August 12, 2024
- Researchers at Duke University have developed a new app, SenseToKnow, which aims to enhance ASD screening for toddlers. Tested in 475 cases during routine well-child visits, the app uses a tablet to show brief movies and records children’s reactions via the device’s front camera, capturing a wide range of autism-related behaviors. Analyzed with computer vision and machine learning, the app demonstrated high sensitivity (88%) and specificity (81%) compared to existing tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), which has a high sensitivity but lower specificity. The app’s objective data collection and ability to combine multiple behavioral indicators make it a promising addition to autism screening, potentially reducing emotional stress for families and improving early detection. Combining SenseToKnow with M-CHAT could further enhance screening accuracy. The app’s success highlights the need for continued development and proper implementation by healthcare providers to ensure effective autism screening and timely referrals.
- A recent study has found a significant association between parental depression and an increased risk of developmental disorders in children, including ASD, ADHD, tic disorders, and various developmental delays. The research highlights that ADHD has the strongest correlation with parental depression, while developmental speech or language disorders show the weakest link. Notably, prenatal depression was linked to a broader range of neurodevelopmental issues compared to postnatal depression, which was primarily associated with ADHD and developmental coordination disorder. The study underscores the need for clinicians to monitor children of parents with major depression closely and calls for further research to explore the specific mechanisms connecting parental depression with developmental disorders.
- The U.S. Senate has advanced the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024, a key piece of legislation aimed at enhancing autism research and services. The Autism CARES Act has been in effect since 2006, but some provisions are set to expire at the end of September. The bill proposes $2 billion in federal funding over the next five years to support research on autism’s causes, diagnosis, prevention, and interventions, as well as co-occurring conditions. It reauthorizes and expands programs operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services, aiming to improve the development of new educational programs and address staffing shortages in autism therapy. The legislation also mandates a report on increasing the number of developmental-behavioral pediatricians and emphasizes support for individuals across the autism spectrum, including those with communication challenges.
- Don’t miss an enlightening webinar exploring the impact of Gut-Brain Axis Therapeutics (GBAT) on autism, featuring firsthand accounts from four parents whose children with autism participated in groundbreaking clinical trials. Discover how Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT) has made a difference in their lives. The event will be moderated by Audrey Davidow Lapidus, President of the Pitt Hopkins Foundation, and include a detailed overview of past, current, and future clinical trials by Dr. James Adams, funded by Gut-Brain-Axis Therapeutics Inc. Additionally, pioneering entrepreneur Dan Feshbach will discuss his fundraising approach and the challenges and impacts documented in these trials with Dr. James Adams. This one-hour webinar will be held on Thursday, August 22 at 5:30 pm PDT. Registration is required.
