June 06, 2022
Community Shares:
- New research, using a rat model, suggests that sleep apnea experienced in the last trimester of pregnancy can cause maternal inflammation leading to neural and behavioral changes in offspring. These changes raise the risk for illnesses affecting the brain including schizophrenia and autism. The study pointed out that male pups were more likely to be affected by neural abnormalities than female pups. These abnormalities centered on excessive synapse numbers, and hyperactive cortical signaling, especially in a signaling pathway called the mTOR pathway.
- A recent New York Times article featured the heartbreaking story of a couple’s search for an appropriate residential placement for their thirteen-year-old with autism. Their daughter is prone to violent outbursts, which at times became so escalated that police intervention was necessary. After a 44-day hospitalization for acute mental distress, it became apparent that the girl’s school-based program was no longer meeting her needs and a different placement was warranted. In New York State, there are approximately 50 residential schools for students with special needs. Demand for spots in these facilities is great, and the schools can become very picky on who they accept. After months of waiting and one failed attempt at an out-of-state residential program, the couple found a spot in another out-of-state program for their daughter. The placement is currently meeting the girl’s needs, and she is adjusting to her new environment.
- An international team of researchers has assessed the efficacy of two different aquatic training programs for children with autism. Specifically, their study investigated how technical vs. game-based swimming lessons affected the children’s gross motor skills, stereotypical behavior, and emotional regulation. For this research, the children were randomly divided into three groups: a technical aquatic program group, a game-based aquatic program, and a control group, which did not perform any aquatic activities. Both experimental aquatic groups improved in gross motor skills and stereotyped behavior. A small improvement in emotional functioning was found in all three groups. The team believes their results suggest that both training programs could be implemented in educational and vocational settings for children with autism to aid in their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
- Breeze Airways, a new start-up airline from the founder of JetBlue, intends to become the first autism-inclusive U.S. network carrier. The airline will offer its frontline staff specialized training to ensure a safe and happy travel experience for individuals on the spectrum. Flight attendants will be taught to identify and alleviate the stress associated with airline travel. Breeze Airways focuses on the East and the Southeast United States, but has recently expanded to serve 30 cities in 18 states.
