Tag Archives: autism

2026: Will a Little-Known Drug Revolutionize Autism Treatment?

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Leucovorin for Autism

Leucovorin: A Potential Solution for Rising Autism Rates

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The U.S. government ignited discussions last year by deciding to approve leucovorin, a lesser-known drug aimed at children with brain folate deficiency, a condition believed to correlate with autism.

This controversial decision alarmed many healthcare professionals, given that it was founded on limited evidence from just a handful of small studies. However, the largest clinical trial focusing on leucovorin’s effectiveness in treating autism is anticipated to yield results in early 2026, potentially providing clearer insights.

Autism became a priority in U.S. health strategy in 2025, following President Donald Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the nation’s health agency. Kennedy, who has previously linked increasing autism rates to vaccinations, committed to identifying autism’s causes by the end of September 2025.

Concurrently, the government signaled intentions to approve leucovorin use in patients with cerebral folate deficiency—a condition studies suggest affects nearly 40% of individuals on the autism spectrum, hindering effective vitamin B9 uptake in the brain and resulting in symptoms akin to autism traits, such as communication struggles and sensory processing issues. See more on this topic.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has refrained from commenting on the approval process’s current status.

Leucovorin is already sanctioned for treating various vitamin B9 deficiencies and mitigating side effects from certain cancer treatments. Preliminary studies hint it could alleviate some challenges faced by individuals with autism.

For instance, a 2016 survey assessed twice-daily leucovorin administration in 23 autistic children experiencing language impairments. After 12 weeks, 65% demonstrated significant improvements in verbal communication, contrasting sharply with approximately 25% of the 25 children who received a placebo.

“While these findings are hopeful, it’s crucial to clarify that leucovorin does not treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It may merely enhance language capabilities in a subset of children with ASD,” stated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in their recent announcement.

Some researchers express skepticism regarding the U.S. government’s choice to endorse leucovorin, citing the limited and inconsistent evidence from current studies testing its efficacy on a small cohort of autistic children. Experts like Alicia Halladay from the Autism Science Foundation have voiced such concerns.

Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Fry and his team at Rossignol Medical Center in Arizona are in the process of studying leucovorin in a larger group of 80 children, aged between 2.5 to 5 years. While it is a more substantial trial, some advocate for even larger samples. This study aims to elucidate the drug’s efficacy in a more meaningful way.

Half of the participants will receive the drug for 12 weeks, while the rest will be given a placebo. All participants will then continue on leucovorin for an additional 12 weeks to gather more safety data.

Researchers are collecting feedback from parents on changes in social communication, as well as monitoring other autism-related indicators including irritability, hyperactivity, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors.

This trial aims to enhance understanding of whether leucovorin has an effect on autism in children and to address ongoing concerns regarding its safety profile.

Despite being considered a safe drug overall, its side effects—particularly in children with autism—remain largely uncharted territory. “The number of families involved in this analysis is still limited, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety assessments,” expressed Halladay.

Throughout the trial, Fry and colleagues will monitor potential side effects bi-weekly for the first 12 weeks and subsequently on a four-week basis, while regularly collecting blood samples to assess changes in blood clotting, immune responses, and overall organ function.

Assuming leucovorin proves beneficial, its mechanisms—beyond merely boosting vitamin B9 levels in the brain—will be explored through scans taken pre- and post-trial.

“We are unsure of the exact effects of leucovorin, but our hypothesis suggests it may enhance brain connectivity,” Fry stated.

However, opinions differ regarding the implications of these findings. “At present, there are no therapies addressing core autism symptoms. Existing medications only serve as temporary solutions for symptoms,” Fry noted. “Leucovorin might be a pioneering therapy potentially treating foundational mechanisms of autism.”

Conversely, Professor Halladay cautions that even an expanded sample of 80 children is still insufficient for making informed conclusions, particularly considering the trial is taking place at a single Arizona location. “This represents progress, but further research involving diverse populations at multiple sites is essential,” she advised.

Stay informed on the latest developments regarding leucovorin and its implications for autism treatment.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Autism Could Have Distinct Genetic Subtypes

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Indicators of autism in children may involve excessive talking with peers and challenges in forming friendships.

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The timing of an autism diagnosis in children seems to be influenced by genetic factors, which may also affect how the condition progresses.

“This reinforces the notion that autism could be a potentially multifaceted condition,” states Natalie Sauerwald from the Flatiron Institute in New York, who was not involved in this particular research.

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by challenges with social interactions and restricted behaviors and interests. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 127 individuals are diagnosed with autism.

“Our key inquiry was why some individuals are diagnosed with autism later in life?” posits Varun Warrier from Cambridge University.

To explore this, he and his research team gathered data from individuals diagnosed with autism between the ages of 5 and 17. Caregivers filled out a survey regarding their social, emotional, and behavioral growth, which aided the researchers in determining the correlation between these factors and the age of diagnosis.

Previous studies have linked children’s gender and socioeconomic status to the age of diagnosis, with autism being more frequent in boys and those from affluent backgrounds. However, the team’s analysis indicated that these influences were minimal, with “Typically, no single factor accounts for more than 10% of the variance,” Warrier observes.

Contrarily, the researchers discovered that children with autism displayed different developmental trajectories. “Our findings indicate that individuals with autism can be categorized into two broad groups,” Warrier explained. One group faced challenges from an early age that remained relatively constant, while the other group encountered fewer issues during childhood, but faced increased difficulties in later childhood or early adolescence—this represents “anywhere between 10-25% of the diagnosis age for autism.”

Moreover, the study found that differences between these two groups were observable in previously collected DNA samples. Those diagnosed with autism were more prone to have common genetic variations different from those diagnosed later, which accounted for 11% of the variance in autism diagnosis age. However, the researchers lacked the necessary data to identify rare variants or spontaneous mutations beyond inherited ones.

Despite these distinct trajectories, there is no clear separation between them, says Sauerwald. “The overlap between groups likely occurs because they are not entirely distinct,” she remarks. Warrier agrees, describing the categories as “gradients.”

He stresses that neither group should be regarded as having milder or more severe forms of autism. In July, Sauerwald and her team released a study indicating evidence of four moderately different groups whose symptoms, behaviors, and genetics differ.

Warrier’s research team also identified a higher likelihood of genetic mutations linked to other disorders, such as ADHD and PTSD, in children diagnosed later in life. Similarly, Sauerwald’s study found a connection between late autism diagnosis and ADHD. However, the reason for this link remains unclear, says Sauerwald. “The findings related to ADHD are not unexpected,” she comments, particularly concerning specific symptoms.

A deeper understanding of the potential subtypes of autism could ultimately enhance diagnostic practices and offer more personalized support for children with autism and their families. “Improving our understanding of their condition and how to assist them can only lead to a better quality of life for individuals,” asserts Warrier.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Is Leucovorin an Effective Treatment for Autism? Insights from Recent Research

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The Trump administration has included a drug known as leucovorin in efforts to alleviate certain autism symptoms. However, experts specializing in autism largely agree that additional research is needed before it can be widely used in children and adults.

Leucovorin, or Folinic Acid, is a synthetic variant of vitamin B9 requiring a prescription. It is primarily administered to cancer patients via IV alongside chemotherapy.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration revealed that it is moving forward with the approval of a tablet formulation for specific autistic patients.

Many researchers have raised concerns that this approval may be hasty, given that only a few small trials—mostly conducted outside the US—demonstrate its effectiveness in children with autism.

Several experts informed NBC News that FDA approval might create unrealistic expectations for families. This is particularly concerning as not all children with autism are eligible for prescriptions, and the likelihood of achieving positive results remains uncertain.

Researchers have long sought medications that can effectively mitigate autism symptoms; however, very few have satisfied the FDA’s rigorous safety and efficacy criteria. Prior to Monday, the FDA had only authorized two medications to address bothersome symptoms associated with autism, none of which targeted issues related to communication, social interactions, or repetitive behaviors.

Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer of the Autism Science Foundation, commented that her organization supports research grounded in evidence; leucovorin is not suggested as a treatment and more research is essential.

“Leucovorin doesn’t meet the standards set for FDA approvals, yet this administration is proceeding regardless. Therefore, I wouldn’t label this a victory,” Halladay remarked.

She further noted that the way the drug was presented at Monday’s White House Briefing as a major breakthrough for families with autism doesn’t align with the nuances of FDA approval.

The FDA stated in a news release that the drug is being approved for patients suffering from cerebral folate deficiency, a rare neurological disorder marked by low levels of vitamin B9 (folate) in the brain. Some researchers speculate that this condition might be linked to autism, but it is not present in all autistic individuals.

(Halladay estimates that around 10-30% of autistic patients may have this condition.)

Though leucovorin can potentially aid in reaching the brain, theoretically improving verbal communication and alleviating autism symptoms like irritability and repetitive actions, there is no evidence to suggest it entirely eradicates these symptoms.

“We still hope that leucovorin might serve as a helpful option for a subset of patients,” noted Dr. Rachel Forlomer, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “However, I can’t say we’re at a stage where we can confidently claim we can assist every individual with autism.”

President Donald Trump expressed at a briefing that the approval “offers hope for many parents of children with autism that life improvement is possible.” Mehmet Oz, leader of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, described the decision as “life-saving.” FDA commissioner Marty McCurry remarked, “I believe hundreds of thousands of children will benefit.”

However, in a follow-up news release, the Department of Health and Human Services clarified that leucovorin is “not a cure” for autism and “may only result in improvements in speech-related deficits for a subset of children.”

David Mandel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, remarked that the folate hypothesis is based on relatively weak scientific evidence.

“We lack robust large-scale studies demonstrating that a significant number of individuals with autism suffer from folic acid deficiency,” he noted.

While leucovorin has shown minimal side effects in cancer patients, higher doses can lead to gastrointestinal issues and increase the risk of seizures in individuals on anti-seizure medications. It is commonly part of treatment for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies, often enhancing the efficacy of the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil. In rare cases, it is administered to reduce side effects from another chemotherapeutic agent, high-dose methotrexate.

Halladay mentioned observing side effects during the leucovorin autism trial but noted that the specific safety of the drug was not evaluated. She indicated that dosages varied across studies, making it difficult to determine if leucovorin was responsible for any symptom improvement, as some trial participants also received behavioral therapy.

According to Mandel, the largest study involving these trials included only 80 participants.

“For FDA approval, one would ideally want hundreds of children involved in these trials,” he explained.

Leucovorin must overcome one final obstacle before it becomes available to select autistic patients. The FDA stated it is collaborating with GSK, the manufacturer of the brand-name version of leucovorin, to update the drug’s labeling. GSK confirmed that a new application will be submitted to include autism indications.

Oz stated on Monday that leucovorin prescriptions will be covered by Medicaid, with private insurance companies likely to follow suit.

However, Mandel expressed concern that anticipated cuts to Medicaid may compel many families to cover costs out of pocket, potentially driving them to purchase folinic acid supplements online without prescriptions. Such supplements may not have gone through quality control, and dosage information could be unclear.

Dr. William Dahoot, chief science officer at the American Cancer Society, expressed concern that the growing interest in leucovorin for autism might adversely impact its availability for cancer patients.

“We have faced shortages of this drug before, and an increase in demand could lead to future shortages,” he noted in an email.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What We Know and Don’t Know About the Connection Between Painkillers and Autism

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The US government raised concerns about painkillers used during pregnancy

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On Monday, the US government introduced two initiatives concerning autism. One update involves labeling for paracetamol, commonly known as acetaminophen, emphasizing that its use during pregnancy could elevate the risks of autism and ADHD in children. The government also approved leucovorin for certain children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, these actions are not strongly supported by scientific evidence and may have negligible effects on autism prevalence in the United States.

This announcement followed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pledge, made in April, to uncover the causes of autism by the close of September. President Donald Trump later described this initiative at a press conference as “a historic step towards battling the autism crisis.”

This portrayal indicates a possible misunderstanding or distortion of existing knowledge about autism. There is no crisis as such. Autism rates began to surge rapidly since the 1980s, significantly influenced by increased awareness and recognition of its symptoms leading to more frequent diagnoses.

Evidence supporting the idea that paracetamol causes autism is limited. While several studies indicate a correlation between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an elevated risk of autism in children, causation should not be assumed. A recent investigation involving 46 studies found that 27 of them reported a significant link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and heightened risk for neurodevelopmental issues, including autism. Nevertheless, correlation does not imply causation; other underlying factors may also play a role.

Contrasting findings are evident in other studies. For instance, a 2024 evaluation analyzing around 2.5 million children determined that while those exposed to paracetamol during pregnancy faced a marginally higher autism risk, this effect diminished when comparing children exposed to painkillers with their siblings. “It wasn’t the paracetamol use, but rather family history that played a crucial role,” said Dimitrios Siasacos from University College London. “Although studies indicate a slight increase in autism outcomes related to paracetamol use during pregnancy, this tends to vanish when analyzing the more significant factors involved.”

During a press briefing, Trump advised that pregnant women should avoid taking paracetamol for pain or fever. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release stating that no causal link between paracetamol and autism has been established. Additionally, in a notification to healthcare providers, the FDA confirmed that paracetamol remains the safest and most accessible pain relief option during pregnancy. “[It] is the only over-the-counter medication that is approved for use to treat fever during pregnancy, as a high fever can pose risks to the developing fetus,” emphasizing potential fetal brain or spinal cord defects.

The FDA also announced its approval of leucovorin for individuals with cerebral folate deficiency, a condition that affects the brain’s capability to absorb vitamin B9. Studies suggest that around 40% of people with autism may be affected by this deficiency, leading to similar symptoms, including difficulties with communication and sensory processing.

Leucovorin, a form of vitamin B9, is already utilized to address deficiencies of this vitamin and to mitigate side effects from certain cancer treatments. Preliminary evidence implies that it might aid in alleviating severe autism symptoms. For instance, a 2016 study involving 25 autistic children treated with leucovorin demonstrated that 65% showed meaningful improvements in verbal communication skills compared to only 24% in the placebo group after 12 weeks.

However, existing studies on leucovorin and autism have been relatively small, often yielding only modest positive results. Larger clinical trials are in progress, with results expected next year. “Currently available evidence is tentative and not yet deemed comprehensive,” stated Monique Botha at Durham University. “While these medications might offer benefits in specific areas, there are no treatments that effectively address or eliminate autism as a whole.”

Following the announcement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reiterated that “while promising, it’s crucial to understand that leucovorin is not a cure for ASD but may help to enhance speech-related skills in a limited group of children with the condition.”

With Trump’s backing, Kennedy is positioning the “autism epidemic” as a cornerstone of U.S. public health policy. They are both framing these policy developments as substantial milestones achieved in a brief timeframe. However, scientific evidence suggests that avoiding paracetamol during pregnancy or utilizing leucovorin is unlikely to have the significant impact on autism that Trump and Kennedy claim. Instead, the most probable outcome of these initiatives pertains to how and when to manage pain and fever safely during pregnancy.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Brain Changes from Eating Disorders Mirror Those Seen in OCD and Autism

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False-colored nuclear magnetic resonance images of children’s brains

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New research indicates that children with anorexia nervosa are undergoing significant brain changes that go beyond what starvation can explain. This insight helps clarify the neurological mechanisms behind the disorder, potentially paving the way for improved treatment strategies.

Anorexia nervosa is noted for severe dietary restrictions and a distorted body image, making it a less understood condition. While previous studies have highlighted that the brain’s outer layer, or cortex, is notably thinner in these individuals, it remains uncertain whether such changes stem from malnutrition or are intrinsic to anorexia.

Clara Morrow from The University of Montreal, Canada, examined brain scans of children with anorexia alongside those with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Although both conditions encompass significant food restrictions and weight loss, ARFID lacks the body image concerns that characterize anorexia. Instead, individuals with ARFID may avoid food due to sensory sensitivities, disinterest in eating, or fear of adverse consequences like choking, vomiting, or gastrointestinal distress. The comparison could shed light on the unique brain changes associated with each condition and malnutrition, according to Moreau.

The study analyzed brain scans from 124 children diagnosed with anorexia, 50 with ARFID, and 116 without eating disorders. All participants were under 13 years old and resided in France. Researchers examined the extent of brain differences between those with and without eating disorders.

On average, children diagnosed with anorexia exhibited a significantly thinner cortex compared to those without eating disorders. Once body mass index (BMI) was taken into account, anorexia correlated with cortical thinning across 32 brain regions, particularly in the superior head lobule, an area involved in sensory information processing. “This aligns with our understanding, as we know anorexic patients often struggle with their perception of weight and size,” stated team member Anael Ayrolles from the University of Paris.


These alterations are akin to those observed in older adolescents and adults suffering from anorexia, notes Moreau. “The effect size is among the most significant in psychiatry,” she comments. “It appears as if they’ve experienced accelerated brain aging or early Alzheimer’s disease, though they show no symptoms of Alzheimer’s. However, if their BMI is normalized, brain recovery is often observed, though not in every case.”

In contrast, no significant differences in cortical thickness were observed between children with ARFID and those without any eating disorders. “We anticipated some overlap with anorexia potentially reflective of BMI,” explains Moreau. “However, our findings did not reveal many similarities between the two conditions.” The reason for this remains unclear, especially since this is the inaugural brain imaging study focused on ARFID. Given that ARFID typically manifests before the age of five, the brain may have adapted to limited food intake, suggests Moreau.

The researchers subsequently contrasted these brain differences with findings from previous studies on other disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, and autism. They found a notable correlation between anorexia and OCD, whereas ARFID displayed brain changes similar to those associated with autism. This aligns with Moreau’s assertion that sensory sensitivity is prevalent in both autism and ARFID. Conversely, OCD and anorexia exhibit obsessions, rituals, and preconceived notions.

Nevertheless, individuals with OCD and anorexia frequently present other mental health challenges, notes Joanna Steinglass from Columbia University in New York. Approximately 14% of those diagnosed with anorexia also meet the criteria for OCD. This complicates the understanding of whether a genuine neurological resemblance exists between the two conditions or if other mental health challenges underpin this correlation.

“We were cautious not to over-interpret our results,” said Ayrolles. However, these discoveries imply that malnutrition alone may not account for all the brain changes observed in anorexia. “Mental illness is fundamentally a brain-based illness, and understanding this helps us address patient experiences more effectively, often leading to less blame,” remarks Steinglass. “This insight could drive the development of more effective treatments.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Challenges RFK Jr.’s Assertion of Rising Severe Autism Cases

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This month, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared the government’s latest findings on autism, presenting a stark and controversial viewpoint.

The notion that severe autism symptoms are on the rise lacks scientific backing. In fact, a recent study presented at the International Association for Research on Autism in Seattle indicates that the percentage of autism cases characterized by moderate to severe symptoms remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2016.

In recent weeks, Kennedy has consistently described autism as an “explosion,” attributing it to an increase in serious cases of intellectual disability.

“This trend is unprecedented. It raises alarms about community dynamics,” he told Fox News earlier this month. “This is effectively invalidating these children for their entire lives.”

Kennedy’s claims have drawn criticism from parents, advocates, and health professionals who argue that he represents a limited data set to generalize the autism spectrum.

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children receives an autism diagnosis by age eight, though it did not distinguish between mild and severe cases.

During the briefing on April 16, Kennedy estimated that a quarter of diagnosed children were non-verbal or required assistance with toileting. A previous CDC study indicated that nearly 27% of individuals with autism are non-verbal or have an IQ below 50. Many researchers, however, suggest that the actual rates may be lower.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it encompasses a range of symptoms, from mild to more pronounced, influencing how individuals socialize, communicate, learn, and behave.

A new study released this week highlighted that only mild cases increased between 2000 and 2016.

This study analyzed data from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disorder Surveillance Network, tracking autism cases across the United States. The researchers assessed adaptive test scores (evaluating children’s social, communication, and daily living skills) in contrast to IQ scores that indicate intellectual disability to determine case severity.

Co-author Maureen Durkin, a professor of population health sciences at Wisconsin-Madison, stated:

David Mandel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that he wasn’t involved in the analysis but remarked that adaptive scores were intended to capture severe cases like those described by Kennedy. Compared to IQ scores, adaptive scores better reflect how children with autism function in real life, including their ability to interact with others, manage self-care, and use the toilet independently.

The analysis indicated that in 2016, 1.2 out of every 1,000 children were diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, while mild cases surged by 139% in the same period, from 1.5 out of 1,000 in 2000.

“The rise is primarily among children without severe disabilities, and it would be beneficial for the current HHS secretary to be aware of that,” said Marianne Burton, a clinical professor of psychological science at the University of Connecticut.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.

One potential reason for the increase in mild cases is improved identification by healthcare professionals. Developmental screening became increasingly common during the study period, and in 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending universal autism screenings.

Additionally, the diagnostic criteria for autism were revised in 2013 to include mild cases, such as those previously classified as Asperger’s syndrome.

“We’re witnessing a significant expansion of diagnostic criteria that now encompasses individuals who wouldn’t have qualified for an autism diagnosis 50 years ago,” Mandel explained.

Dr. Alex Collebzon, clinical director of the Seaver Autism Center at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, mentioned the analysis relied on health and educational records, potentially including children with mild symptoms who may not have undergone direct diagnostic assessments.

“Assessing this cohort, I believe they are likely quite confident in their diagnosis, but we are not observing an increase in prevalence,” he stated.

Kennedy rejects the notion that the rise is due to improved diagnostic practices, suggesting that only a “small fraction” of the increase in cases can be attributed to this.

“The media has perpetuated myths in this industry, promoting the idea that autism is more prevalent simply because we are identifying more cases,” he told Fox News host Sean Hannity this month.

Instead, Kennedy unfoundedly claims that environmental toxins are the primary drivers behind increasing cases and has tasked CDC scientists with identifying the source by September.

Kolevzon acknowledged that environmental factors could exacerbate underlying genetic risks for autism, but existing research has yet to pinpoint any specific causative agents.

“We are unlikely to uncover widespread environmental factors that would fully explain the rising prevalence,” he concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The CDC reports an increase in autism rates among children

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The proportion of American children, whose autism spectrum disorder is estimated to have increased in 2022, continues to have a long-term trend. Released data Tuesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of those ages 8, one in 31 people were found to have autism in 2022, compared to one in 36 people in 2020. That rate is almost five times higher than the number in 2000, when agencies first began collecting data.

Health agencies noted that the increase is most likely driven by better perceptions and screening, as it is not because autism itself is becoming more common.

It diverged surprisingly well from the rhetoric of the country’s health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who said on Tuesday that “the autism epidemic is ramping.”

Kennedy has repeatedly tried to connect the increase in autism with vaccines. Dozens of studies For decades when such a link could not be established. Nevertheless, the Health Secretary has launched a federal study to revisit the possibilities and hired a well-known skeptical vaccine to oversee its efforts.

Kennedy recently announced efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to identify “the origin of the epidemic” by September.

“They’re doing this,” said Katherine Lord, a psychologist and autism researcher at the University of California David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles.

Instead, a key part of the increase could be attributed to years of widening diagnosis to capture milder cases, Dr. Lord said, but he also said it could raise awareness of stigma and support services.

Still, she left the possibility that other factors contribute to more children who develop autism. “We can explain a lot of increases, but perhaps not everything,” Dr. Lord said.

“But whatever it is, it’s not a vaccine,” she added.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interactions, communication, sensory problems, repetitive interest and difficulties in behavior.

The cause remains largely unknown, but researchers believe it has a strong genetic component. “It’s very unlikely that it could be one cause or even a few causes,” Dr. Lord said.

New data was collected by the CDC Autism and Developmental Disorder Surveillance Networkused health and education records of over 274,000 children at 16 sites nationwide to estimate autism rate.

The prevalence of disability has been steadily rising since 2000 when the network first began tracking.

Other trends were evident in new research. White children and children in wealthy socioeconomic regions have long had the highest percentage of autism in the United States, but that trend reversed in 2018.

Since 2020, the proportion of black and Latino children has been known to be autistic, and no longer has any links to wealthy communities found in the data.

The CDC reported a prevalence of 3.7% of black children, 3.3% among Hispanic children, and 3.8% among Asian American children.

Autism has long been associated with juveniles, and the differences that may be linked to genetics are that girls are now diagnosed at a higher rate as they are now increasingly aware of the subtle ways in which disability manifests, often manifesting in teen years.

According to the CDC, autism was 3.8 times higher than that of girls in 2022, down from 3.8 times higher than in 2020.

The data also showed the surprising variability in autism diagnosis by geography from 5.3% of 8-year-olds in California to just 1% to just 1% in Texas.

The availability of specific medical and educational resources increases the likelihood that these children will be identified. For example, California has a program that trains local pediatricians to identify signs of autism at an early age, and a community center that provides autism services.

Pennsylvania, which had the second highest prevalence, has a state Medicaid program that guarantees compensation for children with developmental disabilities regardless of their parents’ income.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Questioning Our Understanding of Autism: Reevaluating Important Indicators

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Characters portrayed on-screen with autism, from Sheldon Cooper to Sherlock Holmes, have traditionally been characterized by their unique social skills.

While experts often focus on social skills when diagnosing individuals with autism, recent research suggests that other traits may be better indicators of the condition. These traits include repetitive behaviors, special interests, and differences in sensation.

Recent research has shown that special interests may play a more significant role in diagnosing autism.

Special interest may be more important to obtain an autism diagnosis – Credit: Mikset via Getty

“Our research has the potential to have a significant impact,” says Jack Stanley, a doctoral student in biochemistry and machine learning at McGill University in Montreal. BBC Science Focus.

From the perspective of the autism community, this study could lead to a reevaluation of longstanding clinical standards for diagnosing autism.

Diagnosing individuals with autism typically involves clinical observations where healthcare professionals assess potential autism traits. However, this process relies heavily on subjective judgment and intuition.

McGill researchers utilized a large-scale language model (LLM) to quantitatively understand how clinicians diagnose autism based on over 4,000 reports from clinicians assessing patients with the condition.

“Our goal was not to replace clinicians with LLM, but to better understand the key factors in diagnosing autism,” explains Stanley.

The study revealed that repetitive behaviors and special interests were more crucial in predicting autism diagnoses than social skills, which contrasts with current clinical guidelines.

As the study did not differentiate between genders, the findings may vary for individuals of different genders.

Researchers hope that this study will prompt healthcare professionals to reassess the most relevant factors in diagnosing autism.

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About our experts:

Jack Stanley is a doctoral student at the Mira AI Institute in Montreal, specializing in applying machine learning to biological and medical challenges. He completed an Honors BSC in Statistics and Biochemistry at the University of Toronto before joining McGill.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hair Tests for Autism Screening

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summary

  • Tests designed to identify biomarkers associated with autism have become available in most states.
  • The test is intended to help doctors rule out autism in children who are likely to do so.
  • The results are based on metabolic analysis that requires only the hair chain, but experts say more research is needed.

Tests designed to identify biomarkers associated with autism in infants and young children are open to the public in most states.

New Jersey startup Linusbio began testing on Thursday called Clearstrand-ASD. This test requires only one strand of hair.

This test is neither designed to diagnose autism spectrum disorder nor to be used alone. Instead, it aims to help doctors rule out autism in children, which is likely to be the case. This may be because the child has a sibling with autism or demonstrated behaviors related to the disorder.

Manish Arora, co-founder of Linusbio and its CEO, said Clearstrand-ASD is the only biochemical test available to detect autism spectrum disorder in children under 18 months of age. He hopes it will make the process of eliminating autism more efficiently and reduce the waiting time for those who need intervention or treatment the most.

“The focus is really on early intervention,” Alora said. “The sooner you intervene, the better your kids will.”

This test uses children’s hair to analyze the history of metabolism. Metabolic history tells the story of substances or toxins that have been exposed or processed over time, Arora previously told NBC News. His research has identified patterns of Metal exposure or metabolism dysregulation Some evidence suggests that it may be related to autism. Hair can provide a kind of timeline of what is happening in a child’s body, including patterns of metal exposure at certain stages of development.

“We can detect a clear rhythm of autism with about a centimeter of hair,” Arora previously told NBC News, and what the environment was like during a certain period of growth when a wooden ring was growing. We compared the dynamics and ways in which the story can be told.

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved the Clearstrand ASD test. However, as of Thursday, it is available to consumers in 44 states. If only I could pay $2,750. (I am not eligible for insurance coverage yet.) This test can be ordered directly from a primary care provider or Linusbio. This sets up the appointments of the independent physicians and telehealth that it offers, Arora said.

“You come to us, you get a prescription from an independent clinician. We’ll send you a kit. You’ll get results within about three weeks,” he said.

Diagnostic aid is still in the early stages of development, with limited data supporting its effectiveness. On Thursday, Linusbio shared several new first findings at the Metabolomics and Human Health Conference in Ventura, California. In a group of 490 children in California, who are at high risk for autism spectrum disorder, the test was able to eliminate it with an accuracy of around 92.5%, the company said. However, the results are not published in peer-reviewed journals.

2022 study on the company’s methodologyWe analyzed another Linusbio test published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and found that it was still under development and that the methodology accurately predicts autism diagnosis (positive and negative) about 81% of the time .

The test is one of several promising ideas researchers are pursuing as a way to identify or exclude autism early in their children’s lives. Other scientists are considering eye tracking, blood tests and audio analysis as possible methods.

ClearStrand-ASD works by running the laser on the length of the hair being tested, turning the hair into a plasma that can be processed with machine learning algorithms. The results of the full analysis are expected within 3 weeks, after which the parents of the child participate in the follow-up telehealth appointment.

External experts said that while Linusbio’s hair strand test is promising, more research is needed.

“For me, this feels like it’s not the earliest, it’s on the early side of things. Stephen, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Stephen, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. Schenkop said: “This seems like an approach that could become part of a set of ways children can be screened for concern, but it’s more. It’s at the stage where you need evidence of that.

Sheinkopf works closely with primary care physicians who are concerned about the possibility of autism by families with young children who are careful to monitor their development and screen for autism. It suggested that there was.

“Sometimes, I see new shiny tools. I want to skip what’s already available,” he said.

Sheinkopf also noted parents who have evidence of differences in child development You can seek federally mandated services without a formal diagnosis.

Seeking a diagnosis of autism in a child can take a long time. American Academy of Pediatrics Autism screening is recommended at 18 and 24 months. Neurological tests, language assessment, behavioral observation, and other methods are ultimately used to diagnose children.

By helping to rule out autism in some children, Arora has given priority to the attention of those most needy, and wait times for families seeking care and treatment. He said he hopes it can be shortened.

Rebeccaranda, executive director of the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation at Kennedy Krieger Institute, a Baltimore pediatric care center focused on developmental disorders, has a shortage of experts to help diagnose and treat autism. He said he is doing it. That’s why she hopes that the test will make the child’s flow to professionals more efficient.

“It can accelerate the speed at which children are seen, and like that, children with very low chances of autism sit in a pipeline waiting to meet some kind of expert. Not,” she said.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

There is no link between vaccines and autism. Can you explain further?

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s false claims linking autism to childhood immunizations have led to President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. As a result, it is undergoing new scrutiny. Budget is $1.7 trillion. He oversees research into both autism and vaccines.

The myth that autism is caused by childhood vaccines — proposed by a British doctor in 1998 He was later banned from practicing medicine In the UK — thoroughly exposed. hundreds of studies Vaccine found to be safe. The World Health Organization estimates that over the past 50 years, vaccinations have 154 million lives saved all over the world.

President Kennedy, who has espoused many health-related conspiracy theories, said the number of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly in recent decades, from an estimated 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 36 today. Vaccines are cited as an explanation for the rapid increase in cases among humans. Research shows that many of them increase This is due to increased awareness. and screening About the condition. redefining autism The spectrum includes milder symptoms that were not recognized in previous years. The same goes for advances in diagnostic technology.

“For far too long, the anti-vaccination movement has exploited families of autistic people, promoting a market for pseudoscientific treatments that don’t provide the answers they’re looking for and can expose autistic people to real harm.” ,” said Ari Nieman, co-founder of the nonprofit Autism Self-Advocacy Network and assistant professor of health policy and management at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “An even less credible conspiracy theory linking autism and vaccines is not the answer.”

Timothy Caulfield, director of research at Canada’s University of Alberta Health Law Institute, who studies health misinformation, said people are more susceptible to diseases than to disabling diseases, whose causes are complex and not fully understood. He said people are often inclined to believe conspiracy theories about illnesses such as autism. obvious cause.

For example, people seem less likely to speculate about long-known alternative explanations for Down syndrome, which causes intellectual disability. Caused by extra copies of chromosome 21.

“It’s really unfortunate because there are families out there who are vulnerable.” [of people with autism] These are the people who need our help,” said Judith Miller, clinical psychologist, senior scientist and training director at the Autism Research Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Every dollar and hour spent debunking a conspiracy theory is a dollar and hour spent understanding how to help families.”

complex conditions

Manish Arora, a professor of environmental medicine and climate science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, said it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of autism because it’s not a single disorder.

“Autism is a spectrum, not one narrow disease,” Arora says. “So many things come under one umbrella.”

People diagnosed with autism often similar strengths and assignment, “There are many pathways to autism, and there are many symptoms of autism,” Miller said.

Scientists have discovered a variety of risk factors for autism – most of which are exists before birth — But there is no single cause for neurological and developmental conditions. influence the way people interact Communicate, learn, and act with others.

Many traits that are sometimes seen in people with autism (for example, sensitivity to loud noises or difficulty interpreting social cues) are also found in people who have not been diagnosed with autism. Arora, founder and CEO of a start-up company researching biomarkers for autism and other neurological disorders, said doctors can diagnose autism based on a person’s behavior and that they can detect the coronavirus. Point out that there is no simple test for autism like there is for autism or diabetes.

Finding the cause of infections such as the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus, is much easier.

Researchers continue to study factors that influence the development of autistic traits, but “one thing we know that does not cause autism is vaccines,” says the University of California, Los Angeles said Katherine Lord, a psychologist and researcher at the Center for Autism Research and Treatment. Geffen School of Medicine.

genetic vulnerability

Doctors have long known that genes play a large role in autism, just because it can run in families. For example, in identical twins who share all their DNA, if one twin is autistic, the other will usually be autistic as well. For fraternal twins who share about half of their DNA, if one fraternal twin has autism, the chance that the other will also have autism ranges from 53% to 67%. According to the analysis of research studies.

Miller said scientists have identified more than 100 genes associated with autism, and 60 to 80 percent of autism cases are thought to be genetically involved.

“The genetics of autism are better understood than ever before,” said Dr. Gregory Sejas, medical director of the Autism Clinical Center and Fragile X Clinic at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “We are making breakthrough research into the known genetic causes of autism.”

However, it is clear that genes cannot explain all cases of autism.

Autism is very different from conditions such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, which are caused by a single gene. Scientists believe that a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental exposure causes people to develop autistic traits, Lord said.

“People are discovering so many different genetic patterns associated with autism, but none of them are exclusively associated with autism, and none of them are always associated with autism. It is not related to,” Lord said.

For example, Fragile X syndrome (caused by a mutated gene on the X chromosome) is the most common known cause Autistic. But only a small percentage of children with the gene mutation actually develop autism, Miller said. This mutation predisposes some people to developing autistic traits, while others with the same mutation are protected by as-yet-unidentified protective factors, making them less likely to develop autism. You may not develop the characteristics.

Some people blame the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine for causing autism. This is because this condition often develops around 12 to 15 months of age, the same time infants receive vaccinations. But Miller says, “Most genetic conditions that affect our lives and health are not obvious at birth. Symptoms and characteristics may not appear until much later, but the genetic code remains with us. It is with you.”

Prenatal vulnerability

Many of the known risk factors for autistic traits occur before or during birth, Arora said. babies experience complications at birth Things like having the umbilical cord wrapped around your neck increase the risk of autism.

So is the baby born early It’s probably because something happened in the womb.

Children are more likely to be diagnosed with autism If you have an older father And if you have an older mother, that’s a possibility, Miller said. It’s unclear whether there is something biological about older parents that increases the risk of autism in their children, or whether socioeconomic issues play a role. Older parents may be more likely to have their child diagnosed with autism because they have better access to medical care.

Studies show that maternal health affects a child’s risk of autism in different ways. were exposed to high levels of air pollution or developed a serious infection influenza and pneumonia during pregnancy.

Neiman, of the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, said she is not opposed to basic biological research into autism and its causes, but that such research is a challenge that autistic people face in their daily lives. said it does little to overcome barriers.

He points out that only 8.4% of the $419 million spent on autism research in the United States has been spent. Dedicated to support and service For people with autism.

“We need an autism research agenda that reflects the real priorities of autistic people and our families: lifelong support and community inclusion.” he said.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Why Autism could soon be identifiable through stool samples – the breakthrough explained

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New Research has introduced an innovative and cost-effective method for diagnosing autism, potentially simplifying and speeding up the diagnostic process. Surprisingly, the new diagnostic test might involve analyzing stool samples rather than brain scans or psychiatric evaluations. Researchers have discovered consistent differences in the gut microbiome – the population of microorganisms in the intestine – between individuals with autism and those without.

Regularly collecting and analyzing stool samples could potentially enable doctors to identify autism at an earlier stage than current methods allow. This new approach is especially important given the diverse range of symptoms associated with autism, making diagnosis challenging.

“There is a pressing need to delay the diagnosis of autism in children, as the symptoms can vary widely,” according to the co-authors of the study. Professor Shu Qian Ng told BBC Science Focus.

Autism is a common condition, affecting approximately 1 in 100 individuals worldwide. While genetics is thought to play a significant role in autism, other factors such as birth complications, exposure to air pollution, and gender differences may also contribute.

Diagnosing autism currently relies on subjective behavioral assessments and developmental screenings, which can be time-consuming and depend on the availability of trained professionals. The average age of diagnosis in the United States is around 5 years old, resulting in delays in essential care and support for children with autism during crucial developmental stages.

The study, published in Nature Microbiology, analyzed stool samples from 1,627 children between 1 and 13 years of age, some of whom had autism. The researchers identified significant differences in gut bacteria between children with autism and those without, resulting in the identification of specific biomarkers for autism.

Utilizing machine learning algorithms, scientists could determine autism in children with up to 82% accuracy based on the biological function of several microorganisms in the digestive system. This innovative approach offers hope for a non-invasive and efficient diagnostic test for autism, expected to be available by the end of the year.

Read more:

How is the gut microbiome linked to autism?

Dr. Ng explains two primary differences in the gut microbiome of individuals with autism compared to neurotypical individuals. Firstly, individuals with autism tend to have reduced diversity in their gut microbiome, with fewer types of bacteria and viruses. Secondly, children with autism often have an abundance of pathogens in their gut, potentially contributing to their condition.

The ongoing research aims to determine whether interventions such as dietary modifications or probiotics can help improve gut diversity and health, potentially influencing autism symptoms. Early indications suggest that adjusting the microbiome can lead to symptom improvements in children with autism.

While promising, the research does not establish causation between gut biomarkers and autism. Clinical trials are underway to explore the potential of using stool samples as a diagnostic tool for autism in young children.

The study participants were predominantly Chinese, highlighting the need for further global studies to enhance diagnostic accuracy across diverse populations. Despite potential dietary influences, preliminary findings suggest consistent diagnostic performance regardless of dietary habits.

About our experts

Dr. Shu N, a Professor and Associate Dean at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, specializes in investigating the potential of gut microbiota for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including autism. Her research focuses on using microbial markers to predict disease risks and develop personalized interventions for improving health outcomes.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The CHOOSE system unveils insights into autism

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IMBA – Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Sciences

December 25, 2023

A breakthrough in autism research has been achieved with the CHOOSE system developed by researchers at IMBA and ETH Zurich. This technology enables detailed study of genetic mutations in human brain organoids, providing deep insight into the mechanisms underlying autism and paving the way for applications in broader disease research.

The CHOOSE system is an innovative approach that combines brain organoids and genetics to transform autism research by enabling detailed analysis of mutations and their impact on brain development.

Does the human brain have an Achilles heel that ultimately leads to autism? With an innovative new system that combines brain organoid technology and complex genetics, researchers are now able to identify multiple It is now possible to comprehensively test the effects of mutations in parallel at the single-cell level.

The technology was developed by researchers from the Knoblich Group at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Treutlein Group at ETH Zurich and aims to identify the vulnerable cell types that underlie autism spectrum disorders. Enables identification of gene regulatory networks. This innovative method provides unparalleled insight into one of the most complex disorders that challenges the human brain and brings much-needed hope to clinical research in autism.

Human brain development and ASD riskcompared to other animals seed, the human brain has a mind of its own. The human brain relies on uniquely human processes to develop and is able to build a complex, layered and interconnected cortex. These unique processes also predispose humans to neurodevelopmental disorders.

As an example, many genes confer a high risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential for cortical development. Clinical studies have shown a causal link between multiple genetic mutations and autism, but researchers still do not understand how these mutations lead to impaired brain development. . Additionally, the uniqueness of human brain development limits the use of animal models.

Only human brain models can reproduce the complexity and specificity of the human brain,” says IMBA Scientific Director Jürgen Knoblich, one of the study’s corresponding authors.

Left half: Confocal image of CHOOSE (CRISPR-humanorganoids-scRNA-seq) human brain organoid mosaic system. Cells with mutations are shown in red. Right half: Mosaic depiction of different colors representing a single cell. Each cell carries a mutation in one high-confidence autism gene.

Credit: ©Knoblich Lab / IMBA-IMP Graphics

Innovative CHOOSE system for genetic screeningTo unravel this black box, researchers from IMBA and the research group of Jürgen Knoblich and Barbara Treutlein at ETH Zurich have identified a complete set of key transcriptional regulatory genes associated with autism. We have developed a screening technology. This development is particularly impactful because it allows for the simultaneous testing of genes of interest within a single mosaic organoid, marking the beginning of an era of complex, efficient, and rapid genetic screening in human tissues.


Source: scitechdaily.com