Don’t say “….all autistic adults”

While there are commonalities across autistic adults on many things, they differ. It might be time to stop saying “…..all autistic adults” when describing those on the spectrum. For example, for the most part, most autistic adults prefer email or text over other methods except when talking to friends and family. It was not universal, but the most preferred methods. This is important for scientists to want to gather the input from autistic adults – use email and online surveys NOT the telephone. But even these online surveys have problems. Large online research studies have the advantage of gathering large sets of data from geographically diverse people in a short period of time, but they may be biased if they don’t report who answered them. Recommendations for how to at least deal with diversity in scientific literature is included.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34169750/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34169230/

Happy Pride!

It turns out that autistic individuals have a higher rate of gender variance than those not on the spectrum. This doesn’t require treatment in the traditional sense, but a better awareness, psychosocial supports, and understanding among clinicians that can provide services and help for those that need it. Today’s podcast focuses on recent studies linking being LGBTQIA+ and autistic, sharing information on mental health issues in this group as well as guidelines to help those with ASD receive the services they are entitled to. As illustrated in one study included in the podcast, shamefully, his does not always happen.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32770077/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34121545/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526233/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32056117/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/13623613211024098

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27775428/

What causes autism? Genetics or the Environment? Or maybe both?

Is it genes or is it the environment? or is it a combination? This question has plagued researchers and scientists and caused a lot of confusion in families about what caused their own or their child’s ASD. This week we review the mechanisms by which de-novo mutations could be the work of gene x environment interactions, and share new evidence of how SSRI’s do or don’t contribute to ASD through gene x environment interactions. We also want to recognize the valuable work of scientist Li-Ching Lee to these efforts. Dr. Lee recently passed away but will be sorely missed.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34002022/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34116791/

Four problems and a solution: Is there a way to solve the heterogeneity problem in research?

While a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may encompass many strengths, challenges, features and conditions, it is becoming increasingly difficult for researchers to figure out what is autism, and how to help those on the full spectrum. This week’s ASF podcast summarizes the challenges and a possible solution to grouping people according to their behavioral features. However, not everyone agrees with this approach. What do you think? How can researchers best help people across the spectrum recognizing the unique needs of those with different symptoms? Share your thoughts in the comments.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aur.2494

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aur.2529

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aur.2547