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What is the problem getting to the bottom of biomarkers and gene x environment interactions

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Outcome measures for clinical trials and understanding and determining gene x environment interactions have been two (of many) challenging questions for scientists. In the first study, we explain a new study that looks at the feasibility of three potential biomarkers that have the potential to look at presence of a diagnosis as well as effectiveness of an intervention. In the second half, we describe some new research that shows novel approaches to better understand the presence of an environmental factor with genetic influences, or a new method to describe them in different communities. You can read the studies by clicking below:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36000217/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35974006/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35992618/

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Where superior ability crosses disability in ASD

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A study conducted by researchers at Yale this week revealed that while people with autism have disabilities in reading individual emotions, they have an unexpected amazing ability to understand and apply social rules to groups of people.  They understand social phenomena much better than those without. So how can this be?  Also, a new groundbreaking study shows scientists that there are changes in brain activity that are observed way before a diagnosis, which can change early detection and early intervention of ASD.

http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=31501348

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31519897

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A conversation with Clare Harrop about autism in boys and girls

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Recently, Clare Harrop from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill published two papers which help explain the differences between boys and girls with autism, at least in kids and toddlers.  She graciously agreed to talk with us about these findings and what it means for better identification and diagnosis of girls with ASD, and where future research is needed.  Thank you to Dr. Harrop for this insight and for your work in this area!