Social Skills

In the Brain, Signs of Autism as Early as 6 Months Old

Submitted by Anonymous on January 30, 2012 - 09:23
Source: 
Science Daily
Link: 
In the Brain, Signs of Autism as Early as 6 Months Old
Date Published: 
January 30, 2012
Abstract: 

Measuring brain activity in infants as young as six months may help to predict the future development of autism symptoms.

Adolescents with autism spend free time using solitary, screen-based media

Submitted by Anonymous on January 25, 2012 - 17:36
Source: 
MedicalXpress
Link: 
Adolescents with autism spend free time using solitary, screen-based media
Date Published: 
January 25, 2012
Abstract: 

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) tend to be fascinated by screen-based technology. A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that adolescents with autism spend the majority of their free time using non-social media, including television and video-games.

Researchers Use Workshops To Teach Job Skills And Learn More About Families With Children On The Autism Spectrum

Submitted by Anonymous on January 12, 2012 - 10:37
Source: 
Medical News Today
Link: 
Researchers Use Workshops To Teach Job Skills And Learn More About Families With Children On The Autism Spectrum
Date Published: 
January 11, 2012
Abstract: 

Researchers at the University of Utah have created a program that helps kids with autism focus on building their skills and utilizing an aptitude for visual-spatial thinking, computers and other electronic media.

New MIT center to fund autism research

Submitted by Anonymous on December 15, 2011 - 08:50
Source: 
The Boston Globe
Link: 
New MIT center to fund autism research
Date Published: 
December 15, 2011
Abstract: 

A new center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will focus on unraveling the neuroscience behind social behaviors, helping to push forward research and, the scientists hope, to advance diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Trained Peers Better at Aiding Autistic Kids with Social Skills

Submitted by Anonymous on December 1, 2011 - 17:14
Source: 
PsychCentral
Link: 
Trained Peers Better at Aiding Autistic Kids with Social Skills
Abstract: 

A new study suggests training peers can help children with autism spectrum disorder improve their social skills, even more than a direct adult-led intervention.

Researchers debut SHANK2 mouse, SHANK3 rat

Submitted by Anonymous on November 15, 2011 - 09:09
Source: 
SFARI
Link: 
Click to read the article
Abstract: 

Researchers debut the SHANK2 mouse and SHANK3 rat at the 2011 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. SHANK2 belongs to the same family as SHANK3, a well-established autism candidate gene.

Autistic Brains Grow More Slowly

Submitted by Anonymous on October 21, 2011 - 09:20
Source: 
Psych Central
Link: 
Article
Date Published: 
October 20, 2011
Abstract: 

UCLA researchers have found the connections between brain regions that are important for language and social skills grow much more slowly in boys with autism than in non-autistic children...

UCLA researchers have found the connections between brain regions that are important for language and social skills grow much more slowly in boys withautism than in non-autistic children.

New Finding Provides Insight Into The Psychology Of Autism-Spectrum Disorders

Submitted by Anonymous on October 12, 2011 - 08:41
Source: 
Medical News Today
Link: 
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/235835.php
Date Published: 
October 12, 2010
Abstract: 

Researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have isolated a very specific difference in how high-functioning people with autism think about other people, finding that - in actuality - they don't tend to think about what others think of them at all.

The Accuracy Of Autism Diagnosis In Children With Down Syndrome Validated By New Findings

Submitted by Anonymous on October 6, 2011 - 08:50
Source: 
Medical News Today
Link: 
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/235508.php
Date Published: 
October 6, 2011
Abstract: 

New findings from a 16-year study confirm that the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the gold-standard for the classification of mental health conditions, can be used to accurately identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children with Down syndrome, according to research from Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Children With Autism Benefit from Early, Intensive Therapy

Submitted by Anonymous on September 27, 2011 - 23:00
Source: 
Science Daily
Link: 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928125418.htm
Date Published: 
September 28, 2011
Abstract: 

A primary characteristic of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is impairments in social-communication skills. Children and adolescents with social-communication problems face difficulty understanding, interacting and relating with others. University of Missouri researchers found that children who receive more intensive therapy to combat these impairments, especially at early ages, achieve the best outcomes.