Let’s talk about catatonia

Catatonia is a syndrome which includes immobility, stupor, and sometimes regression in psychiatric wellness or even ability to feed or take care of ones self. This syndrome is seen in autism about 10% of the time but is is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. This may be because the symptoms are relatively rare or because catatonia is harder to detect in those with autism. This week, special guests Drs. Joshua Smith and Dr. Zachary Williams from Vanderbilt University discuss what happens when researchers following people who are suffering from catatonia and autism across time. What treatments work? How?

ASF has partnered with NCSA, Autism Speaks, Vanderbilt University, the Catatonia Foundation and other groups to bring you a 6 part series on catatonia given by experts and family members. It is aimed at increasing the visibility and research priority of catatonia. It is NOT this podcast – you have to register via zoom seperately here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RV6rkPh_SAW8Hw3wmQdCrg

The meaningful impact of clinical trials

Clinical trials in autism are so incredibly important to families and adults, but sometimes hard to understand. Why? How can it help me or my family? What do I need to do? What do all of these terms mean? For researchers: it’s hard to get families to participate in my study. What can I do to improve the appeal? Caroline Averius and Zachary Williams explain in this podcast about a newly launched two new guidebooks designed to help explain clinical trials, why they are important and what needs to be shared with the community to ensure transparency.

Want to read them? Links below:

https://tinyurl.com/AutismTrialsGuidebook

https://tinyurl.com/AutismTrialsExplainer