Autism

A massive new study reveals that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not increase a child’s risk of autism or ADHD. By comparing siblings, researchers found previous concerns were likely driven by shared family genetics rather than the medication.

A neuroimaging study provides evidence that structural brain differences in autistic individuals align with the distribution of serotonin receptors. This underlying neurochemistry suggests a biological link to the social and communication traits associated with autism.

A new study found that background electrical brain activity while listening to speech relates to everyday verbal communication skills in autistic children and teens, suggesting that higher neural noise may affect practical language use.

Artificial intelligence tools tracking the tiny movements of toddlers playing with bubbles can identify subtle variations in their physical behaviors. Researchers found that toddlers later diagnosed with autism moved their hands across a wider distance while flapping.

For autistic adults navigating the unwritten rules of social interaction, artificial intelligence might offer a helpful practice tool. Recent research demonstrates that short sessions with a specialized chatbot can improve empathetic communication in real-world settings.

Social misunderstandings in autism may stem from highly varied personal preferences rather than a lack of empathy. New research shows both autistic and non-autistic people struggle to guess what autistic teenagers like.

The human brain utilizes deep folds to maximize the storage capacity of neural tissue. New anatomical research shows the physical symmetry of one specific fold linked to emotional processing behaves differently in boys with autism spectrum disorder.

A new geographical psychology study reveals that a state's socioeconomic status and air pollution levels are the strongest predictors of its autism rates, explaining over half the geographic variance in diagnoses across the United States.

Sensory differences in autistic adults—particularly women—are linked to high levels of sexual distress. A new study suggests this emotional distress acts as a bridge, indirectly lowering both sexual and relational satisfaction in romantic partnerships.

Autistic children with early language delays show a unique auditory profile, prioritizing pitch over timing. According to recent research, this enhanced pitch perception could explain how some autistic individuals acquire language skills through unconventional learning methods.

A comprehensive review found a strong link between autistic traits and the tendency to camouflage. Surprisingly, this connection appears stronger in the general population than among those formally diagnosed with autism.

Researchers have successfully reversed autism-like behaviors in mice by repairing shortened structures within specific nerve cells. The study provides evidence that core symptoms of the disorder may stem from adaptable brain changes rather than irreversible damage.

New brain imaging research reveals that individuals with higher autistic traits show weaker connections between visual and reward-processing brain regions, explaining why they may place less value on social rewards like smiles compared to nonsocial rewards.

Aging adults with high autistic traits face a significantly greater risk of worsening anxiety over time, according to new research. The findings highlight a pressing need for targeted mental health support for older individuals on the autism spectrum.

Scientists have discovered two biologically distinct subtypes of autism using brain imaging. By studying both mice and humans, researchers linked reduced brain connectivity to synaptic function and increased connectivity to immune system activity.