October 07, 2024
- New research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting found that infants exclusively fed breast milk during their birth hospitalization had a significantly lower risk of developing asthma in early childhood. Researchers analyzed nearly 10,000 children and found that those who received only breast milk had a 41% lower chance of asthma. This likelihood dropped by 22% among full-term infants after adjusting for factors such as race, sex, and insurance. The authors highlight the protective benefits of breastfeeding, particularly in the early days after birth.
- A recent study has investigated the possible connection between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during early development and ASD. While earlier research suggested that a mix of genetic and environmental factors, along with acetaminophen, could increase the risk of ASD, other studies using extensive population data often showed little to no risk. This study used a virtual population to show that these results might miss the true risk because of under-reporting of acetaminophen use and not fully accounting for other factors like inflammation. The researchers believe that acetaminophen could play a key role in ASD development, and current methods may overlook this. These findings could lead to more careful consideration of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and early childhood.
- Lawmakers have approved a short-term extension of the Autism CARES Act, which provides nearly $2 billion for autism-related programs, but future renewal could face challenges. The Senate did not act on the long-term reauthorization, prompting a temporary extension through Dec. 20 in a stopgap spending bill. Advocates are concerned about potential obstacles in the Senate, particularly a hold placed by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. If the act is not fully renewed, federal funding for essential services like research, screening, and support for individuals with autism could be interrupted.
- Join the Autism Research Institute (ARI) for an insightful webinar on Disordered Eating and Autism – Obesity at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Dr. Francesca Solmi, a senior epidemiologist and principal research fellow at University College London, will share the latest research updates on the complex relationship between disordered eating and autism. This session will highlight emerging findings, including a heightened risk of obesity in individuals with autism. Gain a deeper understanding of these co-occurring conditions and explore the implications for both research and clinical practice.
