July 17, 2023
- The results of a new study published in Pediatrics provide further evidence of a significant co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Gender Dysphoria (GD) in pediatric populations. The current study identified significant demographic differences in co-occurrence rates using electronic medical records. The authors reported sex, race, and insurance type, indicating potential disparities in ASD and GD diagnosis and service use. The findings suggest a need for enhanced screening in both ASD and gender clinic settings and as specialized programs and support services for youth with ASD and GD and their families. The study also highlighted the need to address biases and insurance coverage for services associated with these diagnoses to ensure that youth with co-occurring ASD and GD receive the care they need.
- A recent Department of Education audit has revealed that most states have failed to meet their obligations to serve students with disabilities for multiple years in a row. This year, only 22 states have met the requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The remaining states were designated “needs assistance,” with 22 states and Washington, D.C. earning that label for two or more years in a row. No state qualified for the lesser categories of “needs intervention” or “needs substantial intervention.” The U.S. Department of Education must evaluate each state’s performance in providing special education services annually and assign them to one of four categories: meets the requirements and purposes of IDEA, needs assistance in implementing the requirements of IDEA, needs intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA, or needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA.
- According to new international research, children with a history of constipation in infancy had an elevated risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially those who received more laxative prescriptions. This study highlights the importance for clinicians to look out for prodromal symptoms of autism in young children with constipation and assess the bowel condition, including the patency and gut microbiota, in children with ASD.
- The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has announced policy changes to its Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which assists military families with special needs children. These changes aim to establish similar standards and guidelines across all military branches to improve oversight and track performance. EFMP ensures that service members are assigned to locations where their family members’ specialized medical care, treatment programs, or educational services can be met. This new policy will be fully implemented by September 2024 and will result in changes to access to some resources. One of the new changes allows families to request an increase in EFMP respite support. The DOD is pledging to hire more support staff to fulfill this commitment. The new policy also orders each service branch to create a centralized program headquarters and an office at each military base with case managers to help enrolled families develop a family services plan.
- The Child Mind Institute has information and tips from their Family Resource Center on their YouTube channel. The institute’s videos help families support children who are struggling with a wide range of mental health, behavior and learning issues. New videos will be posted weekly.
