May 15, 2023
- MapLight Therapeutics is currently seeking patients between the ages of 12 and 45 for their IRIS Phase 2 clinical trial. This study is designed to evaluate the potential impact of their ML-004 compound on the social communication deficits and associated irritability symptoms experienced by individuals with autism. For those interested in participating in this trial, please contact Kelly Amaguin at [email protected].
- Don’t miss an opportunity to watch SPELLERS, the new film about nonspeakers with autism that asks, “What if we’ve been wrong about every single one of them?” The movie answers this intriguing question through the stories of eight nonspeakers who all found their voice using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Screenings of SPELLERS are happening across the country. You can watch the film online if there isn’t a screening near you.
- Researchers from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation have recently identified four distinct sets of alterations in functional connectivity that could help explain clinical and behavioral differences among individuals with autism. Their new study used an extensive collection of neuroimaging data to identify ASD subtypes to produce testable theories about how different biochemical, genetic, and cellular processes may shape the wide range of ASD’s clinical manifestations. The researchers found that individuals with ASD clustered into four subtypes, each with distinct functional connectivity patterns in ASD-related neural networks. These findings provide insight into the biological mechanisms that may regulate changes in brain function leading to ASD behaviors and could help develop treatment studies of drug targets specific to each ASD subtype.
- The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in partnership with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the U.S. Department of Labor and ABLE today, has announced a groundbreaking initiative called the 2023 Disability Inclusion Pledge. This initiative aims to provide human resource (HR) professionals and business executives with resources and tools to create more inclusive workplaces for disabled workers. The pledge encourages organizations to foster a culture of inclusivity, increase representation, and provide support for disabled employees. The launch of this initiative is accompanied by a suite of resources, including educational materials, training sessions, and expert guidance, to help businesses build inclusive cultures and develop effective disability inclusion strategies.
- A recent systematic review has discovered that improvements in physical fitness for young adults with autism boost their fitness levels and improves their motor skills, psychological function, and quality of life. Specifically, the authors found that aerobic and resistance training programs focused on movement skills and sport-specific training improve physical fitness and movement performance. Additionally, they showed that holistic interventions focused on physical activity, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications lead to improved body composition and quality of life. Based on these findings, the authors recommend that clinicians consider using these fitness and lifestyle interventions for young adults with autism.
