Hyperactivity
Mental health issues emerge with shifts in autism traits across childhood
Anxiety and other challenges autistic children experience may stem from an increase in social-communication issues and a decrease in repetitive behaviors from ages 6 to 11.
![A young boy sits alone on a bench in a playground.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1200-autism-mental-health-issues-childhood.webp)
Mental health issues emerge with shifts in autism traits across childhood
Anxiety and other challenges autistic children experience may stem from an increase in social-communication issues and a decrease in repetitive behaviors from ages 6 to 11.
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.
![Research image comparing microglia with serotonin receptors to those without.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-demo.png)
Serotonin powers pruning of developing brain circuits in mice
Mice with microglia missing receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin since birth have too many synapses and show social difficulties in adulthood.
Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish
The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.
![Research image of zebrafish forebrains.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-lede.png)
Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish
The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.
Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells
Both human and mouse progenitor cells with the alterations struggle to become neurons and instead express genes that are typically active only in muscle or the heart.
![Research image shows elevated expression of certain genes, shown in pink and green, along with expected gene expression, shown in blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-lede-final.png)
Autism-linked MYT1L mutations prompt ‘identity crisis’ in budding brain cells
Both human and mouse progenitor cells with the alterations struggle to become neurons and instead express genes that are typically active only in muscle or the heart.
Mouse model reveals root of breathing issues in rare form of autism
Dysfunctional circuits and a rogue sodium channel in the brainstem may explain the disordered breathing pattern seen in children with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a form of autism.
![Mouse neurons in red and pink on black.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pitt-Hopkins-Lead-844.jpg)
Mouse model reveals root of breathing issues in rare form of autism
Dysfunctional circuits and a rogue sodium channel in the brainstem may explain the disordered breathing pattern seen in children with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a form of autism.
Precocious neurons may stunt brain growth in rare form of autism
The first animal model of MYT1L syndrome suggests that fast-maturing neurons lead to the unusually small brains, social deficits and other traits seen in people with the condition.
![Two colorful mouse neurons seen side by side on black, one has a mutation.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/MYT1L-mouse-3-844.jpg)
Precocious neurons may stunt brain growth in rare form of autism
The first animal model of MYT1L syndrome suggests that fast-maturing neurons lead to the unusually small brains, social deficits and other traits seen in people with the condition.
Stimulant restores cell signaling, eases behavior issues in animals missing autism gene
Worms and zebrafish missing both copies of the gene CHD7 have disrupted cellular signaling, a dearth of inhibitory neurons and behavior changes — all of which are reversed by the stimulant drug ephedrine.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20210524-CHD7_GABA-844.jpg)
Stimulant restores cell signaling, eases behavior issues in animals missing autism gene
Worms and zebrafish missing both copies of the gene CHD7 have disrupted cellular signaling, a dearth of inhibitory neurons and behavior changes — all of which are reversed by the stimulant drug ephedrine.
Virus-based method manipulates inhibitory neurons in brains
A new viral tool can selectively control different types of neurons that dampen brain activity in rodents, monkeys and people.
![Neurons in a macaque cortex express parvalbumin in red.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200916-ViralManipulation-844-1.jpg)
Virus-based method manipulates inhibitory neurons in brains
A new viral tool can selectively control different types of neurons that dampen brain activity in rodents, monkeys and people.
Long-term study tracks persistence of self-harm in autistic people
Autistic people who are hyperactive or have difficulty controlling their own impulses are the most likely to show ongoing self-injury.
![Young boy biting his fingernails, looking anxiously out the window.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20200223-SelfInjury-844.jpg)
Long-term study tracks persistence of self-harm in autistic people
Autistic people who are hyperactive or have difficulty controlling their own impulses are the most likely to show ongoing self-injury.
Traits of autism, attention deficit linked to small brainstem
The severity of autism tracks closely with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/brainstem844.jpg)
Traits of autism, attention deficit linked to small brainstem
The severity of autism tracks closely with that of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.