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.
Read MoreRedwood 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.
Read MoreResearchers 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.
Read MoreCamp 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.
Read MoreSally 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.
Read MoreProject 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreFragile 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreVeronica 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreResearchers 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreMore 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.
Read MoreCeleste 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreFive 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.
Read MoreDuring 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreNew 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreA UC Davis Health study suggests that unusual visual inspection of objects may precede the development of the social symptoms characteristic of autism syndrome disorder.
Read MoreVeronica 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.
Read MoreProfessors 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
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreSusan 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.
Read MoreThe 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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