January 08, 2023
- A new article featured in Clinical Advisor outlines the mechanisms between unbalanced vitamin D levels and many neurological disorders. According to the article, suboptimal vitamin D levels are associated with calcium imbalance, oxidative stress, neurotrophin dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, poor amyloid clearance, and faulty neuronal transmission. Problems with these mechanisms have been linked to multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neurocognitive disorders (including autism), dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
- Researchers at the College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) discovered hearing impairment in a preclinical model of autism spectrum disorder. More specifically, they observed mild hearing loss and defects in auditory nerve function linked to autism. When the team looked closer at nerve tissue, they found abnormal glial cells, aging-like degeneration, and inflammation. These findings highlight the importance of considering sensory organs and their interactions with the brain in understanding autism.
- Recent research has found that elementary school-age children with developmental disorders (e.g., ADHD and ASD) were more likely to suffer from allergic diseases. The study discovered that the types of allergic diseases related to developmental disorders differed by grade and sex. The prevalence of allergic diseases was significantly higher in older grade school boys with developmental disorders. ADHD was often correlated with bronchial asthma and ASD with atopic dermatitis.
- The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee will meet Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. This virtual meeting is free and open to the public. Discussion topics include gaps in autism services and the IACC Strategic Plan. For more information, visit the IACC website.
- ARI is hosting a free webinar outlining the importance of self-care for adult caregivers who support people with special needs. Amanda Tami, MA, BCBA, LBA, LPC from the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development will present the webinar, which takes place on Wednesday, January 18th, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
