Military Families Struggle to Access ABA for Their Children
Service Members Considering Early Separation to Ensure Appropriate ASD Treatment Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a primary intervention for autism. A large body of research exists which supports the program’s efficacy. In commercial or civilian health plans, ABA is considered a mental health service and protected by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act […]
DSM Update Makes Minor Changes to Autism and Intellectual Disability Diagnoses
New Edition of Manual Will Be Known as DSM-5-TR It has been nine years since the American Psychiatric Association (APA) issued the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). At the time of publishing, DSM-5 made sweeping changes to the way autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was diagnosed when it consolidated four labels […]
Gestational Exposure to BPA May Be Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Review Summarizes the Developmental Neurotoxicity of BPA in Lab Animals A new literature review has examined the correlation between exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in humans. NDDs refer to nervous system disorders caused by changes in brain development. These disorders include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability […]
Can an Autism Hug Machine Help Control Challenging Behaviors of Children on the Spectrum?
Recent Study Suggests Deep Pressure Provided by One Type of Device Can Be Calming Deep pressure has been widely used by occupational therapists who work with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The deep pressure sensation is thought to regulate the sensory system, reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety of individuals on the spectrum. […]
Labor Shortage Causes Waiting Lists for IDD Services
1 out of 8 Full-Time Direct Support Positions Across the Country Remain Unfilled A new report, titled the “Case for Inclusion” issued by United Cerebral Palsy and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) depicts a harsh landscape for those in search of intellectual and developmental disability services. The problem at the forefront […]
Methylmercury Chloride Exposure Deteriorates Behaviors and Impacts the Immune System
Mouse Model Study Shows Increased Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines after Exposure New research from Saudi Arabia has investigated the effects of methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) exposure on BTBR mice. BTBR mice are an inbred mouse strain that exhibit core symptoms of autism-like behaviors. The authors of this new study hypothesized that MeHgCl exposure could be associated […]
