News / Spectrum

SYNGAP1; executive function; synaptic density

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 14 October.

By Jill Adams
15 October 2024 | 2 min read
comments
https://doi.org/10.53053/PHEZ7464 https://doi.org/10.53053/PHEZ7464 - opens a new tab Cite this article
  • In mice, SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency affects indirect neuronal pathways in the striatum more than direct pathways. Spectrum covered the state of the science of SYNGAP1 last year. Journal of Neuroscience
  • The timing of neurodevelopmental gene expression, derived from single-cell atlases, is a cell-specific and dynamic process. Experimental & Molecular Medicine
  • People with 3q29 deletion syndrome, which is linked to neurodevelopmental conditions, have global deficits in executive function that do not correlate with IQ scores. Psychological Medicine
  • Neuronal synapses in autistic adults have reduced density, as measured with PET scans, and lowered synaptic density correlates with a greater number of autistic features. Spectrum recently reported on the altered balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in autism. Molecular Psychiatry
Research image of brain scans showing the density of neuronal synapses.
Counting connections: The density of neuronal synapses in autistic people is altered in many brain regions (colored areas) compared with that in nonautistic people.
  • Autistic children and teenagers with anxiety are more likely to also have depression and problems with peers than are those without anxiety. Spectrum has covered differences in the fear centers of the brain in youth with autism and anxiety. BMC Psychology
  • The presence and severity of autism traits may change throughout childhood. Social affect scores are most likely to improve, whereas restricted and repetitive behaviors are the most likely to stay the same. Spectrum has previously covered life trajectories in autism. Autism Research

Sign up for the weekly Spectrum newsletter.

Stay current with the latest advancements in autism research.

Recommended reading

Cara Pugliese.
Spectrum

Autism program chief among National Institutes of Health layoffs

By Rachel Zamzow
21 February 2025 | 3 min read
Illustration of a woman holding a pencil over a map.
Spectrum

Familiar autism-linked genes emerge from first analysis of Latin American cohort

By Laura Dattaro
20 February 2025 | 5 min read
Research image of brain signaling.
Spectrum

Depression perception; MYT1L mice; brain signal variability

By Jill Adams
18 February 2025 | 1 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Illustration of columns of text with eyes peeking out from behind the central column to look at a bright blue spot.
This paper changed my life

This paper changed my Life: Bill Newsome reflects on a quadrilogy of classic visual perception studies

By Bill Newsome
21 February 2025 | 6 min read
Interconnected lines form a world map.
Policy

Science must step away from nationally managed infrastructure

By Dan Goodman
20 February 2025 | 7 min read
Against a background of American dollar bills, two hands gesture at a whiteboard that shows liquid flowing from one beacon into another.
How to teach this paper

How to teach students about science funding

By Ashley Juavinett
19 February 2025 | 8 min read