February 13, 2023
- A new analysis using information from the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) database determined that physical health disparity conditions in adults with autism have not been the focus of any research funded by the NIH in the last four decades. This finding is especially concerning given that autistic adults are at greater risk of virtually every major chronic health condition, including obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal dysfunction, sleep disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and immune system disorders.
- A recent research report article shows that a new evaluation tool for measuring executive functioning skills is reliable. The article’s authors conclude that the new Executive Functioning Scale is a dependable measure of distinct subdomains of executive functioning that are important for understanding outcomes across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions.
- Legoland has announced that their theme parks in North America will become Certified Autism Centers by the end of March. This designation means that front-line staff at Legoland parks in California, Florida, and New York will be trained to assist individuals with autism and other sensory issues. The park also plans to post ratings outside each ride to let guests know if there are bright lights, loud sounds, or other stimuli. Legoland’s maps will now identify low-traffic areas for individuals needing a sensory break.
- The family of a noted Toronto artist with autism, Niam Jain, filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario after a private athletics club required the 20-year-old to have supervision while using their facilities. The requirement came after a 2020 incident where Jain touched another club member’s bag in one of the club’s locker rooms. The member asked Jain, who is mostly non-verbal, to stop and then accused the artist of crude behavior. The Human Rights Tribunal adjudicator found the club more interested in appeasing “one angry member” and ordered the club to revoke the requirement that Jain has a caregiver. The adjudicator’s decision also included new accommodations for Jain, such as signage and a new locker room bench. The decision also requires improved human rights training for the club and a fine of $35,000 in damages.
- The MAPS Spring 2023 Functional & Translational Medicine Conference will be held March 16-18 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year’s conference will have a new look and format. The first day will include an introductory course, the MAPS foundation, and the final ACM course, MAPS in Clinical Practice. This year, MAPS will also feature an advanced course for experienced practitioners covering some of the newest innovations in integrative pediatrics. There will be two days of plenary sessions covering the topic of Chronic Infection, including Lyme disease and Lyme disease co-infections in pediatrics (both the science and practical solutions). Registration for MAPS is currently open.
