicago for 8th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)
The 8th IMFAR will host more than 1400 researchers, delegates, autism specialists and students from 30 countries, in the world's largest gathering of researchers and clinicians devoted to a better understanding of autism. The meeting will be held in Chicago from May 7-9, 2009. Keynote presentations include “Fulfilling the Promise of Molecular Medicine in Autism,” “What Would “Better” Diagnoses of ASDs Look Like?” and “Copy Number Variations (CNVs) In Autism: What Do They Mean?" Presentations in oral and poster sessions will focus on the latest research and findings on genetics, animal models, neuropathy, neuroimaging, epidemiology, social and emotional issues, longitudinal studies and early intervention and other treatments.
Date: 05/07/09
Autism Speaks Releases First Strategic Plan for Autism Research
Autism Speaks released its strategic plan for autism research, which outlines its goals and priorities for research funding over the next three years. The Autism Speaks Strategic Plan, developed in consultation with its Scientific Advisory Committee and outside advisors, is focused on innovation and an emphasis on translating discoveries into diagnosis and treatments for individuals living with autism today. Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., chief science officer of Autism Speaks, introduced the Strategic Plan today at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR).
Date: 05/07/09
Autism Genes Discovered; Help Shape Connections Among Brain Cells
A research team has connected more of the intricate pieces of the autism puzzle, with two studies that identify genes with important contributions to the disorder. One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases, while another study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two crucial gene pathways. Significantly, both studies detected genes implicated in the development of brain circuitry in early childhood.
Date: 04/28/09
Autism Speaks Environmental Innovator Award Recipient Publishes New Data
In a series of manuscripts currently being published, Isaac Pessah, Ph.D. from UC Davis and recipient of the Autism Speaks Environmental Innovator award in 2006, reports the potential effects of low dose polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on brain development. Using an animal model, Dr. Pessah focused his research on the impact of PCBs on a protein known as the ryanodine receptor.
Date: 04/27/09
Autism Speaks Announces Collaboration with the National Children's Study
Autism Speaks announces it will be advancing the study of genetic and environmental contributions to the risk of autism by collaborating with the National Children's Study (NCS), one of the richest research resources to ever study children's health. It aims to recruit 100,000 pregnant women from across the U.S. to follow those children through adulthood.
Date: 04/16/09
Collaborative Symposia to Explore the Relationship Between Autism and Mitochondrial Diseases
Autism Speaks and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) have partnered to host a special science symposia at the annual UMDF meeting in June. This Autism Speaks sponsored session is part of our ongoing effort to collaborate with the UMDF to encourage dialogue between autism and mitochondrial disease researchers. The cost of attending the session is $50 for non-UMDF members, and attendees will be able to view research in this area and attend other science sessions throughout the day.
Date: 04/03/09
New Study Focuses on Toddler Response to Biological Motion
In its March 29 issue, Nature reports on an NIH-funded study out of the Yale Child Study Center that focuses on toddler response to biological motion. Researchers found that young toddlers with autism are not sensitive to biological motion, or all movements made by people including facial expressions, speech and gestures. The study, funded in part by Autism Speaks, helps explain why young toddlers with autism often do not make eye contact or pay attention to what others are doing. Instead, toddlers with autism are drawn to movements that are highly synchronized, which is not characteristic of most human movements.
Date: 03/30/09
Autism Speaks Publishes Family Connections Newsletter for Spring 2009
Autism Speaks Clinical Programs Department is pleased to announce the release of its annual newsletter, Family Connections. A major highlight for the year was the launch of the Online System for Clinical Research (OSCR) – a web-based data entry system built on the same technology used for the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). OSCR was developed as a tool to facilitate family participation and accelerate the pace of autism research.
Date: 03/19/09
Autism Speaks Announces New Appointments to Scientific and Treatment Advisory Boards
Autism Speaks aims to support only the most exceptional research and, to assist in this mission, calls upon top scientists and clinicians in the world to review research proposals. Under the direction of Chief Science Officer, Geri Dawson, Ph.D., Autism Speaks announces the appointment of new members to its Scientific and Treatment Advisory Boards. These groups are selected to generate a mix of those experienced in autism together with researchers from areas outside autism to increase the stimulation of new ideas and approaches. What they have in common is a strong commitment to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Date: 03/19/09
Survey Results Demonstrate Physicians' Perspectives on Primary Care for Children with Autism
The results of a survey study released in the March issue of Pediatrics revealed that primary care physicians believe there is a great need to improve primary care for children with autism and to provide more education for physicians in how to provide that care. The study, supported in part by Autism Speaks, surveyed 3100 pediatricians and family physicians about their perspectives on caring for children with autism.
Date: 03/09/09
Experts in Early Diagnosis and Treatment Share Ideas, Thoughts and Progress
Scientists that focus on understanding the risk factors and earliest signs of autism met on January 28-29 to share new ideas at the annual meeting of Autism Speaks' sponsored High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium. The symposium focused on two topics of interest: regression and the broader autism phenotype. Investigators shared findings in these areas which have emerged from ongoing studies that track the development of high risk infant siblings throughout early life and are helping to shed light on the early course of autism spectrum disorders.
Date: 03/06/09
Autism Speaks Announces $5 Million to Fund Studies on Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Autism
Autism Speaks has announced its commitment of $5 million to investigate genetic and environmental risk factors for autism. The project will expand and link two large-scale, multi-site studies – the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) and Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) and will facilitate the collaborative prospective study of more than 2000 infant siblings of children with autism. This support will allow these two projects to expand data collection in each project during critical periods of development, including genetic, neurobiological, diagnostic and environmental information on families recruited.
Date: 03/05/09
Researchers Identify Gene Variant Associated with Both Autism and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Several studies have reported that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often have gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance. In the March issue of Pediatrics, researchers from Vanderbilt University, MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) and the University of Southern California were the first to report that a gene involved in the development of parts of the brain responsible for social behavior and communication, also is involved in the development and repair of the GI system.
Date: 03/02/09
NICHD Director Dr. Alexander Discusses the Need for More Research on Environmental Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders
At a recent NIH Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting, the member of the committee representing the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) was the only federal member to abstain from voting to reverse a previously voted-on decision to approve objectives relating to vaccine safety research as part of its deliberations for the Strategic Plan for Autism Research. Autism Speaks' Chief Science Officer, Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., spoke with Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the NICHD to seek clarification on their position regarding the research on the role of environmental factors in autism.
Date: 02/25/09
Sports, Exercise and Physical Activity Show Benefits for Individuals with Autism
New research and anecdotal evidence suggest that some alternative therapeutic choices that include sports, exercise and other physical activities can be useful adjuncts to traditional behavioral interventions, leading to improvement in symptoms, behaviors and quality of life for individuals with autism. Reviewing some of the current literature, Autism Speaks' Chief Science Officer, Geri Dawson, Ph.D., and Assistant Director of Research and Public Health, Michael Rosanoff, MPH, demonstrate that physical activity may be an effective supplement to, and potentially enhance the benefits of proven behavioral interventions.
Date: 02/20/09
Autism Speaks Announces Results Reported for the Study of Fluoxetine in Autism (SOFIA)
Autism Speaks today announced initial results reported for the first industry-sponsored trial of the Autism Clinical Trials Network (ACTN), the Study of Fluoxetine in Autism (SOFIA). These results showed that fluoxetine was not effective for reducing repetitive behaviors in children and adolescents with Autistic Disorder as compared to placebo.
Date: 02/18/09
Autism Consortium Sponsors Two Studies Published in February's Proceedings of the National Acadamies of Sciences Journal
In the first study, "Partial Reversal of Rett Syndrome-like Symptoms in MeCP2 Mutant Mice," researchers demonstrated that daily injections of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in a mouse model of Rett-syndrome resulted in significant reduction of associated movement and respiratory symptoms. In the second study, titled "Haploinsufficiency for PTEN and Serotonin Transporter Cooperatively Influences Brain Size and Social Behavior," researchers demonstrate that multiple, interacting genetic risk factors may influence the severity of autistic symptoms.
Date: 02/10/09
2008 "Top Ten" List of Events in Autism Research Released
To document the progress made toward our mission to discover the causes and treatment for autism spectrum disorders, Autism Speaks' Science Program has compiled a list of the most important research events to have impacted autism in 2008. This year's list contains several surprising results from metabolism, immunology, brain development and treatment research, together with advances in translational research, clinical trials and DNA technology that have all combined to shape the direction of autism research for 2009 and beyond.
Date: 02/06/09
IACC Discusses Vaccine Safety
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) met this week to discuss the NIH strategic plan for autism research and, more specifically, the removal of two objectives on vaccine safety research that were withdrawn from the plan at the last meeting. Because of the manner in which the objectives were withdrawn, Autism Speaks had previously voiced its disappointment and withdrew its support from the strategic plan. The IACC heard presentations from Mark Noble, Ph.D., a scientist from the University of Rochester Medical Center, who provided an analysis of published studies on thimerosal and Bruce Gellin, M.D., M.P.H., director of the federal government's National Vaccine Program Office.
Date: 02/06/09
IAN Launches Vaccine Survey
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has launched a Vaccine Questionnaire. The online survey gives families participating in the IAN Research project an opportunity to share their beliefs and practices with regard to vaccinations. This information will provide researchers with an opportunity to study both what families believe and what decisions they are making based on those beliefs. Based on what is learned from families' responses, researchers will be able to plan and conduct additional vaccine-focused studies.
Date: 02/06/09
Autism Speaks Awards $2.2 million to Continue Support of IAN
In Dec. 2008, Autism Speaks board of directors approved $2.2 million to support the Interactive Autism Network's (IAN) continuing development. Since its inception, IAN has registered over 27,000 families, including over 10,000 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Over the next two years, IAN proposes to increase the number of its registrants, expand research-related services, enhance scientific interactions and collaboration and expand its revenue base.
Date: 01/22/09
Autism Treatment Network Announces 2008 Achievements
The culmination of the first 12 months of work by ATN clinicians was unveiled at the Annual Autism Treatment Network (ATN) Program Meeting, held this past December in Santa Monica, Calif. The primary aim of the meeting was to elicit comment on the draft procedures, tools and related documentation developed over the preceding year to support the establishment of consensus guidelines for the screening and treatment of autism and commonly associated conditions, including sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal complaints.
Date: 01/22/09
Autism Speaks Establishes the Dennis Weatherstone Fellowship Program
Autism Speaks received a grant of $3.75 million from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to establish the Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program at Autism Speaks, which will attract young, talented scientists into the field of autism research. Beginning in 2009, the program will fund up to eight fellows annually on a competitive basis.
Date: 01/08/09
Top Scientific Achievements in Autism in 2008
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D. offers one scientist's perspective on the scientific achievements in autism last year and a brief look forward to the year ahead. 2008 saw scientific progress in all areas of research including environmental, genetic, early detection, behavioral intervention, and more.
Date: 01/08/09
Autism Speaks Announces High Risk, High Impact Initiative with Funding for Five New Projects
Autism Speaks announces a novel research vehicle – the new High Risk-High Impact (HR-HI) initiative – conceived to support cutting-edge research in areas that are under-investigated or which could benefit substantially by bringing in outside experts. Two million dollars has been awarded for five ambitious proposals.
Date: 01/08/09
Autism Speaks Announces New Epidemiology Funding
In 2008, Autism Speaks launched specially-designed funding mechanisms to bring a focus on international autism epidemiology research, and now announces its commitment of $1.5 million to five new studies focused on global autism prevalence and risk factors.
Date: 01/08/09
Language Benchmarks in Children with ASD
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, or NIDCD, assembled a group of researchers with interests and experience in the study of language development and disorders in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The group worked for 18 months through a series of conference calls and correspondence, culminating in a December 2007 meeting, sponsored by Autism Speaks.
Date: 01/05/09
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