What we learn from linking data

The NIH has launched the new Autism Data Science Initiative: https://dpcpsi.nih.gov/autism-data-science-initiative/funding-opportunities#section1, which brings questions about why linking different data sets is important. It can be done without including personal identifying information, and it should be done following ethical guidelines. If done correctly, using large datasets can answer questions relating to treatment, cause, better identification and personalized medicine for those on the spectrum. So what has linking data done for families? This week’s podcast summarizes longitudinal research that follows individuals across time, linking their information across different ages to look at factors that predict outcomes, environmental factors, and how to best support those on the spectrum.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40420626

https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-025-02739-4

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391067

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40309015

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40401338

The latest on marijuana and autism across the globe

Since the ASF policy statement on marijuana for the treatment of ASD was published this summer, there have been some new scientific studies that may be of interest to families.  As it turns out CBD has opposite effects in the brains of people with autism compared to those without autism, meaning that it is absolutely essential that more research is done specifically in people across the spectrum in ASD.  Also, early studies in Israel and Brazil are showing some positive effects on behavior, but they are open label non controlled compassionate use basis studies, which in encouraging, but the science needs to be more rigorous and more studies need to be done in people with autism using standardized autism assessments if any progress is to be made.  Luckily a new study at NYU is enrolling for just that approach.  Please contact Latoya.King@nyulangone.edu if you want to learn more about that.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6732821/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784992/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31736860

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30382443

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6336869/