February 26, 2024
- A new study has investigated the prevalence and experiences of individuals with profound autism and their families to address the lack of understanding and potential stigma surrounding their level of autism spectrum disorder. By analyzing data from six samples in the United States and Western Europe, the study reveals wide variations in the prevalence of profound autism, ranging from 11% to 48%. Furthermore, thematic analysis of interviews with 20 caregivers identifies two main themes: Community Perceptions of Autism and Family Support Needs and Advocacy Challenges. Despite caregivers not directly discussing stigma, 85% of participants reported instances of perceived stigma. These findings underscore the need for further research to better understand and support individuals with profound autism and their families, emphasizing the importance of addressing their unique needs and experiences throughout their lives.
- A recent trial has compared the effects of umbilical cord milking (UCM) (i.e., squeezing the umbilical cord several times before it is clamped and cut) versus early cord clamping (ECC) on neurodevelopmental outcomes in non-vigorous infants. Among almost a thousand infants, UCM and ECC groups showed similar scores on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, third edition (ASQ-3), and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R) at various follow-up points. Despite no significant difference in ASQ-3 scores or M-CHAT-R outcomes between the groups, the study suggests that UCM may offer short-term benefits without long-term adverse effects on neurodevelopment. While the primary outcome of reduced NICU admissions was not significantly different between the UCM and ECC groups, secondary outcomes such as the need for resuscitation in the delivery room, hemoglobin levels, and Apgar scores favored UCM.
- Oregon State University researchers have recently analyzed the interconnectedness of motor skills and cognitive skills in young children with autism, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between behavioral and physical therapists to enhance care. By surveying 172 families of children aged 4 to 7 with autism, their study revealed a significant association between motor skills and executive function, particularly in working memory and inhibition. Notably, the authors discovered that fine motor skills correlate more strongly with cognition than gross motor skills. The study’s findings underscored the importance of early interventions integrating motor and cognitive development, suggesting that early motor skills lay the groundwork for later cognitive abilities. The authors recommend that therapists collaborate and engage families in activities that promote the holistic development of children with autism, emphasizing the significance of play and interactive learning opportunities in fostering essential skills.
- Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez, an occupational therapist who is deaf and has autism, has won a municipal discrimination lawsuit against the town of Enfield and its board of education in a U.S. District Court in Connecticut after over four years of legal battles. Hernandez, a former Enfield elected official, successfully argued that the town failed to provide reasonable accommodations for her disabilities during her tenure. The jury’s unanimous decision found Enfield and the board of education liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, marking a significant win for disability rights and representation in government.
