
The Pineal Gland’s Relationship to Sleep Disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Melatonin Production Takes Place Predominantly in Pineal Gland SafeMinds Shares has covered many studies which explored varying topics related to autism and sleep disturbances. In the past, we have looked at sensory sensitivities, lack of adequate sleep disturbance screenings, insomnia treatment barriers, and poor sleep and its connection to autism severity. Now, for the first […]

Lower Levels of Urine Nitric Oxide Metabolites Found in ASD Parents
Problematic Physical Manifestation Shows that Parents Need More Support A recent study from China has associated lower urine nitric oxide (NO) metabolites levels in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy adults of the same age. This finding suggests that parents dealing with autism, especially mothers, may have experienced more mental […]

Study Shows Higher Autism Rates for Black Children Living in England
Pupils Facing Social Disadvantage Also More Likely on Spectrum The standardized prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 5 – 19) in England is 1.76%. Yet, that prevalence rate jumps to 2.11% for Black pupils, according to an original investigation report published in JAMA Pediatrics. For this ASD prevalence […]

AAP Urges Pediatricians to Stop Certain Clinical Tests for Kids with Autism
Association Claims No Need for Metal, Mineral, or Environmental Toxin Assessments The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Environmental Health has urged pediatricians and families across the country to stop using several clinical tests for children with autism and other related disabilities. This recommendation, among others, is included within a broader campaign called “Choosing Wisely,” […]

Community Shares | June 15th
Community Shares: New York Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara helped pass a legislative package which removed employment barriers for individuals with autism. His legislation aims to remedy the 75%-85% unemployment rate for adults with autism and urge New York companies to set up a more inclusive workplace. A new study shows that individuals with autism often have […]

Modifications to Interoception Sensory Questionnaire Help Individuals with ASD
Reduced Number of Questions Resulted in a Better Experience for Test Subjects The human body has eight different sensory systems: visual, auditory, olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), tactile (touch), vestibular (sense of head movement in space), proprioceptive (sensations from muscles and joints), and interoception. We learn about the first five sensory systems in basic science […]