April 15, 2024
- A recent study led by researchers at the University of Florida and Linköping University has found a link between disrupted gut flora in early childhood and the later development of ASD, ADHD, communication disorder, and intellectual disability. Analyzing data from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden study, which followed over 16,000 children from birth into their twenties, the researchers discovered distinct differences in intestinal flora between children who developed these neurological disorders and those who did not, as early as their first year of life. Factors such as antibiotic treatments during infancy, repeated ear infections, and parental smoking were associated with an increased risk of these conditions, while breastfeeding appeared to have a protective effect. Specific bacteria patterns, including the presence of Citrobacter and the absence of Coprococcus, were linked to higher future diagnosis risks. The study also highlighted imbalances in essential fatty acids and higher levels of PFAS substances in children later diagnosed with ASD.
- New research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has investigated how air pollution could affect the DNA in sperm from fathers around the time their child was conceived. The study found that exposure to certain traffic-related pollutants led to changes in the DNA methylation, or DNAm, of the sperm. Although specific DNA regions affected by pollution didn’t overlap, genes essential for brain development were changed by all four pollutants. One gene, CSMD1, linked to brain development and disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, showed changes with each pollutant. The study also found that higher exposure to air pollution was linked to less DNAm in sperm. This finding suggests that a father’s exposure to pollution could affect their child’s brain development through these DNA changes in sperm.
- A new JAMA Pediatrics editorial using US Medicaid claims data revealed that children diagnosed with autism or intellectual disability are significantly overrepresented in the foster care system. While 1.5% of the 28.1 million Medicaid-enrolled children were in foster care in 2018, between 4% and 5% of children with autism or intellectual disability diagnoses were in foster care. This discovery means that almost 1 in 11 children in foster care have either autism or intellectual disability. The study also highlighted racial disparities, particularly affecting Black children with intellectual disability. Interestingly, while boys are typically more likely to be in foster care than girls in the general population, girls with developmental disabilities were at higher risk. Additionally, adolescents aged 13 to 17 with developmental disabilities were twice as likely to be in foster care compared to younger children.
- England’s National Health Service (NHS) is facing an overwhelming demand for autism and ADHD assessments and treatments, with their current system being described as “obsolete.” This surge in demand has outpaced the health service’s capacity to provide timely care, resulting in long waiting lists for assessments and treatments. Data from NHS Digital shows that the number of people waiting for an autism assessment in England has soared to 172,040 as of December 2023, up from 32,220 in December 2019. Despite recommendations for autism diagnosis within three months of referral, over 147,000 patients waited at least 13 weeks for an appointment. Similarly, ADHD assessments are also experiencing delays, with a 51% increase in ADHD medication prescriptions noted. Advocates emphasize the need for a “radical rethink” and a “whole-system approach” across education, society, and the NHS to address the growing needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders effectively.
