Socioeconomic & Racial Divide in Autism Numbers
A startling new study out of the University of Colorado Boulder exposed an unexpected trend. Autism rates are escalating for African American and Hispanic families as well as economically disadvantaged families, while the rates for wealthy Caucasian families have declined.
Dealing with the Coronavirus Emergency For Autism Families
The media has done an excellent job promoting the CDC’s steps to protecting one’s self and others from COVID-19. However, teaching social distancing, proper hand washing techniques, and avoiding touching your face will be quite challenging for many of those on the spectrum. Someone with ASD may have sensory issues or lack understanding of personal space. Following multi-step directions may be difficult or not remembered without prompting. Getting used to staying at home or sheltering in place will disturb daily routines. Persistence, patience and perseverance will be the orders of the day to get through this trying time.
Exposure to Phthalates During Pregnancy Associated with Autism Traits
A UMASS Amherst study shows that boys exposed in the womb to phthalates were more likely to exhibit autism traits at ages three and four. The study used the term “autistic traits” instead of “autism” due to the young age of the children used in the research. The authors felt there may be a chance some children may exhibit a few symptoms of autism but not be diagnosed with the full disorder later.
Duquesne University Research Team Sets Lofty Goal of Stopping Autism Pathology as it Develops
Duquesne University has announced a biomarker test developed to identify children in the process of developing autism, possibly stopping the progression before their brain pathology worsens. In the future, this test may even help identify newborns at risk of developing the disorder.
Autism & Sleep Troubles: A Critical Concern and Least Studied Feature of the Spectrum
The two most common issues for individuals with autism are insomnia and diminished time spent in the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage. The insomnia people with autism experience not only makes it difficult to fall asleep but it also makes it a challenge to stay asleep. The general population spends about 23 percent of their sleep in the REM cycle. People with autism only spend 15 percent, making their sleep less restorative. Lower quality sleep can lead to poor social skills, more severe repetitive behaviors and lower scores on IQ tests.
What Leads to the Good Life for Autistic Adults? Nobody Knows.
People with autism live most of their lives as adults, yet almost all research – 98% – has been done on children. And what meager research on adult outcomes exists has generally focused on the individual or family – on skill development or caregiving approaches, for example. Yet studies on health challenges across many fields have shown that community- or systems-level capacities – the services offered, innovation in programs, case coordination, financing – are vital components to achieving sufficient quality of life. Surprisingly, there are few studies evaluating programs and services for autistic adults, reports a new study.
