October 21, 2024
- A new simulation study utilizing U.S.-wide Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program data highlights significant disparities in child health outcomes based on maternal education, health insurance status, and race and ethnicity. The study found substantial differences in birthweight, with the percentage of children born with low birthweight (LBW) varying from 6.5% for children of highly educated mothers to 12.2% for those with less maternal education. The disparity was even more pronounced among racial groups, with LBW rates at 13.5% for Black mothers compared to 5.9% for White mothers. The research simulated how small environmental exposures could disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, with a 50g decrease in birthweight increasing LBW risk by 2 percentage points for Black mothers versus 1.1 for White mothers. For a more significant 250g decrease, the impact rose to 11.8 percentage points for Black mothers compared to 7.3 for White mothers, illustrating that populations already at higher risk are more severely affected by adverse environmental shifts. These findings emphasize the need for health policies and preventive strategies that account for how even small changes in environmental factors can disproportionately worsen outcomes for already vulnerable populations, such as those facing socioeconomic or racial inequities.
- A new research article reveals that children with cerebral palsy (CP) have a higher risk of being diagnosed with ASD, with about 7% receiving an ASD diagnosis. Despite early diagnostic tools, children with both conditions often face significant delays in obtaining a diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms, such as motor impairments and communication difficulties. This results in missed opportunities for early intervention, which is crucial for positive long-term outcomes. Current diagnostic tools, like the ADOS-2, are not designed for children with CP, further complicating early detection. The study highlights the need for improved screening measures and research to better differentiate between CP and ASD, as well as adapted early interventions like Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) to support children with dual diagnoses. The authors suggest that these efforts are essential for reducing the age of diagnosis and improving long-term support for children with both ASD and CP.
- Biotech company MARAbio has raised $19 million in Series A funding to accelerate the launch of a blood test aimed at detecting maternal autoantibody-related (MAR) autism, which affects an estimated 20% of those diagnosed with autism. The Salt Lake City-based firm plans to bring the test to market by 2025, targeting providers such as OBGYNs and pediatricians. The test, which analyzes maternal blood with 95% to 97% accuracy, aims to facilitate early autism diagnosis and intervention, possibly before symptoms arise. MARAbio will use the funds to complete clinical testing and develop future therapeutic interventions, including antibody treatments.
- The Social Security Administration announced that individuals receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will see a 2.5% increase in their payments in 2025 due to an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) tied to inflation. Starting Dec. 31, SSI recipients will receive a maximum federal benefit of $967 per month, with couples getting up to $1,450. Social Security payments will increase in January. Beneficiaries will be notified of their new amounts by mail or online in December. The agency also introduced a new, simplified format for benefit notices.
