Some medicines or nutritional supplements “could improve core symptoms” of autism
A review of over 40 medications and nearly 20 dietary supplements concluded that there is scientific evidence for the efficacy of certain products to positively affect the core symptoms of autism. A global collaboration of researchers sifted through hundreds of research trials and found evidence of efficacy for various medicines and supplements including atomoxetine, bumetanide and risperidone. Other ‘green shoot’ data was reported for carnosine, haloperidol, folinic acid, guanfacine, omega-3-fatty- acids, probiotics, sulforaphane and other formulations. Authors cautioned that more research is required taking into account the risk-benefit profiles and mechanisms of effect before routine prescription can be widely advised. Such research spotlights the startling array of scientific reports pushing back against the ‘there’s nothing that can be done’ narrative that accompanies the description of autism in some quarters.
The (current) global prevalence of autism: 1 in 100
(including a third of people having accompanying intellectual disability)
Based on nearly 100 published estimates from around the world over the past ten years, the global prevalence of autism can reliably be estimated at 1 in 100 according to a recent study. Researchers noted that the 1 in 100 figure highlighted has some wide boundaries depending on how autism was identified, ascertained and evaluated for. But the data don’t flag meaningful differences across countries aside from the common sense idea that less study in less developed countries often results in lower estimates. Authors also revealed that the traditional 4:1 male:female ratio for autism was alive and well, and that around a third of people with autism also present with some degree of intellectual (learning) disability.
Infection during childhood associated with subsequent autism
Data from over half a million children in Stockholm, Sweden, born between 1987 and 2010, showed the risk of autism and/or intellectual (learning) disability was increased following receipt of specialized care for infection during childhood. The strongest association found was with infections presenting between the ages 1-3 years and a later diagnosis of either autism or Intellectual disability. Those were the headline conclusions reached in a new study from the Karolinska Institute, providing further evidence for a role for infection influencing behavior and development. Taking into account various potential confounding variables including comparisons with siblings, researchers talked about immune-mediated and nutritional influences as representing potential mechanisms for their reported effects on how infection may influence the presentation of autism.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is common in autism
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively common condition over-represented in autism and can have sometimes severe consequences for mental and physical health. Those were the findings of a review undertaken by researchers based in London, UK looking at the scientific literature on this topic. ARFID is a diagnosis rising when it comes to autism, detailing a range of symptoms associated with eating and feeding disturbances. Researchers called for more study of ARFID and autism with a particular focus on accurate prevalence statistics, identifying the drivers of ARFID and looking at how useful available interventions might be.
High levels of anxiety are very much over-represented in autism
Trait anxiety (defined as anxiety akin to a personality trait) not just diagnosable anxiety disorders, seems to be very much elevated in relation to autism according to a new paper. But the existing data on trait anxiety and autism is plagued by self- report measures which currently have little information as to their specific usefulness for those diagnosed with autism. This PROSPERO registered review also found that the surveyed studies were also often limited to those diagnosed with autism without intellectual (learning) disability and only about a quarter actually included some physiological measure as part of their study design. The need for validated anxiety measures in relation to autism is a strong requirement, as is the inclusion of a much more diverse participant set in future research studies.
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