Autism Spectrum Disorders News

Senators questioned Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, about proposed NIH cuts to biomedical research, the safety of vaccines, and government transparency during his nomination hearing Wednesday to be the next director of the NIH.

Children with emotional or cognitive disabilities were more likely to report being suspended or expelled from school compared with children with physical disabilities or no disabilities, according to findings in Academic Pediatrics.

LinusBio last week announced the launch of a diagnostic aid designed to help clinicians rule out autism in children aged 1 to 36 months using a single strand of hair.

Researchers identified two groups of children with opposing support needs and symptom severity who are more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later, according to an analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Toddlers diagnosed with autism by age 3 years were around 3 to 4 times more likely to screen positive at age 18 or 24 months on a parental questionnaire designed to identify a risk for autism, according to a recent study.

The most-read Healio Pediatrics story of 2024 was a Q&A with Lisa L. Abuogi, MD, MSc, FAAP, who co-authored the AAP’s policy statement in support of breastfeeding for parents with HIV.

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.

Cannabis use among women during early pregnancy did not correspond with an increased risk for early developmental delays in children, a cohort study published in JAMA Network Open showed.

Positive screenings for autism spectrum disorders did not increase to a significant degree among children born during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to results of a cohort study published in JAMA Network Open.