March 06, 2023
- A recent research article indicates that children with ASD and GI symptoms have an immune system response imbalance that manifests in their circulating plasma cytokine levels. The author, Paul Ashwood, Ph.D., suggests that children with ASD and GI symptoms may be a subgroup of the disorder and that targeted treatments could be developed to help this distinct group. His team believes that two areas of potential treatments for this subgroup should be explored, either decreasing inflammatory cytokines or increasing immune regulation.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded UC Davis MIND Institute researchers $1.35 million to study the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on pregnant mothers and their developing babies. The research team is gathering birth and health records along with data concerning wildfire smoke exposure in California. The team will search for links between pollution from wildfire smoke and low birth weight, developmental delays, and autism.
- According to a new American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) report, the nation’s disability service system is on the brink of collapse. The report details how programs are closing, leaving people with developmental disabilities with nowhere to go, and how providers are failing to meet federal requirements. Specifically, the report shows that over 481,000 people were on waiting lists for home and community-based services at the end of 2021. Survey data from last year showed that more than 60% of providers had discontinued programs in the past 12 months, and over 80% reported that they had to deny services.
- The Maryland State Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council (CEHPAC) recently released an electromagnetic radiation factsheet on reducing children’s wireless exposures. The factsheet includes recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, who have called on the United States government to strengthen wireless exposure regulations to protect children and pregnant women.
- The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is hosting a month-long virtual conference series. The Take Action Conference Series will take place from April 1-28 and features over 25 lectures, panel discussions, take action sessions, and more. Weekly topics include medical, speech and communication, challenging behaviors, and education and legal. The conference registration price is $35.
