Autoantibodies and Autism, Is There a Connection?
Although there are still no definitive answers for what causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a good deal of research that points to an interaction between genetics and environmental factors as a possible mechanism for causation. Over the past two decades, associations between immune system abnormalities and autism have been linked. A new systematic review from Harvard Medical School, among other institutions, examines this intricate relationship.
Interview with Dr. Walter Zahorodny
SafeMinds recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Walter Zahorodny, Principal Investigator of the New Jersey Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network about his latest research, which assisted in calculating the newest CDC autism rate. As highly publicized last March, 1 in 54 or almost two percent of American eight-year-olds now hold an autism diagnosis. To shed more light on this situation, Dr. Zahorodny shared his incredibly important viewpoints surrounding the ever-increasing autism crisis with SafeMinds. To learn more, watch our newest video.
Considering the Biology of Suicide in Autism
In our last SafeMinds Shares, we highlighted a review of the psychiatric conditions that frequently co-occur with an autism diagnosis. One of these conditions is suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The James Kirk Bernard Foundation, founded by parents with an autistic son and a typical son who died from suicide, has written an extensive overview of the commonalities between autism and suicide biology and life situations, which may explain why people with autism are a high-risk group for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. With April 30 marking the last day of Autism Awareness Month and May 1 the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, SafeMinds Shares brings this important topic to our readers.
Infants’ Screen Time, Less Play with Parents Linked to Higher Risk of Autism-Like Symptoms
According to a new study which has received criticism from some scientists and advocates, 12-month-old babies who spend time viewing images on a smartphone, tablet or television, are more likely to exhibit symptoms of autism by age 2. On the other hand, 12-month-old babies who spend part of their day playing with their parents have decreased odds of developing symptoms of autism by age 2. These new findings were released by Drexel University’s School of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health. The study was published online April 20 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Improvement from 6 Month Probiotic/Prebiotic Treatment for Autism
A new study [1] confirms differences in gut microbiome composition between autistic children and typically developing children, and has reported improvement in autism symptomatology with a probiotic/prebiotic treatment. Improvements were seen in gut microbiome diversity, metabolites and function, as well as autism behaviors and neurotransmitters.
Pets May Help Autism Families Alleviate Stress
New research out of the University of Missouri has discovered that pet ownership can be a positive experience for families with a member on the autism spectrum. Researchers from the university surveyed 764 families using the Interactive Autism Network about the benefits and burdens of pet ownership. Data extracted from the survey showed that the added responsibility of caring for a pet was well worth the effort. Children in homes with dog(s) and/or cat(s) were able to form bonds with their pet(s) which, in turn, provided the child with more comfort and less stress.
