Experts make strides in autism diagnosis, treatment in 2024
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Researchers made strides this year in the diagnosis and treatment of autism. They also learned more about potential factors that might increase the risk for autism.
Researchers found a potential link between prenatal antiseizure medication exposure and autism, and evidence that refuted a perceived association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism.
Additionally, a study from China showed that children with autism had different gut microbiota than those who do not, which could open the possibility for screening children as young as age 1 year.
In the field of autism treatment, a meta-analysis found little evidence supporting intensive interventions. Some recommendations called for 20 to 40 hours of intensive intervention per week, Micheal P. Sandbank, PhD, director of The Brain and Language Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, told Healio.
“This recommendation originated initially from a quasi-experimental study conducted in the ’80s that, although remarkable for the time, was flawed,” Sandbank said. “High amounts of intervention compete with other important childhood activities, like rest, recreation and participation in daily family and community routines.”
Here are Healio’s top stories about autism spectrum disorder in 2024.
Childhood autism may be linked to prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication
The incidence of autism was higher for children with prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications vs. the general population, but some associations weakened after adjusting for treatment indication, researchers reported. Read more.
Q&A: Stool samples could help diagnose autism early, researchers say
Findings from a study that identified differences in the gut microbiota of children with autism indicate that stool sample testing could be used as an early, noninvasive diagnostic tool for autism, researchers reported. Read more.
Evidence lacking to support intensive intervention for autism
There is insignificant evidence to support recommendations that children with autism will benefit from intensive interventions, according to the results of a meta-analysis. Read more.
Lithium in drinking water linked to negative effects on human health
Lithium exposure in drinking water was associated with potentially detrimental effects on human health, including increased risk for autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, according to researchers. Read more.
Psychiatric comorbidities increase odds of hospitalization among youth with ASD
Youth with autism and psychiatric comorbidities were more likely to be hospitalized and show greater symptom severity, which led to prolonged hospital stays and higher costs, according to study results. Read more.
Study refutes link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism, ADHD
A new study of more than 185,000 children showed no association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and a risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including autism and ADHD, according to study results. Read more.
Autism diagnoses remain flat among children born during the COVID-19 pandemic
Positive screenings for autism did not increase to a significant degree among children born during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to results of a cohort study. Read more.
Study uncovers ‘alarming’ rate of suicidal thoughts, behaviors in young children with autism
A survey of caregivers revealed an “unexpectedly high frequency” of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children with autism aged 8 years or younger, researchers reported. Read more.
Collapse
Healio coverage
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts