In the world of autism spectrum disorder, cutting-edge technological innovations are continuously brought to the forefront of research and interventions. Autism research and technology are ultimatley forming a symbiotic relationship that seems promising for improving social, cognitive, and semantic abilities. From immersive virtual reality to AI-driven storytelling, new tools are expanding possibilities for improving social, …
SCN1A stands for sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 1 and the gene that encodes this channel is part of a family of genes that provides instructions to make sodium channels, which are essential in cellular signaling. SCN1A in particular encodes a sodium channel called NaV1.1 which is found in the brain. During this past school …
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. It's defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a neurological and developmental disorder that influences how individuals interact with others. A Response to the Huberman Lab Podcast A couple of …
Continue reading Exploring the Biological Basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
When you’re 18 years old, a big question occupies your mind: “How does one decide to leave home to go to school and start a new chapter of their life?” It’s very complicated. Technically, I’m an adult. I’m 18 years old. I’m legal. However, I’m still a “teen.” I still want hugs from my Mommy, …
Research on autism spectrum disorder offers opportunities to study specific genetic mutations that could potentially reveal biological insights into the development of autism. Consistent with this, researchers have created lists of hundreds of studied risk genes for autism. The vast majority of autism cases are the result of multiple genetic and biological factors (Singer, n.d.). …
Continue reading SCN2A: A Top Candidate Gene Linked to Autism
If you are a sibling, a parent or grandparent, an aunt or an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a neighbor or just a passer bye, I want to give you my perspective of the autistic brain, as a daughter and as a sister. It is important to understand that autism affects the entire family, not …