Autism Spectrum Disorders News

Children born by cesarean section are approximately 20% more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to data published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Results from two studies using functional MRI to examine brain connectivity among individuals with autism spectrum disorder offer new understandings of sensory processing among these individuals, which may influence future interventions.

TORONTO — Innovations in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder will seek to address this heterogeneous condition by taking into account genetic mechanisms, psychiatric and medical comorbidities and behavioral problems, according to a presentation by Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele, MD, at the 2015 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to fine particulate matter increased risk for autism spectrum disorder, according to study findings in Environmental Research.

Social anxiety, as measured by skin conductance responses, decreased in children with autism spectrum disorder when animals were present, according to a recent study.

TORONTO — The 168th annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association will feature innovative clinical research and practice-related sessions on topics including suicide risk factors in the ED, exposure to terrorism and substance abuse among college students.

Compared with a parent education program, a 24-week parent training program resulted in better behavioral outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder, according to new study findings.

SAN DIEGO — Children with autism spectrum disorder were prescribed stimulants, atypical antipsychotics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors more frequently than children without an autism diagnosis, according to data presented here.

SAN DIEGO — Girls are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later than boys, possibly due to the fact that boys have more difficulties with social awareness and communication while girls exhibit less severe symptoms that may be missed by early screening.

SAN DIEGO — When an early autism spectrum disorders diagnosis resolves, in which the child no longer meets the diagnostic criteria, there are frequently learning and emotional/behavioral diagnoses that endure, according to data presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting.