Study Finds No Causal Link Between Maternal Vitamin D, DHA Levels and Child Neurodevelopment
Norwegian research has investigated whether maternal deficiencies in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) during pregnancy causally affect offspring neurodevelopment, using Mendelian randomization (MR) and trio-MR analysis.
Iron Deficiency Linked to Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism and ADHD
A recent study examined the role of iron deficiency (ID) in sleep/wake disorders among children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Community Shares | September 23rd 2024
This week’s articles:
- Researchers reviewed evidence suggesting the rising prevalence of ASD is not only due to improved diagnostic practices but also influenced by genetic factors interacting with modern environmental exposures, particularly during pregnancy.
- New research assessing noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds in children with ASD found that while the earbuds did not improve speech perception in noisy environments, they significantly enhanced auditory attention and classroom listening behaviors.
- A new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm designed to automatically identify and quantify stereotypical motor movements in children with ASD demonstrated 92.5% sensitivity in a recent study, offering a potential breakthrough in autism research.
- A study revealed that only one-third of adolescents with ASD and no intellectual disability acquire a driver’s license, with most doing so around age 17.
Dungeons and Dragons Shown to Provide Safe Space for Individuals with Autism to Build Social Connections
A European study published in the journal Autism has revealed that tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons offer a safe and supportive environment for ASD adults to build social connections and boost self-confidence.
Community Shares | September 16th 2024
This week’s articles:
- A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial found that oral folinic acid supplementation significantly improves symptoms in children with ASD.
- Research has discovered that inflammatory gene expression in pregnant mothers with asthma may be linked to an increased likelihood of autism in their infants.
- A review published in Environmental Health Perspectives determined that poor housing conditions, mainly residential dampness and mold exposure, have harmful effects on mental health in both adults and children.
- Researchers have raised serious concerns about fetal exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), through red blood cell transfusions.
New Systematic Review Finds Environmental Toxins Linked to Higher Autism Risk
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has identified a link between certain environmental toxins and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emphasizing the role of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, copper, phthalates, and PCB 138.
