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.
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
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
In mid-March 2020, 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.
