Autism Spectrum Disorders News

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.

Hospitalizations for scurvy are on the rise among children in the United States, with a significant increase after 2017, according to data published in Pediatrics.

Girls with diagnosed mental health conditions had lower HPV vaccination coverage than their peers without mental health conditions, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health.

The Healio news staff received an APEX award in the category of Writing/Topics for work on the potential role of psychedelics and alternative therapies for mental health issues and other medical conditions.

Autism spectrum disorder incidence 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.

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.