July 24, 2023
- A study conducted by researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found that community-based primary care providers (PCPs) who receive specialty training can accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in most cases. The research evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Early Autism Evaluation (EAE) Hub system, a statewide network in Indiana that provides specialized training to community PCPs. The study included 126 children aged 14 to 48 months. The results showed that ASD diagnosis was consistent between the EAE Hub clinicians and ASD experts in 82% of cases. These findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all model of autism evaluation is not needed to achieve high diagnostic accuracy rates and that scaling the EAE Hub model could reduce the burden on specialty care and improve access for children who require a higher level of diagnostic expertise.
- A lawsuit filed against the Pennsylvania Department of Education claims that some students with disabilities are being denied up to a year of federally guaranteed education. Federal law states that students with disabilities have the right to an education until they earn a regular high school diploma or turn 22. However, Pennsylvania’s policy forces students to graduate at the end of the school year when they turn 21. This policy deprives some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens of necessary services to help them achieve their educational and life goals. The lawsuit seeks to alter Pennsylvania’s policy and has been inspired by similar cases in other states. The action was brought on behalf of a 19-year-old student with multiple disabilities. The lawsuit requested class-action status to help other special education students facing the same situation.
- A new federal study found that 45% of the United States’s tap water supply could contain at least one form of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of “forever chemicals” linked to adverse health outcomes. Removing PFAS from local water supplies is difficult and requires companies that utilize PFAS heavily in their products to curb their usage or pay for cleanup. Individuals can reduce their exposure to the chemicals by checking with their public utility about whether there has been PFAS detected in their area and utilizing filtration systems to screen out the substances.
- It’s summer vacation season, and a new article in the American Press features suggestions for families with children with autism to help plan a successful getaway. The piece advocates for children with ASD to use calendars to help track how many days until the vacation occurs, how long the trip will last, and when it is time to come home. The article also suggests using a daily schedule with pictures of the family’s activities on their trip to help the child visualize the outings. Additionally, the piece advocates for always having an exit strategy if the child has a sensory overload. The author reminds parents to give positive reinforcement when the child exhibits appropriate behavior throughout their vacation.
