Autism Spectrum Disorders News

Birth spacing was linked to a child’s increased risk for autism, according to findings recently published in Autism Research.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, than women without polycystic ovary syndrome, according to study data presented at the Society for Endocrinology BES annual conference.

In inpatient psychiatry units, a multidisciplinary bio-behavioral treatment model was associated with improved behavior among children with autism from admission to discharge, but not after discharge.

Insurance mandates enacted in 46 states that require commercial insurers to cover treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder were associated with increases in insurer-covered autism care and monthly spending on autism-specific services, according to data published in Health Affairs.

From 2002 to 2010, prevalence of autism spectrum disorders increased as socioeconomic status increased, suggesting potential disparities in screening.

Maternal multivitamin use during pregnancy may be inversely associated with autism with intellectual disability in offspring, according to recent findings.

Female children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to have younger siblings also diagnosed with the disorder, with higher rates observed in younger male siblings regardless of the older sibling’s sex, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Reanalysis of a previous study indicated heritability of autism spectrum disorder was 83%, suggesting that risk for autism may be largely explained by genetic factors.

NEW ORLEANS — To better communicate and treat individuals with autism, clinicians and parents should focus on their strengths, which are often overlooked, according to Temple Grandin, PhD, of Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.

The 30th annual Psych Congress will take place in New Orleans from Saturday, Sept. 16 through Tuesday, Sept. 19.