A Tribute to Former SafeMinds Research Committee Member Gayle DeLong
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former SafeMinds supporter Gayle DeLong. Gayle left us after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind two daughters, Jennifer and Flora, and her husband, Jonathan. Also left behind are many friends in the autism community who are forever grateful for her contributions to […]
Largest Investment in Home and Community Based Services in Limbo
Disability Advocates Remain Optimistic The $2 trillion Build Back Better Act was passed by the House of Representatives back in November. The bill is now stalled in the Senate. Democratic leaders had hoped the bill would be passed before Christmas, but the measure was sidelined when Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., stated that he could […]
Are Regulatory Agencies Approving Drugs Too Quickly?
Study Reports Clinical Trials Were Missing for Newly Approved ADHD Medication According to a new study, regulatory agencies approved extended-release methylphenidate, a drug used to treat adult ADHD, without reviewing all relevant clinical trial documents. In fact, the study demonstrated that the omitted trials accounted for a median of 45% of all data from […]
More Research Connects Toxic Metals to the Development of Autism
Study Shows Children with ASD Had Higher Metal Levels in Urine, Blood and Hair Samples A new systematic review suggests that a high body burden of toxic metals is associated with autism. This review consisted of 6 studies and included 425 participants (226 children with autism and 129 controls.) The reviewed studies detailed higher […]
4 Biotech Companies Are Developing New Epilepsy Drugs
New Meds Target Seizures from Happening in the First Place Epilepsy affects approximately 3 million adults and almost a half a million children in the United States. Roughly 30% to 50% of children with autism also suffer with epilepsy. There are a number of anti-seizure drugs on the market, however, 30% of people with the […]
New Biomarker for Autism Discovered in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Biomarker’s Presence Could Establish a Link Between Autism and Epilepsy Scientists from Northwestern Medicine have discovered a new biomarker for autism. Possibly more exciting, these researchers believe that the detection of this novel biomarker provides evidence of a link between autism and epilepsy, which approximately 30% to 50% of children with autism also suffer from. […]