Autism Reading Room

The big question: what causes autism? A study of more than 2 million births in five countries suggests that most cases of autism spectrum disorder are inherited through genes, and that events during pregnancy contribute to relatively few cases. Learn more:

Largest Study to Date Finds Autism Is Mostly Heritable - Autism Reading RoomAutism Reading Room Largest Study to Date Finds Autism Is Mostly Heritable - Autism Reading Room | Powered by MindSpec

Although the average age for a child to receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 4 years old, researchers have uncovered patterns in infants and toddlers who go on to be diagnosed. One potential indicator among the youngest children is differences in visual attention, or gaze. A new study uncovered differences in joint visual attention appearing as early as 10 months in children who were ultimately diag-nosed with ASD. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=eye-tracking-study-infants-finds-pattern-asd

Families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may notice that they often experience gastro-intestinal (GI) symptoms. Now, a small study has identified a biomarker with the potential to predict how quickly a child with ASD will respond to GI medicines. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-quiz=molecular-biomarker-may-predict-gi-symptoms-asd

While the main characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are differences in behavior and social communication, many families have also noticed differences in their loved ones’ motor skills. A new study suggests that these differences are patterned, and that computer technology can now precisely measure them. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=different-posture-control-early-feature-asd

Managing “problem behaviors” in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a challenge for parents. A recent study analyzed nine types of strategies parents of children with ASD have leveraged to address and pre-empt these behaviors. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=strategies-work-parents-children-asd

Autism is a spectrum, with some cases much more severe than others. However, better social skills aren’t necessarily indicative of milder autism. A new study suggests that young people with autism and good social skills could be compensating with other strengths. Learn more: http://readingroom.mindspec.org/?news-item=teens-asd-compensate-better-social-skills