ADHD & Autism

In a massive study of more than nine million pregnancies, a strong link has been found between gestational diabetes and children born with neurodevelopmental conditions – it translates to a 36% increased risk of ADHD and a 56% higher risk of autism.

A new study significantly strengthens the case that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder brains are structurally unique, thanks to a new scanning technique known as traveling-subject method. It isn't down to new technology – but better use of it.

A comprehensive review looking at autistic adults over the age of 40 has found that as many as 90% of cases are undiagnosed, leading older adults – who are more susceptible to poor mental and physical health outcomes – with no recognition or support.

Obesity before pregnancy, not just during, may shape a child’s brain and raise the risk of autism, a new study has found. Epigenetic changes in eggs triggered gene shifts linked to autism-like behaviors, revealing a critical window for prevention.

A massive study has found that ADHD medication has a real-world social impact – for the those on the drugs and the wider community. In nearly 150,000 newly diagnosed people, medication appeared to offer sweeping benefits beyond just symptom management.

For the first time, a new study demonstrates that insomnia severity directly impacts ADHD traits and quality of life in adults. It calls for more attention to be paid to how treating sleep disorders can greatly improve wellbeing for people with ADHD.

Exposure to common metals has again been linked to ADHD and specific symptoms. It builds on existing research that has found a strong association between environmental contaminants like lead and a higher rate of people diagnosed with the condition.

Researchers have found a genetic link between the nighttime production of the sleep hormone melatonin and ADHD severity in children. The study enhances our understanding of the complexities associated with this prevalent neurodevelopmental condition.

An example of the emerging science linking between gut health and autism, exciting new research moving into Phase 3 human trials has found fecal transplants can dramatically reduce its symptoms in the long term. ​

Not everyone with ADHD responds to stimulants like Ritalin, which increase dopamine levels. New research suggests the drug’s effectiveness is less about the dopamine it produces and more about the number and type of brain receptors that respond to it.

In the first study of its kind, scientists have used extensive data to identify that adults with ADHD have a significantly lower life expectancy than their neurotypical peers. This unprecedented research should serve as a serious wake-up call.

After recording kids copying the dance moves of an on-screen avatar for just a minute, an innovative tool can accurately distinguish neurotypical children from those with autism. It can even tell autism from ADHD, conditions that commonly overlap.

There's been a significant rise in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in recent years, with some 61.8 million cases worldwide. Experts are calling for better access to medical support as it moves into the top 10 of non-fatal health burdens.

In a massive analysis of 113 clinical trials involving nearly 15,000 adults, researchers found that there's just one method that relieves core symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder – but no existing treatment improves quality of life.

People with disabilities face many obstacles navigating the workforce, and for the neurodiverse population, having conditions that can 'hide in plain sight' present unique challenges. This initiative wants to change it – whether it works, is another thing.