October 30, 2023
- Tonight is Halloween! Remember that trick-or-treating can be challenging for non-candy eaters with food allergies. To address this growing issue, food allergy advocates introduced the “Teal Pumpkin Project” a few years ago. The initiative encourages families to place a teal-colored pumpkin on their porch as a sign of solidarity with those who have food allergies. By doing so, children with food allergies know which houses to visit. Instead of candy, they receive a small toy or non-food trinket like a glow stick or plastic ring.
- The Child Mind Institute is reminding special needs parents to prioritize their needs by getting enough sleep, exercise, and support from others to avoid parenting burnout. Symptoms of burnout can include anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and social isolation. The institute points out that caring for a child with a developmental or mental health disorder can also put a strain on personal relationships and lead to physical health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Because of these health risks, they encourage parents to find respite care to provide temporary relief when they need a break.
- Advocates for individuals with profound autism are calling on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) to address the needs of this population. A report by the CDC earlier this year indicated that 26.7% of children on the spectrum have profound autism. Yet, families of children with more severe needs say their concerns are not reflected at IACC meetings. The National Council on Severe Autism is calling for 30% of each committee meeting to address the needs of those with profound autism and another 30% for those who have intellectual disability or borderline intellectual disability but don’t qualify for profound autism, which could include focusing on medical interventions and residential options. Sadly, over one-third of the public comments submitted before the IACC’s most recent meeting last week were centered on issues facing children and adults with significant needs.
- Axial Therapeutics has completed enrollment in the TAPESTRY Autism Study, a Phase 2b clinical trial of its lead product candidate, AB-2004. AB-2004 is a first-in-class oral gut-targeted small molecule therapeutic designed to treat irritability associated with autism. The global, randomized clinical trial enrolled 156 children and adolescents with autism, and data from the Phase 2b clinical trial is anticipated in the first quarter of 2024. The trial will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AB-2004 in children aged 5 to 17 who have been diagnosed with autism and suffer from increased irritability.
