Skip to main content

Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: hyperactivity

September 2023
A young boy sits alone on a bench in a playground.

Mental health issues emerge with shifts in autism traits across childhood

by  /  27 September 2023

Anxiety and other challenges autistic children experience may stem from an increase in social-communication issues and a decrease in repetitive behaviors from ages 6 to 11.

Comments
June 2023
Research image comparing microglia with serotonin receptors to those without.

Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice

by  /  28 June 2023

Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.

Comments
May 2023
Research image of zebrafish forebrains.

Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish

by  /  12 May 2023

The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.

Comments
February 2023
Research image shows elevated expression of certain genes, shown in pink and green, along with expected gene expression, shown in blue.

Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells

by  /  14 February 2023

Both human and mouse progenitor cells with the alterations struggle to become neurons and instead express genes that are typically active only in muscle or the heart.

Comments
November 2021
Mouse neurons in red and pink on black.

Mouse model reveals root of breathing issues in rare form of autism

by  /  5 November 2021

Dysfunctional circuits and a rogue sodium channel in the brainstem may explain the disordered breathing pattern seen in children with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a form of autism.

Comments
October 2021
Two colorful mouse neurons seen side by side on black, one has a mutation.

Precocious neurons may stunt brain growth in rare form of autism

by  /  5 October 2021

The first animal model of MYT1L syndrome suggests that fast-maturing neurons lead to the unusually small brains, social deficits and other traits seen in people with the condition.

Comments
May 2021

Stimulant restores cell signaling, eases behavior issues in animals missing autism gene

by  /  28 May 2021

Worms and zebrafish missing both copies of the gene CHD7 have disrupted cellular signaling, a dearth of inhibitory neurons and behavior changes — all of which are reversed by the stimulant drug ephedrine.

Comments
September 2020
Neurons in a macaque cortex express parvalbumin in red.

Virus-based method manipulates inhibitory neurons in brains

by  /  9 September 2020

A new viral tool can selectively control different types of neurons that dampen brain activity in rodents, monkeys and people.

Comments
February 2020
Young boy biting his fingernails, looking anxiously out the window.

Long-term study tracks persistence of self-harm in autistic people

by  /  21 February 2020

Autistic people who are hyperactive or have difficulty controlling their own impulses are the most likely to show ongoing self-injury.

Comments
October 2019

Traits of autism, attention deficit linked to small brainstem

by  /  20 October 2019

The severity of autism tracks closely with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Comments