ASD & Genetics, 2

The research of CSHL Associate Professor Ivan Lossifov and Professor Michael Wigler has shown that, in many cases, it’s the father who may be playing a bigger genetic role in the ASD of offspring. Researchers are not as yet certain of exactly how the father’s contribution to ASD occurs. Professor Lossifoy, however, has a couple of ideas. Lossifoy thinks that some fathers may carry protective mutations that fail to get passed on to the biological children. Or perhaps, fathers may pass down mutations that trigger the mother’s immune system to attack the developing embryo. Both theories offer hope for parents of children with ASD and other neurological disorders like schizophrenia. It also poses a question: could other disorders follow these same genetic rules? CSHL is continuing their research.

A new video is posted every Saturday morning

https://www.youtube.com/@braingurutaylor/videos

ASD & Genetic Contributions

In the past, there was a long-standing belief that the genetic origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was likely linked more strongly to the mother’s genome. In 2022, researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) ,Long Island NY, reported the results of a study that analyzed over 6,000 volunteer families’ genomes. In families with multiple ASD children, the siblings with ASD were found to share more of their father’s genome. These observations run contrary to earlier models in which the mother carried a greater load than the father. If only one child had ASD, the long-standing belief of sharing more of their mother’s genome may still stand. Key findings included: 1) In families with multiple ASD children, the siblings shared more of their father’s genome. 2) This finding alters a long-standing belief that ASD siblings share more of their mother’s genome. 3) These findings could potentially alter treatment strategies and provide an improve understanding of ASD. 

ASD Diagnosis Differences

Recent findings help explain why symptoms of autism spectrum disorder differ between males and females and perhaps why more males are diagnosed. Studies at Durham University reported that nearly 80% of females with autism are misdiagnosed, often with conditions such as borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression—all of which may be comorbid with ASD. In fact, most females are not diagnosed with either ASD or AHDH until adulthood. Scientists are suggesting that in an effort to diagnose females with autism spectrum disorder earlier in life and in a more timely manner, there may be a need for different ASD tests for females as compared with males. It will be interesting to discover if, with different ASD testing, the current 4:1 ratio of males to females may be found to be inaccurate.

 Thank you for subscribing to my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@braingurutaylor/videos

M-F ASD Symptoms

Typical male ASD symptoms may include:

1)    Very repetitive with limited areas of play

2)    More likely to behave confrontationally or intensely

3)    Less likely to appear socially competent

4)    Unable to respond to non-verbal language such as ointing / following a gaze

5)     Difficulty with social  communication issues early in life

6)    Tend to engage in disruptive behavior to gain objects

7)    Less likely to be comorbid with anxiety and depressive disorders

8)    Perseverative interests like schedules, statistics, transportation, or geeky interests

Typical female ASD symptoms may include:

1)    Less repetitive and broader areas of play

2)    More likely to respond to non-verbals, be more focused, and

less prone to  distraction

3)    Difficulty with social communication shows up in early adolescence

4)    Tend to engage in disruptive behavior to gain attention

5)    More likely to struggle with comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders

6)    Perseverative interests are likely to involve more typical interests (TV stars, music, and less geeky interests)

7)    More likely to be passive or withdrawn

8)    Appear more competent socially when younger as may be mentored by peers

Autism Spectrum News

Any news about the autism spectrum?

Interesting that you should ask. A landmark study in 2022 at Stanford University School of Medicine looked at the brains of both males and females with ASD. The brains of girls with ASD showed different connectivity patterns from boys in several brain centers such as the primary motor cortex, language, and visuospatial attention systems. Differences in a group of motor areas, including the primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area, parietal & lateral occipital cortex, and middle and superior temporal gyri showed the largest differences between male and female ASD brains.

 Please subscribe to my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@braingurutaylor/videos

ADHD & Female Exhibition of Symptoms

Females with ADHD more likely to exhibit internalized behaviors including:

·        anxiety,  negative self-talk,  depression 

·        intrusive thoughts,  overthinking,  maladaptive daydreaming

·         impatience,   perfectionism,    overachieving,  underachieving 

·        losing focus in a variety of settings,    forgetful

·        auditory processing disorder,   eating disorders,   hypersexuality

·       body-focused repetitive behaviors (e.g., skin-picking, hair pulling)

·        sleep disorders including insomnia,  fatigue

·        intense emotional reactions,   crying with anger, guilt, or shame

·        feeling overwhelmed,   low levels of self-worth

·        shyness due to social anxiety and sensory sensitivities

·        people-pleasing,   codependency

·        body dysmorphia or negative body image     

A new video is posted every Saturday morning

https://www.youtube.com/@braingurutaylor/videos

ADHD & Male Exhibition of Symptoms

Males are more likely to exhibit externalized symptoms such as

·      hyperactivity,   fidgeting,   distractibility

·       high risk behaviors (e.g., substance misuse, speeding,        excessive spending)

·       frequently losing items,   interrupting others 

·       aggressive behaviors,   disruptive behaviors  

·       apathy,  dismissive..

·       self-centeredness,   unhealthy sexual behaviors,

·       seeming insensitive to other people’s emotions

·       teasing others or being sarcastic

·       needing to be right or proving others wrong,  d efensiveness

·       hightened emotional dysregulation like temper tantrums and anger outbursts