autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

November 1, 2012

Studies explore best ways to manage insomnia in autism

Simply giving parents a pamphlet about sleep habits did not help their children with autism spectrum disorders get a better night’s sleep, but capturing best practices for an overarching approach to insomnia in autism may help health care providers identify and manage symptoms in these patients.

By Christina Echegaray
October 17, 2012

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center hosts autism study tour for French disability professionals

By VUMC News and Communications
puzzel pieces, autism
September 24, 2012

Little evidence supports medical treatment options for adolescents with autism

Despite studies that show that many adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders are being prescribed medications, there is almost no evidence to show whether these medications are helpful in this population.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 6, 2012

Neuronal subtypes in genetic disorder

Inhibitory neurons that connect and regulate signaling in the brain (interneurons) may contribute to epilepsy and autism in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

By Leigh MacMillan
puzzel pieces, autism
August 27, 2012

Little evidence supports autism treatment options in adolescents

There is insufficient evidence to support findings, good or bad, for therapies currently used in adolescents and young adults with autism.

By VUMC News and Communications
July 31, 2012

Biomarkers may offer autism clues

A combination of biomarkers may reveal new clues about causes of and potential interventions for autism.

By VUMC News and Communications
June 27, 2012

Probing the roots of depression by tracking serotonin regulation at a new level

An interdisciplinary team of scientists have successfully tagged a protein that regulates the neurotransmitter serotonin with tiny fluorescent beads, allowing them to track the movements of individual molecules for the first time. This capability makes it possible to study the manner in which serotonin regulates mood, appetite and sleep at a new level of detail.
May 11, 2012

Perfect timing for sensory processing

Identification of brain regions involved in processing sights and sounds may offer insights into disorders like autism and dyslexia.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 6, 2012

Minds wide open: Neuroscience at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University has emerged as one of the nation’s leading academic centers in neuroscience.
By Bill Snyder
January 26, 2012

“My Health Chat” takes on autism, other developmental disabilities

By VUMC News and Communications
June 24, 2011

Children with autism take center stage at SENSE Theatre

Vanderbilt researcher uses theater as therapy for children with autism.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 14, 2011

Researchers discuss ethical considerations of ‘curing’ disabilities

Vanderbilt researchers from the Department of Pediatrics, Peabody College and the Divinity School joined with parent advocates for a panel discussion on the ethical considerations of "curing" disabilities.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 4, 2011

Better tools needed to target autism treatments for children

Although an evaluation of existing treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders found positive results in some studies, better information is needed to target the right treatments to specific children.
By Craig Boerner