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What we learn from linking data

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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

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Machine Learning in Autism, Explained

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Thank you to Dennis Wall from Stanford University for explaining what Machine Learning is, how it’s related to Artificial Intelligence (today’s four buzz words) and how these new technologies are helping families get a diagnosis. He talks about the overall goals of these techniques, highlighting Cognoa’s CanvasDx to provide remote diagnoses to potentially reduce the waiting lists for families.

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SPARK it up

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You may have heard of SPARK, it is the largest genetics research project in autism spectrum disorders.  But have they found anything?  Yes!  Pam Feliciano of SPARK discusses what the project is, what a pilot study has found, and how the results might help families with ASD.  In addition, a different but complementary study identified new genes associated with autism.  Given that one of them is a target of environmental factors, it’s time to spark up studies looking at gene x environment interactions as well.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6707204/

https://escholarship.org/uc/item/36f811zq

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15592294.2019.1656158

 

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The good and evil sides of technology use by autistics

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This year’s Day of Learning included two presentations on the use of technology among people with autism.  As it turns out, technology can be great.  In fact, a new study using Google Glass shows promise in improving socialization.  On the other hand, sometimes technology can have a downside.  People with autism spend more time than typical peers on their iPads, iPhones and other devices.  What could be wrong with that?  Well, problematic internet use is linked to autistic traits and to suicidality.  This link is NOT a clear line and obviously causes of suicide are multifactorial.  However, new data demonstrate that obsessive internet use is not making things better for people with ASD.

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30934756

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30908423

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30907929