August 26, 2024
- A South Korean study with over 3 million infants found that antibiotics used during pregnancy and the first six months after birth are linked to an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Specifically, prenatal and postnatal antibiotic use raised the risk of such disorders by 7% and 5%, respectively, with a combined effect increasing the risk by 12%. The risk was notably higher for severe conditions such as intellectual disability, ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and autism compared to common conditions like general behavioral issues. The risk also grew with the number and duration of prescriptions. These findings suggest that healthcare providers should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing antibiotics to young children, considering potential long-term impacts on mental health.
- New research examining the effects of neonatal immune activation (NIA) via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure on rodents found that this exposure leads to significant sex- and age-specific changes in gut function and behavior. Mice exposed to LPS during early postnatal days showed consistent working memory impairments across all groups. Adult female mice exhibited increased gut inflammation and altered barrier function, marked by elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced glutathione, an antioxidant, in specific gut regions. Additionally, behavioral assessments revealed depressive-like symptoms in adult females and varied responses in juvenile mice. These findings highlight how LPS-NIA affects gut health and behavior differently based on sex and age, suggesting potential pathways for understanding gastrointestinal issues in developmental disorders such as autism.
- A recent meta-analysis reviewed 30 studies to explore the link between ASD and atopic eczema (AE). The analysis found that individuals with ASD have a significantly higher risk of developing eczema, with a risk ratio of 1.34, compared to those without ASD. Conversely, people with eczema also show a heightened risk of ASD, with a risk ratio of 1.67. These findings suggest a possible connection between the two conditions, highlighting the need for further research into their underlying mechanisms and potential shared factors.
- The Autism Research Institute is excited to announce a free webinar titled “The Science of Making Friends for Autistic Youth: Lessons from the UCLA PEERS Program,” scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The webinar will feature Dr. Elizabeth A. Laugeson, a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, also a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Laugeson will share insights from the UCLA PEERS Program, offering valuable strategies for fostering social connections among young people with autism.
