Multiple Studies Show Autism Rates Surging Worldwide
Three large epidemiological studies released this spring show a continuing trend, autism rates are increasing, not just in the United States, but across the globe. Regrettably, researchers and scientists still do not understand why.
Autoantibodies and Autism, Is There a Connection?
Although there are still no definitive answers for what causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a good deal of research that points to an interaction between genetics and environmental factors as a possible mechanism for causation. Over the past two decades, associations between immune system abnormalities and autism have been linked. A new systematic review from Harvard Medical School, among other institutions, examines this intricate relationship.
Interview with Dr. Walter Zahorodny
SafeMinds recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Walter Zahorodny, Principal Investigator of the New Jersey Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network about his latest research, which assisted in calculating the newest CDC autism rate. As highly publicized last March, 1 in 54 or almost two percent of American eight-year-olds now hold an autism diagnosis. To shed more light on this situation, Dr. Zahorodny shared his incredibly important viewpoints surrounding the ever-increasing autism crisis with SafeMinds. To learn more, watch our newest video.
Legislative Fix to Aid Families with Adult Dependents During COVID-19
On March 31st, 2020, Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the All Dependent Children Count Act (H.R. 6420) into the House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill aims to expand eligibility for stimulus payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was passed on March 27th to remediate the economic fallout from the Coronavirus pandemic.
Considering the Biology of Suicide in Autism
In our last SafeMinds Shares, we highlighted a review of the psychiatric conditions that frequently co-occur with an autism diagnosis. One of these conditions is suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The James Kirk Bernard Foundation, founded by parents with an autistic son and a typical son who died from suicide, has written an extensive overview of the commonalities between autism and suicide biology and life situations, which may explain why people with autism are a high-risk group for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. With April 30 marking the last day of Autism Awareness Month and May 1 the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, SafeMinds Shares brings this important topic to our readers.
Infants’ Screen Time, Less Play with Parents Linked to Higher Risk of Autism-Like Symptoms
According to a new study which has received criticism from some scientists and advocates, 12-month-old babies who spend time viewing images on a smartphone, tablet or television, are more likely to exhibit symptoms of autism by age 2. On the other hand, 12-month-old babies who spend part of their day playing with their parents have decreased odds of developing symptoms of autism by age 2. These new findings were released by Drexel University’s School of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health. The study was published online April 20 in JAMA Pediatrics.
