The latest autism research news stories with ASF Chief Science Officer Alycia Halladay
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
If only 10% of people with ASD have a known genetic mutation associated with autism, what is the point? Why bother? This week we discuss why it is important for that 10%, what the benefits are, and how genetic testing may help the other 90% as well.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002929720301130
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/4/e20193211
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
On this day, October 12th, we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day by talking about how many indigenous people have ASD, what services to they receive and what are scientists around the world doing to help them. It’s not enough, but it’s a start.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32762685/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31999495/
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
We are now about 8 months into the pandemic and the effects of social distancing. How are families doing? What are scientists doing to understand the effects and ways to help families in the future? This podcast describes four international studies that addressed what families were experiencing and how they were coping. A list of references is below:
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/9/2937/htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32899799/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32503172/
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
The Scoop podcast
Inclusion Sucks. Or, Why My Son with Severe Autism Has Nowhere to Swim this Summer
Three Strikes… and He’s Out? What happens when the regular world has had enough of my son’s autism
https://www.ncsautism.org/blog//three-strikes-and-hes-out
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
On this week’s ASF weekly science podcast, we provide a recent review on influences of speech and language both in those with ASD who are verbally fluent, as those who have minimal verbal ability. What does the brain look like in those with minimal verbal ability and are there interventions to help improve social communication ability in those with not just minimal verbal ability but also cognitive disability? What are some early markers or behaviors that predict understanding and communicating? Listen to learn more.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32909382/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32881387/
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Not all people with autism spectrum disorder are the same, obviously. Are there things that can predict positive outcome? Are they different based on something like cognitive ability? And what determines cognitive ability and how early is it seen? Have other studies lumped all the autisms into one pile which has represented what people along the spectrum at different points actually need? This podcast tackles it all this week.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
The racial and ethnic disparities in the diagnosis of ASD has always been unacceptable, but it’s been hard to figure out. This week, researchers published their findings from a close look at 500 African American families with ASD to understand what the barriers were to a timely diagnosis. The results are not surprising, but they are also alarming. Some of these families may benefit from telehealth in the future. Telehealth is not perfect, but it turning out to be helpful. For example, it may be beneficial in treating insomnia in people with ASD. Delivering cognitive behavioral therapy online resulted in improvements in sleep in adolescents with ASD. It isn’t a panacea, but it seems to be more helpful than people gave it credit for before the pandemic.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
There are many many potential factors that influence a diagnosis of ASD that have been underexplored, and recreational drugs are one of them. Of course it would never explain all the cases of ASD, not one singular thing does, but does cannabis consumption during pregnancy lead to an increased probability of having a child with ASD? As it turns out, yes, a small increase, meaning it isn’t the only thing causing ASD but: JUST SAY NO if you are pregnant. On the other end of the spectrum is aggression, a completely horrible feature of some people with ASD. About 30% of people who are aggressive and have an ASD diagnosis are not responsive to any medications or therapies, which is horrifying. Researchers in Canada and Brazil have studied the brains of this group, with what is called “refractory aggression” to try to get to the mechanism.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
This week the ASF Podcast explores two ways to better understand the environmental influences in ASD diagnosis: 1. through potential cost savings of avoided cases of ASD due to reduced air pollution and 2. by studying pre-conception exposures going back as far as the grandparents exposure. These two concepts do not prove any one thing, including one environmental factor, causes ASD, however, using these approaches may improve understanding of ASD and allow for legislation that improves many health outcomes in children. Below are the two references:
Today’s podcast is also the podcast of The Autism Dad, an amazing man named Rob Gorski with 3 kids. He talks openly and honestly about his struggles, joys, and lessons. Please listen to us on this podcast and continue to listen to him! https://listen.theautismdad.com