Autism Spectrum Disorders News

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.

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.

College students who identified as transgender or gender nonconforming and those with autism had a greater risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, study results 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.

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.

For infants with Down syndrome, early intervention to address obstructive sleep apnea may lead to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes at 36 months, according to new research from The Lancet.

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.

Significant dose-response associations were found for transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation across several mental disorders, including schizophrenia and depression, according to research.