Autistic Aggression & Self Injury Helped by Common Drug
The common hypertension drug propranolol has been found to decrease aggression, self-injury and severely disruptive behavior in children and adults with autism if given in high doses. These behaviors afflict up to 68% of those with autism, with self-injurious behavior (SIB) alone affecting 42%. Among the study participants, the vast majority – 85% – were rated much improved or very much improved in their challenging behaviors, with 4% slightly improved and 11% not improved or worse.
Study Finds High Rate of Psychiatric Disorders in Autism
Wide Gaps Seen in Identification & Care – A new comprehensive review of scientific studies from the past 15 years has confirmed the extensive burden of psychiatric conditions that accompany a diagnosis of autism. The review found high rates of anxiety, depression, bipolar and mood disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, suicide behavior, eating disorders, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders in autism populations.
COVID-19 Shuts Down Portions of Important Autism Research
Scientists Adapt to Changes in the Workplace: In mid-March, Spectrum Autism Research News alerted the autism community to a troubling new problem with potentially long-term consequences. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists across the nation began to scramble figuring out ways to either continue or alter their research projects as colleges and universities were shutting down, sending their students home in order to transition to remote learning. These actions, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, established situations where autism research was either halted or hindered, setting back promising projects including clinical trials.
Is Disclosing an Autism Diagnosis a Good Idea? There’s No Clear Answer
Results are mixed when it comes to disclosing a child’s autism diagnosis to other people. Generally, being transparent about the disorder is considered a good idea. However as a researcher at the University of Alberta (U of A) has found, it doesn’t always point to better inclusion or reduced bullying. Unfortunately, in some instances, the admission can lead to reduced expectations at school and an obstacle to participating in team sports.
Maryland Legislation Requires Phase Out of Toxic Pesticide Tied to Autism
A bill requiring a ban on the insecticide chlorpyrifos passed both legislative houses1 in Maryland. Maryland joins other states 2 including California, New Jersey, Connecticut and Oregon with plans to forbid the substance. The state bans are welcome news for future children since chlorpyrifos has been linked to lower IQ and neurodevelopmental issues, including autism.
Positive Results from a Microbiome Treatment Trial for Autism
Results of a novel microbial-inspired drug study look promising at reducing the core symptoms of autism. Adolescents with the condition had lowered scores on irritability, anxiety and social withdrawal while on the medication. The drug, called AB-2004, works on the gut-brain axis. Communication between the bacteria in the gut and the brain impacts the way the brain develops and functions as well as behavior.
