News / Spectrum

Topiramate during pregnancy; vascular dysfunction; PTCHD1 gene

Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 25 March.

By Jill Adams

26 March 2024 | 2 min read

Taking the anti-seizure medication valproate, but not topiramate or lamotrigine, during pregnancy increases the likelihood of having a child with autism. New England Journal of Medicine
Poor executive function in 3-year-old children with neurodevelopmental conditions seems to predict externalizing behaviors at age 5. Autism Research
Vascular dysfunction can affect brain maturation and energy metabolism; in mouse models of autism, it appears to cause autism-like behaviors, according to a review. Neuroscience Insights
Type 1 interferon interacts with microglia during development, and a deficiency of the cytokine in mice leads to an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory pathways and tactile hypersensitivity. Cell
Focused interests do not necessarily interfere with learning unrelated vocabulary, according to a study in autistic preschoolers. Autism Research
Mice missing the SCN2A gene, a model of autism, have fewer neuronal synapses than wildtype mice, a result of overactive microglial pruning during development. Spectrum reported on this research when the preprint came out last year. Molecular Psychiatry

A group of bioethicists offers up recommendations for how medical schools can avoid ableism in teaching the next generation of physicians. The Hastings Center
In mice missing the PTCHD1 gene—a model of autism—sounds can prompt facial, ear and eye movements that appear to be an effective measure of sensory sensitivity. Current Biology
The scientific journal eLife is collecting first-person narratives of autistic researchers in academia. eLife