Autism Spectrum Disorder

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.

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.

The FDA has granted fast-track designation to an investigational small molecule to treat individuals with Fragile X syndrome, according to the manufacturer.

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.

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.

There is insignificant evidence to support recommendations that children with autism will benefit from intensive interventions, according to the results of a meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics.

NEW YORK — Youth with autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric comorbidities were more likely to be hospitalized and show greater symptom severity, which led to prolonged hospital stays and higher costs, according to study results.