News
June 2022
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June 23, 2022A mother’s blood may carry the secret to one type of autism
The reactivity of a mother’s autoantibodies to specific fetal brain protein patterns can predict a child’s diagnosis with a type of autism known as MAR ASD. MAR ASD was present in around 20% of autistic kids in samples from Arkansas and Philadelphia and was linked to significant autistic traits.
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June 16, 2022
Successful first year for UC Davis program for students with intellectual disabilities
Redwood SEED Scholars, an inclusive UC Davis program for students with intellectual disabilities, has wrapped up a successful first year. Ten scholars will move on to their second year of the first-in-California program.
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June 07, 2022Study explores health effects of wildfire exposure on babies and pregnant people
Researchers are looking for pregnant people who were in Northern California during last year’s wildfire season, which included the Dixie and Caldor fires, to take part in a study. They’re exploring the potential impacts of wildfire exposure on pregnancy and babies.
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June 06, 2022Camp MIND offers in-person fun for autistic children, those with ADHD and more
Camp MIND, a summer day camp for autistic kids and teens, as well as children with other neurodevelopmental disabilities, is back in person this summer. The program at the UC Davis MIND Institute offers crafts, activities and games.
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May 2022
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May 12, 2022
MIND Institute’s Sally J. Rogers receives lifetime achievement award for work on autism
Sally J. Rogers, a developmental psychologist at the UC Davis MIND Institute, has been honored with a lifetime achievement award from the International Society for Autism Research. Rogers, a pioneer in early autism intervention, co-developed a leading form of behavioral therapy.
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April 2022
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April 08, 2022
Teleconferencing program seeks to improve autism care in underserved areas
Project ECHO is a teleconferencing program that connects autism care providers from Northern California and around the world with MIND Institute experts. The interdisciplinary program is holding two new sessions, from May to November. Providers earn continuing education credit for taking part.
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April 04, 2022Autism characteristics can change significantly from ages 3 to 11
In two studies, UC Davis MIND Institute researchers have found that the character of a child’s autism traits can change significantly over time. In this Q&A, they discuss what the changes are and what may be driving them.
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April 01, 2022New human reference genome opens unexplored regions
A new complete sequence of the human genome has been published by an international consortium of scientists. The research team includes Megan Dennis of the UC Davis MIND Institute and other UC Davis investigators.
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March 2022
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March 31, 2022New insights into FXTAS could inform future research and clinical trials
Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a progressive genetic condition that causes movement challenges and cognitive decline. UC Davis MIND Institute researchers have shown, for the first time, how FXTAS can manifest in its earliest stages.
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March 29, 2022$4 million research program seeks therapy for rare genetic condition ADNP syndrome
The UC Davis MIND Institute is launching a $4 million research program aimed at finding transformative therapies for ADNP syndrome, a rare genetic condition. A group of interdisciplinary researchers will evaluate multiple gene therapies for possible use.
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March 18, 2022Robot researcher receives EDGE in Tech Initiative Athena Award
Veronica Ahumada, director of the Technology and Social Connectedness Lab at UC Davis, was honored with the Early Career Award at the 2022 EDGE in Tech Initiative Athena Awards. The awards were presented virtually last week.
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March 03, 2022
MIND Institute program trains future leaders in care of autism, ADHD, fragile X and more
The UC Davis MIND Institute’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program is recruiting. Self-advocates, family members, researchers and clinicians who are passionate about improving the lives of people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities are invited to apply.
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March 02, 2022New partnerships will engage community in developmental disability research
The UC Davis MIND Institute has received funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to create community partnerships to increase equity in research. The goal is to create a network that includes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from diverse communities.
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February 2022
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February 23, 2022Donation expands access to social skills training for children on the autism spectrum
A new fund allows more families with autistic children to take part in a social skills training program at the UC Davis MIND Institute. The fund was created in honor of a local family.
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February 15, 2022Placenta may hold clues for early autism diagnosis and intervention
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute have identified a gene linked to fetal brain development and autism. Their work shows that the gene is influenced by the mother’s early prenatal vitamin use and placental oxygen levels.
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February 10, 2022Amygdala changes in autistic individuals linked to anxiety
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers finds significant changes in brain development linked to anxiety in autistic children. The study, which included brain scans and interviews, also provides new evidence that supports forms of anxiety specific to autism.
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January 2022
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January 19, 2022MIND Institute program gives undergraduates research experience in autism, mental health
The MIND Institute’s RISE-UP program is recruiting undergraduate students for its summer program. The unique opportunity is focused on students interested in serving historically underserved communities. They’ll learn more about research, clinical care, community support, neurodevelopmental disabilities and social justice.
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January 06, 2022Virtual Holiday Toy Drive raises $21,125 for hospitalized kids
The holidays were a little brighter for hospitalized kids at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, thanks to $21,125 that was raised during this year’s Virtual Holiday Toy Drive. The drive provided free toys for every hospitalized child, from infants to teens.
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December 2021
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December 10, 2021MIND Institute thanks research families with winter wonderland event
More than 200 families enjoyed a drive-through Winter Wonderland event designed to thank those who are involved in research studies at the MIND Institute. It featured inflatables, holiday lights and staff and volunteers in festive costumes.
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November 2021
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November 19, 2021
Mother of twins with 22q offers hope for other families dealing with genetic syndrome
Celeste and Alexia Madrigal have 22q, a rare genetic syndrome linked to 180 different physical, developmental and behavioral conditions. During 22q Awareness Month, they’re sharing their story to encourage hope.
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November 18, 2021Home-based research format may expand access to autism treatment studies
A new UC Davis MIND Institute study suggests that parent-led language testing delivered via telehealth is effective for children with autism. The format was tested in both English and Spanish-speaking families and may provide a new way to measure the efficacy of treatments.
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November 17, 2021School of Medicine receives funding to support researchers with COVID-19-related caregiving
The School of Medicine has secured research funds for early-career biomedical researchers working on clinical research projects and facing demands of caregiving increased by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recipients will receive support to bolster research productivity and professional development mentoring activities.
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November 16, 2021UC Davis Health Researchers recognized as Highly Cited Researchers 2021
Five UC Davis Health researchers were recognized as Highly Cited Researchers in 2021. They ranked in the top 1% by citations for field and publication year, showing significant research influence by publishing highly cited papers during the last decade.
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October 2021
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October 27, 2021
ADHD: An expert shares common symptoms and the latest research
During ADHD Awareness month, a UC Davis MIND Institute expert shares updates about the symptoms to look for as well as the latest research. The neurodevelopmental condition affects people of all ages and is often diagnosed in childhood.
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October 26, 2021
MIND Institute drive-through trunk-or-treat event major success
The UC Davis MIND Institute’s free drive-through trunk-or-treat event last weekend was so popular that it reached the maximum number of registrations in just a week. Over 150 families enjoyed the decorated car trunks, volunteers in costume, and treats and toys.
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October 15, 2021Study suggests telehealth screening of some infants could aid in early autism support
New UC Davis MIND Institute research suggests that developmental screenings conducted via telehealth could help bridge the gap between parents’ questions about autism and an eventual diagnosis for some infants. The goal is earlier support for families.
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October 14, 2021New virtual support group for neurodivergent girls, nonbinary teens
A new support group at the UC Davis MIND Institute is designed for neurodivergent girls and nonbinary teens who have autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder and more. NeuroTeens is a free, virtual group that offers social connection.
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October 08, 2021Smartphone app to track ADHD symptoms, behavior in people with neurodevelopmental conditions
The MIND Institute’s David Hessl has been awarded a $431,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to study a new app-based tool to measure ADHD symptoms and other behavioral challenges in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. The generosity of a MIND Institute patient’s family enabled him to develop the tool.
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October 04, 2021MIND Institute offers safe, festive drive-through trunk-or-treat
The UC Davis MIND Institute Child Life Program is hosting a drive-through trunk-or-treat Oct. 22. The safe fall festival will feature costumed volunteers handing out candy and toys to families who remain in their cars. Decorated vehicles will also be on display. It is free and open to the public.
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September 2021
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September 24, 2021Unusual visual examination of objects may indicate later autism diagnosis in infants
A UC Davis Health study suggests that unusual visual inspection of objects may precede the development of the social symptoms characteristic of autism syndrome disorder.
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September 16, 2021Veronica Ahumada brings human-robot interaction expertise to UC Davis Health
Veronica Ahumada joined UC Davis Health this year and brought her expertise in health informatics and human-robot interaction to the UC Davis Center for Health and Technology. She will be growing her research through two exciting grant-funded projects involving robots.
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August 2021
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August 26, 2021California’s stem cell agency funds research into Angelman syndrome and bioprint pacemaker
Professors David Segal and Deborah Lieu have received Discovery Stage Research Projects awards from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The grants will fund cell gene therapy for Angelman syndrome and building the first biopacemaker
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August 17, 2021Tips to help kids with autism transition back to in-person school
As kids head back to full-day, in-person school for the first time in over a year, things will look different. The transition is challenging for many students, particularly those with neurodevelopmental conditions. MIND Institute experts have some tips to help.
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August 12, 2021Annual MIND Summer Institute program a major success (video)
The UC Davis MIND Institute recently held its annual Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, a learning program that brings together experts, advocates, caregivers and families. This year’s virtual event highlighted strategies for improving mental health.
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July 2021
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July 09, 2021UC Davis psychology chair named to key federal committee on autism
Susan Rivera, psychology professor and chair and faculty member of the MIND Institute and Center for Mind and Brain, has been named to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. The federal committee provides guidance and recommendations on autism research, services, and policy.
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July 01, 2021Tips for a sensory-friendly July 4th
The Fourth of July is often characterized by fireworks, parades and celebrations, which can be challenging for some individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. A UC Davis MIND Institute expert offers some tips to make the holiday celebrations more comfortable.
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