May 08, 2023
- Results from a new study show that mothers of children with autism had more pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and bleeding per vaginum (BPV) during the antenatal period. Specifically, the analysis indicated 6.3 times higher odds of having a history of PIH and 7.7 times higher odds of having BPV among mothers of children with autism. Additionally, there were increased odds of having birth asphyxia, cardiorespiratory problems, metabolic abnormalities (hypoglycemia/hypocalcemia), and neonatal sepsis for children with autism compared to controls.
- The Child Mind Institute recently featured an article examining several pressing issues surrounding “Profound Autism.” The report explored the idea of making profound autism a new and distinct category under the DSM-5 due to disparities between the condition and higher-functioning spectrum disorders like Asperger’s Syndrome. The article’s author points out that the needs of severely affected children are being overlooked due to the recent focus on neurodiversity and that parents of children with profound autism believe a new category is warranted so their children’s needs are not neglected.
- Departing from previous research, a new study suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and the first year of life is not significantly associated with higher autistic-like behaviors in children. The research team behind this work specifically examined the association between exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 and autism. However, the authors conclude that more research is needed because many other research articles indicate that air pollution contributes to autism.
- According to a new population-based study from Finland, high levels of maternal vitamin B12 (≥ 81st percentile) during early pregnancy are associated with the development of autism in offspring. Interestingly, low levels of maternal vitamin B12 (<20th percentile) during early pregnancy were also associated with the development of autism in offspring. The authors indicate that very extremely elevated levels of B12 are particularly damaging to early brain development and could be a factor in severe autism.
- The Documenting Hope Project has announced its inaugural conference titled, Adventures in Healing–The Ultimate Field Guide to Restoring Health in Our Children. The event will occur at the Omni ChampionsGate Resort in Orlando, Florida, from November 10-12, 2023. The organizers say that the conference offers research-backed solutions for parents and health professionals to help children right away on their healing journeys.
