Autism Genes

10/09/2025

There is a new Brain & Mitochondria Study in Nature Neuroscience. It has shown that when brain cells make more ATP (their energy fuel), thinking and learning improve.

Why does this matter? Mitochondria (the “powerhouses” of our cells) don’t just make energy, they also help brain cells talk to each other and regulate important brain chemicals like glutamate and GABA.

This study is the first to clearly show that boosting mitochondrial energy directly supports higher-level brain functions, and links energy problems in the brain to sensory-motor challenges often seen in autism and other conditions.

Reference:
Pagano Zottola et al. Potentiation of mitochondrial function by mitoDREADD-Gs reverses pharmacological and neurodegenerative cognitive impairment in mice. Nature Neuroscience, 2025.

Activation of Gs signaling at mitochondria by mitoDREADD-Gs increases mitochondrial metabolism, leading to better memory in mouse models of dementia, directly linking brain mitochondrial deficits to cognitive symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

09/09/2025

It's great to see new research on PANDAS in big name journals like "Nature". Slowly but surely the mainstream medical fraternity are recognising that this is a very real condition which afflicts so many of our Autistic kids.

09/08/2025

I'm looking forward to teaching the Pediatricians all about Autism genomics at the upcoming MAPS conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

📊 Genomic precision meets clinical reality in autism care. At this year’s MAPS Fall Conference, molecular pathologist and autism genomics leader Dr. Heather Way, PhD presents: “The Genomics Underpinning Chronic Illnesses in Autism: A Systems-Based Approach to Clinical Practice.” Dr. Way ble...

21/07/2025

New Autism Study Confirms 4 Distinct Subtypes

Just published in Nature Genetics, a landmark study involving over 5,000 autistic children reveals that autism comprises four biologically distinct subtypes—each with unique symptom profiles, co-occurring challenges, and genetic activity.

1. Social & Behavioural Challenges
Marked difficulties with social interaction and repetitive behaviours, along with high rates of anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, but no developmental delays.

2. Developmental Delay Subtype
Significant delays in milestones such as walking and talking, with fewer behavioural or anxiety issues.

3. Moderate Presentation
Mild to moderate symptoms, no milestone delays, and relatively fewer co-occurring conditions.

4. Broadly Affected
Severe developmental delays, strong autism symptoms, and multiple co-occurring challenges like anxiety and depression.
Importantly, the study shows that different genes are active in different subtypes—and at distinct developmental stages. Some genes act before birth, shaping early brain development, while others influence behaviour and emotional regulation during childhood.

This is powerful validation of what many clinicians already observe: autism is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Each child benefits from a tailored approach based on their genetic and developmental profile.

Full study:

Classes of autism are uncovered with a generative mixture modeling approach leveraging matched phenotypic and genetic data from a large cohort, revealing different genetic programs underlying their phenotypic and clinical traits.

21/07/2025

Dear Families,

We’re excited to share a simple but meaningful update with you.

Our public-facing clinic — where we offer personalised autism genomics support, online Zoom consultations, and practitioner-guided programs — is getting a new name.

The clinic will now be called "Autism Genes".

This new name reflects what we’ve always been about: helping families understand and support their autistic children through the power of genomic science. It’s clearer, easier to remember, and speaks directly to the community we serve.

But rest assured — nothing else is changing.
You’ll still be working with our same dedicated team of qualified nutrigenomics practitioners, all personally trained by Dr Heather Way. Your appointments, reports, and support remain exactly as before.

Behind the scenes, our original research centre TACGA continues as a world-class hub for autism gene research and discovery, led by Dr Heather Way. That work is still going strong and remains at the heart of everything we do.

Think of it this way:
TACGA is our research engine.
Autism Genes is our clinical care team — here to help you every step of the way.

We’re proud of where we’ve come from and even more excited about where we’re going — under a name that truly reflects our passion and purpose.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Warmly,
Dr Heather Way & the Team

www.autismgenes.com
+617 3878 4704
New Clinic Hours
Monday to Friday — 8:30am to 4:30pm

16/07/2025

A major U.S. study has just confirmed what we already know to be true: young children today are being exposed to a wide range of environmental chemicals during their most vulnerable developmental years. Researchers tested urine samples from 201 children aged 2–4, for 111 environmental chemicals:
• 96 were detected in at least five children
• 48 were found in more than half the children
• And 34 chemicals were present in over 90% of the children — including nine that hadn’t been previously monitored at the national level

Some of the chemicals detected including bisphenol S, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, and flame retardants, have been linked in other studies to hormone disruption, neurodevelopmental effects, immune changes, and oxidative stress.

Alarmingly, levels of several chemicals were higher in children than in their own mothers.

This is exactly why we assess detox pathways and look for any genomic blocks— so we can support the safe clearance of these substances. With the right nutrients and interventions, children can detox and thrive. 💚

Study citation:
Oh, J., et al. (2025). Exposures to Contemporary and Emerging Chemicals among Children Aged 2–4 Years in the United States Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort. Environmental Science & Technology.

Prenatal and early life exposure to environmental chemicals can increase the risk of multiple adverse child health outcomes. However, biomonitoring data for young children remain limited. This study leveraged the nationwide Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort to assess ch...

10/07/2025

🧠✨ Staying Ahead in PANS/PANDAS Care

Recent research from Child Psychiatry & Human Development highlights the profound impact of PANS/PANDAS on children's cognitive, emotional, and academic development—especially when support systems fall short. At TACGA, we're proud to stay aligned with cutting-edge science by emphasising proper diagnostic testing and early intervention.
Our approach empowers families with clarity, compassion, and science-led protocols—helping children get the support they need before symptoms escalate. Through continued education and advocacy, we’re driving awareness and improving outcomes one family at a time.

This article examines the degree to which major domains of child development are affected by Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)/Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Using cross-sectional survey data collected with an i...

08/07/2025

New research reveals that the brains of autistic individuals exhibit distinct patterns in genes related to the immune system, differing from those in other conditions like schizophrenia or Alzheimer's. This suggests that immune system activity may play a unique role in autism. Such insights reinforce the importance of addressing immune health in autism care.

Our approach integrates these findings, emphasizing immune system support in our protocols. We're committed to staying abreast of the latest research to provide the best for your child.

Read more here:

Postmortem brain samples from people with one of six conditions, including autism, show distinct signatures of over- and underexpression of immune genes.

30/06/2025

2025 Dirty dozen and Clean Fifteen list is out

Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes a report ranking fruits and vegetables by their pesticide residue levels. It’s called the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ — and if you're raising an autistic child, this list matters more than most people realise.

We talk a lot about gut health, detoxification, and immune load in autistic kids. Pesticides can impact all three. They’re known to interfere with the microbiome, irritate the gut lining, burden detox pathways, and in some cases, affect neurodevelopment. For a child who’s already vulnerable, even low-level exposures can have disproportionate effects.

This guide helps you prioritise where to spend on organic — without needing to buy everything organic.

❌ DIRTY DOZEN™ (Highest pesticide residue – as usual berries, apples and stone fruits dominate the list - buy organic):

1. Spinach
2. Strawberries
3. Kale, collard & mustard greens
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Cherries
7. Nectarines
8. Pears
9. Apples
10. Blackberries
11. Blueberries
12. Potatoes
Bell & hot peppers and green beans also had troubling pesticide levels and are flagged by EWG as nearly making the list.

✅ CLEAN FIFTEEN™ (Lowest pesticide residue – safer non-organic):

1. Pineapple
2. Sweet corn
3. Avocados
4. Papaya
5. Onions
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Cabbage
9. Watermelon
10. Cauliflower
11. Bananas
12. Mangoes
13. Carrots
14. Mushrooms
15. Kiwi

👩‍🔬 What This Means for Autism

We know autistic children often have impaired detox pathways, higher oxidative stress, and more gut inflammation. Pesticides can make all of those worse. By avoiding the worst offenders on the Dirty Dozen list — especially in raw or snackable forms like berries, apples, and grapes — you reduce that toxic burden significantly.

And when budgets are tight, the Clean Fifteen lets you breathe easier. If those items aren’t organic, you’re still doing okay.

📌 TIP: Start by switching just a few key items, organic berries are usually in the freezer section, always buy organic apples, and potatoes.
🔗 More info: EWG 2025 Full Report

💚 Share this post with any parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed in the produce aisle. One smart change at a time.

28/06/2025

Think diet drinks are a healthy swap when trying to reduce sugar in the diet? Think again. New research shows sucralose (a common artificial sweetener) drives appetite by confusing the brain’s hunger pathways — even without calories. 😳
As you transition sugary junk out of your child’s diet, be careful not to replace it with “sugar-free” or “diet” junk. The goal is real food, not fake food.🥗
Artificial sweeteners can do more harm than good.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01227-8

In a randomized, crossover clinical trial in healthy young adults with varying weights, sucralose increased hypothalamic blood flow and its functional connections with brain regions involved in motivation and somatosensory processing.

27/06/2025

🧩 Tip of the Day: Visual Schedules for Smoother Transitions

Visual schedules help reduce anxiety in children on the spectrum

They support smoother transitions between daily activities

Keep visuals simple and clear – use real photos if possible

Examples: 🪥 brushing teeth, 🥪 packing lunch, 👕 getting dressed

Get your child involved in creating their schedule

Makes it fun, builds connection, and gives them a sense of control

When kids have ownership, they’re more likely to engage and succeed!