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Antidepressants do not cause autism

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In all the recent hype on the “overprescribing” of psychiatric medications, there is a circulating rumor antidepressant use in the mother during pregnancy has could be linked to an autism diagnosis in the child. Thankfully, there is research on this topic, and the results are clear: antidepressant exposure during pregnancy does not cause autism in children. Where would this idea come from? Early studies did show a weak link, but the association arises because there is a genetic link between having a psychiatric disorder like anxiety and stress and autism. Don’t stop taking your meds unless you discuss it with your doctor. References below:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42134364

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42088678/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42168841/

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How does autism prediction work?

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This podcast provides updates on studies that help with prediction of an autism diagnosis – which is important for preparing for the future and for intervening early. First, a study that uses environmental factors to create an equation for the probability of a diagnosis following a combination of of non-genetic factors only which does a fairly good, but not perfect, job at predicting a diagnosis. Second, a study that looks at the accuracy of a machine that predicts autism from eye gaze as early as 9 months of age and with only a 2 minute test. This one wasn’t as accurate as the one that takes longer and tests older kids, but it’s a first step. No ONE thing does a perfect job at predicting a diagnosis – it’s going to be a combination of things, tested over time and multiple times that will be most helpful at predicting a diagnosis. Both studies are open access!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10904522/pdf/fpsyt-15-1291356.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/38429348/

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

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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/

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Breaking down aggression in autism

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You asked – our summer intern Priyanka Shah delivered!  This week’s podcast is one on a topic suggested by listeners.  She describes the risk factors and treatments for aggressive behaviors in autism.  Priyanka looked at research and listened to clinicians who have experience treating aggressive behaviors in autism.   In this podcast, description of Functional Behavioral Analysis plus pharmacological treatments are provided.

Here are some additional resources:

Aggression Study by Kanne & Mazurek (2011): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20960041
More information about behavior assessments: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/discipl.fba.jordan.pdf
Simple FBA Chart Example:
fba