December 12, 2022
- A randomized clinical trial has discovered that oral butyrate can effectively treat pediatric obesity. This trial involved two groups of overweight children ages 5 to 17. A treatment group was given a daily oral butyrate supplement, while the control group was provided a placebo. At the end of the six-month trial, body mass index (BMI) dropped to an average of 26.53 from a baseline of 29.55 in the treatment group, while the placebo group only dropped to 28.71 from a baseline of 29.47. The authors behind this trial were encouraged by butyrate’s results and hope the supplement can help children fight obesity in the future. Unfortunately, half of American children with autism aged 10 to 17 are considered overweight or obese.
- According to a new article in Disability Scoop, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has found that Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia fell short in meeting its obligations to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to thousands of students with disabilities during remote learning due to COVID shutdowns. Specifically, the agency established that Fairfax County schools reduced or limited services to special education students for reasons other than their individual educational needs. Additionally, it was discovered the district incorrectly told staff that they were not required to provide compensatory services to students with disabilities who were denied FAPE since the district was not at fault for the shutdowns. Due to this federal decision, Fairfax County Public Schools are now convening meetings for all students with individualized education programs and Section 504 plans to assess whether compensatory services are warranted.
- A new study has questioned the perception that people with autism experience less pain than people without the disorder. Contrary to prior beliefs, the researchers discovered that individuals on the spectrum experience normal pain thresholds but increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. The study also found that people with autism can successfully inhibit short pain stimuli but not long-lasting pain stimuli.
- ADDitude-Inside the ADHD Mind reports that women with ADHD or autism experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) more often than their neurotypical counterparts. PMDD is a hormonal condition that causes significant and impairing depression, anxiety, mood swings, and other uncomfortable physical symptoms the week before menses. Typically, PMDD symptoms improve following menses and are usually absent in the weeks after a period. Treatments for PMDD include antidepressants, contraceptives, and lifestyle changes.
- A new commentary authored by a mother of a young adult with profound autism describes the challenges of finding appropriate programs once the transition from youth to adult services occurs. She points out that the problem of unavailable services for adults with developmental disabilities has been pushed to a crisis point since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, her son was placed in a group home and placed on a waiting list for a day program where he can be engaged with the community. In the meantime, while waiting for a spot to open, he spends much of his time in his room, where he has lost skills and developed troublesome new behaviors.
