May 22, 2023
- According to a new review, an unhealthy diet of sugars, additives, preservatives, artificial colors, and processed foods can result in the bioaccumulation of mercury and lead in children. The build-up of these metals may jeopardize some children’s ability to regulate the expression of the PON1 gene, leading to problems metabolizing and excreting neurotoxic organophosphates. The study also suggests that inorganic mercury and lead exposures from an unhealthy diet can result in elevated blood mercury and/or lead levels, which can cause children to develop ASD and ADHD symptoms. The review concludes that dietary selenium can help alleviate some of the damage caused by dietary mercury and lead exposure by supporting PON1 activity in children with ASD or ADHD.
- Don’t miss Autism Research Institute’s upcoming Social Media Use Webinar for adults and teens with autism. The free event will occur on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. EDT. Learn about the latest research on the impact of social media use on teens and adults on the spectrum from Dr. Wisniewski, an Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction.
- A recent startling study by Tulane University researchers has revealed that some commonly consumed beverages, such as fruit juice and artificial soda, contain toxic metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. The authors found five of the 60 beverages tested had toxic metals above federal drinking water standards. This study highlights the need for more research and awareness regarding toxic and essential elements in commonly consumed soft drinks.
- New research from Saudi Arabia has found that children with severe ASD have more difficulty at dental visits than those with milder ASD. Additionally, the study discovered that more children with moderate-to-severe conditions required repeat dental visits using general anesthesia (DGA) than their higher-functioning counterparts or children without the disorder. Sadly, the study also revealed an alarming reliance on DGA for managing difficult visits for children on the spectrum. At many of these visits, children with ASD receive more DGA than necessary. The research suggested that children with mild intellectual problems and the absence of severe behavioral issues may tolerate dental treatments with local anesthesia and nitrous oxide–oxygen sedation instead of DGA. The authors highlighted the importance of gathering the views of pediatric dentists to identify any barriers they face when treating children with ASD. Interestingly, the study concluded that children on the spectrum’s oral health status and dental needs are not necessarily inferior to healthy children.
- The U.S. Senate has confirmed Glenna Wright-Gallo as the new assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services at the Department of Education. Wright-Gallo brings years of experience to the role, having served as assistant superintendent of special education in the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2017, and as the state director of special education for the Utah State Board of Education for seven years. As assistant secretary, she will oversee the federal government’s implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
