Autism Spectrum Disorders

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

The ability to analyze and predict the behavior of non-living systems.

A spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social communication and interaction challenges.

The tendency for males to have a stronger preference for systemizing compared to females.

A score representing an individual's ability to empathize.

A score representing an individual's ability to systemize.

The study of the brain and its functions.

A condition characterized by a rapid decline in cognitive and social skills in children.

The process of creating new neurons from neural progenitor cells.

Programmed cell death, eliminating excess and faulty neurons.

Newly formed neurons travel to their specific location in the brain.

Neurons specialize in their function, becoming specific types.

The process of growing and extending axons and dendrites.

The formation of connections between neurons, crucial for communication.

The process of refining and strengthening connections between neurons.

The study of the brain's structure and function using imaging techniques.

The DSM-5, also known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, provides a comprehensive classification system for mental health disorders.

The spectrum refers to the range of severity and characteristics within a particular disorder. This refers to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The DSM-5 has provided a more refined and clear definition of the triad of symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These are deficits in social communication, social interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviors.

This refers to the back-and-forth exchange of social cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and verbal responses, that normally occur during social interaction.

This includes nonverbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, body language, and eye contact. These help to convey meaning and emotion.

This refers to the ability to build and maintain relationships with others, including making friends, engaging in social activities, and understanding social cues.

This refers to repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that are common in ASD. Examples include stereotyped movements, repetitive speech, and fixated interests.

This refers to unusual sensory sensitivities, such as an aversion to certain textures, sounds, or lights, or a heightened sensitivity to pain or temperature.

Genetic variations that occur rarely in the population but have a strong impact on the development of autism.

Genetic variations that are found in a larger proportion of the population but have a smaller impact on the development of autism.

The idea that many genes are involved in causing autism, leading to disruptions in the development and function of synapses.

Genes that control the production and activity of other genes involved in forming and maintaining synapses.

Genes that regulate the structure and function of dendrites, the branches of neurons that receive signals.

Genes that coordinate the organization and function of proteins within synapses.

Genes that directly control the flow of electrical and chemical signals within neurons, influencing neuronal excitability.

Genes that influence the development of synapses, including the formation of connections between neurons and the stability of these connections.

Therapies focusing on physical interaction, often involving caregivers, to enhance social engagement and improve behavioral skills.

A specific type of genetic change in the Neuroligin-3 gene, where the amino acid Arginine at position 451 is replaced by Cysteine.

A type of therapy that aims to identify and address cognitive deficits, building awareness and teaching strategies for overcoming these challenges.

A group of mice with a specific genetic alteration in the Neuroligin-3 gene, where the amino acid Arginine at position 451 is replaced by Cysteine.

A condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, often accompanied by repetitive behaviors. It's a spectrum disorder, meaning its severity and presentation vary from person to person.

Treatment approach employing medications that target various neurochemical pathways to alleviate specific autistic symptoms, such as repetitive behaviors, sleep disturbances, and aggression.

Drugs that affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, used to manage social impairments and repetitive behaviors in autism.

Molecules found on the surface of neurons that play a crucial role in forming and maintaining connections between neurons.

A complex mechanism by which neurons adapt and change their connections based on experience and activity. Important for learning and memory.

A type of drug therapy for autism that focuses on regulating neurotransmitter pathways linked to behavioral disorders.

A neurotransmitter that is essential for regulating many brain functions, including mood, anxiety, sleep, and learning and memory. It plays a key role in inhibiting neuronal activity.

A type of experiment where a specific gene is removed or altered to study its function. In this case, the Neuroligin-3 gene was either completely removed (KO) or had the R451C mutation.

A type of approach used to study complex disorders like autism by focusing on specific brain circuits and their involvement in different aspects of the disorder.