Autism

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that the new administration will identify an environmental toxin causing autism in a matter of months, but experts said the goal is illogical and unrealistic.

Autistic women can face unique challenges during the menopause transition, especially when it comes to navigating sensory challenges and interactions with clinicians as they seek to address their symptoms.

A Western dietary pattern during pregnancy was associated with significantly higher risks for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, a study in Nature Metabolism revealed.

The White House withdrew the nomination of David Weldon, MD, to be CDC director on Thursday morning, just hours before he was to appear before a Senate committee.

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.

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 found “measurable concentrations” of 16 metals, including toxic lead, in 60 tampon samples tested during an analysis, according to study results published in Environment International.