Autism (Audio)

Gaia Navarino shares her work on disorder-causing genetic mutations at the system, cellular and molecular level. With a focus on autism spectrum disorder, she explains techniques used to identify common pathophysiological mechanisms in ASD and how that could provide a framework for the development of effective pharmacological therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38325]

There is a critical need for early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Elizabeth Torres, Ph.D., Rutgers University, shares new developments in that could aid in early detection of autism. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38391]

Michael Levy, M.D. joins the Living Autistically Panel to discuss the challenges of autism during adolescence and how the arts - from comic books to performance - have impacted their lives on the spectrum. You’ll hear from members of the autistic community who’ve found their calling in the arts. You’ll also learn about The Miracle Project, a theater, film, and expressive arts program focused on building communication, self-esteem, job and social skills for individuals with autism and all abilities – speaking and non-speaking. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38395]

The county of San Diego has instituted inclusionary hiring practices to recruit neurodivergent individuals to the workforce and ensure departments have the proper skills to interview, train, and work with these members of the San Diego community. Garret Hoff, Brandy Winterbottom, Brian Lafferty, and Megan Elledge-LeVota discuss how this initiative came to be and what it means for the future. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38394]

Leanne Chukoskie, Ph.D., Northeastern University, discusses her work using video games and play-based studies to learn more about autism and uncover potential therapies. Play-based relationships in early childhood are some of the primary tools that teach us where to look and find important information. Video games provide an excellent form of environmental learning by incorporating autonomy (user picks the game), purpose, mastery, uncertainty, competition, and peer reinforcement, and they’ve been linked to improvements in perception, visuo-spatial attention, movement skill, and memory. See how Chukoskie uses video games to study behavior, make assessments, and create interventions to help people with autism. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38392]

Treatment options for problematic behaviors associated with severe autism are limited. Can cannabidiol (CBD) be an effective therapy? Doris Trauner, M.D., discusses recent studies looking at the use of CBD and how it works in the brain. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38393]

Alysson Muotri discusses modeling Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) using stem cells and brain organoids. He shares how rescuing TCF4 expression with CRISPR-mediated epigenetic induction of AAV vector delivery provides a gateway for targeted therapeutics for PTHS and related conditions. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38516]

What is gene therapy and how does it relate to autism? Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., contextualizes the autism spectrum, defines gene therapy, shares how human stem cells can contribute to research, and lays out how gene therapy could be used in the future. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38387]

Epilepsy is a frequent co-morbidity in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Maria Augusta Montenegro, M.D., Ph.D., discusses how cognitive abilities, motor deficit, and other associated symptoms can be factors, how epilepsy can be diagnosed, and recommended treatment options. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38389]

Diversity is a hallmark in autism yet autism research does not capture the full heterogeneity of individuals on the spectrum. Constance Smith-Hicks, M.D., Ph.D., Bradley Schlaggar, Ph.D., Ebony Holliday, Ph.D., and Omar Shanta discuss the current state of diversity research in autism and the roadblocks to include individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities as participants in autism research as well as the strategies that could address these challenges. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38390]