May 29, 2023
- According to groundbreaking Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory research, fathers may play a more significant genetic role in autism than once thought. Historically, scientists proposed that siblings born with autism share more of their mother’s genome than their father’s. However, this new study discovered that in families with multiple children with autism, the siblings shared more of their father’s genome. The study’s authors feel that their findings may change treatment strategies and improve the understanding of the etiology of autism.
- The scientific journal Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience has retracted 13 articles published between 2018 and 2021 after discovering “material that appeared fraudulent” in each paper. Bernhard Sabel, the editor-in-chief and professor of medical psychology at the University of Magdeburg Medical School in Germany, flagged the neuroscience papers and spent more than a year investigating each article for signs of problems.
- Supplement Security Income (SSI) recipients will see a modest increase in their 2024 checks. A projection from the non-profit organization, The Senior Citizens League, indicates benefits will rise by 3.1% in January, considerably less than the 8.7% increase in 2023, the highest rise in 40 years. The increase reflects the cost of living allowance (COLA) based on the Consumer Price Index for the third quarter of each year.
- A new systematic review has examined strategies to help children and teenagers with autism that exhibit challenging behavior. This research drew ideas from the behavioral analysis, psychology and psychiatry fields. It highlighted the importance of teaching individuals with ASD how to manage and regulate their emotions. After analyzing 95 studies, the authors revealed that reinforcing good behaviors, using visuals and metacognition to teach skills, and dealing with stress before it becomes problematic are the best techniques for managing challenging behaviors. The researchers also emphasized the importance of teaching these strategies to parents to ensure consistency and support outside of the classroom and therapy sessions.
- Tickets are selling fast for TACA’s Family Carnival. This event takes place on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California. Come out for a day of fun and community planned for families caring for children with special needs (not limited to autism) in a secure and safe environment. Oak Canyon Park is a private venue providing 17 acres for families to enjoy the outdoors, relax and play. The picnic will feature carnival rides, bounce houses, arts/crafts and sensory activities. Parents and caregivers will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with autism resource leaders.
