June 24, 2024
- Neuroscientists at the University of South Florida have developed an advanced brain mapping method using virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create detailed 3D visual timelines of neuron development in newborn mice. This innovative technique aims to unravel the complexities of autism and related disorders by focusing on the calyx of Held, a critical nerve terminal involved in auditory processing linked to social and cognitive impairments in autism. The study found that disruptions in early brain development can lead to these impairments, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention. Researchers aim to identify developmental anomalies and develop new therapeutic strategies by analyzing neuron growth and pruning processes. This research, supported by a $3.3 million NIH grant, underscores the potential of VR and AI technologies in enhancing our understanding of autism and improving diagnostic and treatment methods.
- A new validation study has evaluated the accuracy of clinical diagnosis codes in identifying childhood psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions using electronic health records (EHR) from an extensive, diverse healthcare system. The study found a strong agreement between diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM) and actual patient conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavior disorder (DBD), anxiety disorder (AD), and major depressive disorder (MDD), both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to ICD-10-CM coding and the pandemic had minimal impact on the accuracy of these diagnoses. The findings suggest that EHR data is reliable for identifying childhood mental and behavioral disorders, making it a valuable resource for epidemiological and pharmacoepidemiological studies.
- The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear Pitta v. Medeiros, a case that concerns whether parents can record meetings with their child’s school district about special education services. Scott Pitta, a father from Massachusetts, appealed after lower courts ruled that school officials could prevent him from video recording a virtual meeting about his son’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Pitta argued that his First Amendment rights were violated when the school district refused his request and subsequently ended the meeting when he attempted to record it. The lower courts rejected his claim, stating that the right to record government officials does not apply to private, closed-door meetings with school employees. Despite the involvement of the Goldwater Institute and a claim of national circuit court disagreement, the Supreme Court dismissed the case without comment.
- Don’t miss the Autism Research Institute’s (ARI) new webinar “Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.” The lecture is presented by Dr. Jennifer Frankovich, a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Immunology Rheumatology (AIR) at Stanford University/Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital (LPCH).
