Family support counts as autistic people age
“As social networks shrink over time and formal services are less readily available in adulthood, remaining sources of support, particularly from family members, become increasingly important.” That was the bottom line from a new study from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA looking at what happens to family support as teens with autism transition into autistic adults. Discussing with the caregivers of over 120 young people with autism or other developmental disabilities, study authors used a specifically designed questionnaire to assess the ‘helpfulness’ of various supports afforded to caregivers over time. Their results paint a grim picture akin to a ‘service cliff’ where the child-adult transition period is characterized by dwindling services and a renewed reliance on ageing parents or caregivers or other family members. Such findings share a common theme with other study results highlighting the plight of caregivers, as well as adding to an increasingly important question asked by many parents: what will happen to my child when I die?
Automated eye-tracking devices may help autism assessment triage
An FDA-approved tool based on tracking eye movements may be a game-changer when it comes to the early diagnosis of ASD according to a new US study. Drawing on data from over 450 children under 3 years of age, researchers found that the EarliPoint™ Evaluation tool, which tracks a user's focal point 120 times per second while the viewer watches various social interaction scenes, did pretty well at predicting autism diagnoses. Indeed, where an autism or ASD diagnosis was ranked as certain by trained professionals, the sensitivity and specificity (how well something is able to correctly determine someone with or without a particular condition) statistics were bordering on impressive. Further studies are indicated before any large-scale rollout is approved, but the new data is a step towards more objective markers for ASD and a potential solution to reducing the huge waitlists around the world with targeted triage campaigns.
Note from J. Rodakis: Also, as a tool to track progress in clinical trials.
Rates of ASD are elevated in cases of Fetal Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD)
A recent cross-country collaborative study reasserts the important previously documented connection between fetal exposure to valproate (a commonly prescribed medicine for seizures and mood disorders) and the enhanced risk of offspring autism and/or related development diagnoses. Researchers surveyed data for a group of children and adults diagnosed with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) regarding their neurodevelopmental outcomes. They found that over 60% of those diagnosed with FVSD were also diagnosed with ASD, alongside similar huge overrepresentation of conditions like intellectual (learning) disability and language disorder. Sensory issues and/or a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder
were also frequently reported in those diagnosed with FVSD. Such findings reiterate several details: (i) that there are known causes of ASD, and (ii) following other important data utilising valproate-exposed animal models in autism research, much can be learned about the potential underlying biology of ASD. Authors also emphasize how lifespan care is needed for those with FVSD.
Editor's note: please do not stop any medication without first consulting with your healthcare professional. Anti-seizure medicines such sodium valproate provide effective management of potentially life-threatening seizures.
Note from J. Rodakis: The valproate mouse model (where pregnant female mice are exposed to valproate) is a commonly used autism mouse model.
Maternal asthma in pregnancy may affect risk of offspring ASD
In accordance with an already voluminous selection of peer-reviewed science highlighting important links between various immune functions and ASD, a recent systematic review out of London, England, strengthens the connection between offspring autism and maternal pregnancy onset (diagnosis/treatment) of asthma. Analyzing 9 papers that met authors’ study requirements, researchers found a generally inconsistent association between the presence of maternal atopic [allergic] conditions and offspring ASD risk. Their findings however did add weight to the idea that maternal immune activation (MIA), as exemplified by asthma during pregnancy, seemingly carried some important repercussions for offspring development. Another recent review paper likewise bolsters the connection between immune functions and autism, detailing also how multiple immune-related genes are connected to autism and may contribute to various important neurodevelopmental processes. The main message is that the immune system does far more than just protect us from pathogens.
Note from J. Rodakis: Microbiome, Immune System, Mitochondrial Cell Metabolism. These are N of One’s core focus areas.
Multiple physical health conditions are over-represented in autism (again)
A multitude of physical health conditions seem to accompany a diagnosis of autism according to a new study from the UK. Authors surveyed over 2000 adults (autistic and non-autistic) inquiring about their personal and family medical history among other details. Their results revealed that various conditions affecting numerous organs were more readily noted in relation to ASD. Neurological and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were very different between the autism and non-autism groups, with specific mention made of the gluten-related autoimmune condition celiac disease by authors (a higher prevalence of celiac disease among those diagnosed with autism). Aside from notable study strengths including the large number of participants numbers and the reliance on data from those with a formal diagnosis of autism, there were some oddities described. So, the traditional over-representation of epilepsy and/or seizure-type disorders was not noted to be significantly different in those with autism, possibly reflective of the makeup of the particular group being studied, who were less likely to have comorbid intellectual (learning) disability. The message again is: screen, screen and manage.
And finally… The 5-year suicide prevention strategy for England specifically mentions autism
England’s 5-year suicide prevention plan, published in September 2023, now includes a specific reference to autism. Multiple studies have highlighted how suicidal ideation and behaviors seem to be over represented in autism, and the complex and varied factors that seem to give rise to such extreme behaviors. Indeed, only in last month's edition did the topic of mental health comorbidity come up as a prime reason to explain the over-representation. The guidance provides a few avenues that the relevant health agencies will take including the use of suicide safety plans that are currently under investigation.
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