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The Importance of Model Systems

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Animal models of autism, including cell based models, have received criticism because autism is a uniquely human condition so there is no value in studying it in a model like a mouse or a cell. On the other hand, model systems have been used for decades to develop therapies for a myraid of other conditions and disorders, and produced evidence-based treatments for not just autism but conditions from ADHD to schizophrenia. So why is there so much backlash about this line of research? The ASF podcast talks to Jill Silverman at UC Davis to get some perspective.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35285132

https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/377739/autism-research-mice-lab-models

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All about ABA

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The practice of ABA, or applied behavioral analysis, can be easily misunderstood. Rather than a single procedure, ABA is a variety of techniques that can be applied to different situations to improve communication, reduce aggression, and improve the quality of life of people on the spectrum. Why is it getting a bad reputation? Is the ABA of today the same as it was in the 1960’s? And what benefits does the techniques and principles of ABA confer to those on the spectrum? Listen to today’s #ASFpodcast which also includes footage from Melanie Pellecchia’s Day of Learning presentation.

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The latest on complementary and alternative medicines

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Even though many parents of kids with autism and  autistic adults are using cannabis (THC and CBD) and cannabidiols (CBD only), these treatments are technically illegal.  So how are pediatricians discussing these options with their patients when asked?  A few pediatricians from states where it is legal for adults to obtain cannabis containing products weigh in on what they say, how they communicate, and what is ethical to explain in what circumstance.  Also, new findings from an imperfect, but medically supervised, study on stem cell therapies in autism.  Findings are interesting but should be judged with caution.  Links to the articles are below:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30610100

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30620122