Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in autism: 55% prevalence
“The prevalence of GI [gastrointestinal] symptoms in children with ASD [autism spectrum disorder] was 55%.” So said the results of a recent systematic review and meta-analysis looking at the wealth of research focused on the presence of an array of functional GI symptoms (constipation, diarrhoea (diarrhea), abdominal pain and bloating) coinciding with ASD. Data from 25 studies comparing autistic and non-autistic children and young adults revealed a startling difference between the groups (55% vs 26% respectively), with constipation being the most prominent GI symptom. Although fairly widely accepted that gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are over-represented in ASD, this new analysis provides important evidence on the scale of the issue. It once again provides a call to action for preferential screening for GI issues when ASD is diagnosed and importantly, appropriate treatment of such issues save any charges of health inequality.
Screen for mitochondrial issues (even in adult autism)
Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, already seem to have an important relationship to at least some cases of ASD. A new study out of Germany adds to the research in this area, suggesting that even in adults with autism, there may be things to see when it comes to mitochondrial issues, some of which may also be amenable to intervention. Analysing blood samples and blood spot samples from over 70 autistic adults and 70 non-autistic controls, researchers applied gold-standard analytical techniques to look at a variety of mitochondrial related compounds. They specifically observed alterations in acylcarnitine levels, akin to a “specific acylcarnitine profile in the ASD group” which, with further work, could be a sign of a “potential metabolic biosignature”. Acylcarnitines represent a sort of biological intermediate in the energy production functions of mitochondria. Previous studies had already found alterations of such compounds in some autistic people, including signs of potential inborn errors of metabolism in relation to conditions like medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD).
Cannabis-derived products for autism: a growing interest but…
A recent systematic review [review of multiple studies conducted by others] of the cannabis-derived product cannabidiol (CBD) for various neurodevelopmental conditions including ASD by researchers in Australia, has concluded that although there are ‘green shoots’ in terms of some positive effects on some behaviors, the authors believe there is still more to do before such a compound is given the regulatory green light. Surveying the existing research literature on CBD use (including that for ASD), based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designs data, the researchers examined 9 RCTs to reach their conclusions. As would be expected, there was variability in how trials were run in terms of outcome measures and dosages used for example. Authors call for more uniform designs in terms of dosage regimes, duration and also route of CBD administration. Next steps should also include looking further at the possible biological mechanisms through which CBD may exert its effects.
When it comes to tackling self-harm and suicidal behaviors and autism, look to the important influence of psychiatric comorbidity…
Self-harm and suicidal behaviors are present and over-represented in ASD-estimated to affect up to a third of autistic people - but importantly, may be more strongly related to the presence of various comorbid psychiatric diagnoses than autism itself. That was the headline of a recent study out of Ontario, Canada, as researchers looked more closely at the worrying relationship between harm and ASD. Previous studies had already detailed the enhanced risks associated with ASD but this research also took into account the psychiatric history of those with autism, numbering in the tens of thousands participants. Diagnoses such as mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia (spectrum disorders) and personality disorders were all related to and “accounted for” the increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors according to the study. Such work makes good sense. All of the psychiatric diagnoses identified already carry significantly increased risk of such extreme behaviors and importantly, are themselves more prevalent alongside a diagnosis of ASD. Such findings also suggest that treatment of said psychiatric diagnoses may be an important tool to reducing the risks associated with such complicated behaviors.
Physical activity ‘interventions’ for autism work (yet again)
Adding to an already plentiful supply of research findings on physical activity (aka exercise) and the presentation of ASD, a new review out of China concluded that exercise does seem to positively affect the presentation of ASD, at least in young children. Sixteen studies including over 500 people with ASD were examined. Various core symptoms of ASD were reported to be positively affected by various exercise regimes. Specific analyses looking at young children diagnosed with ASD aged 3-6 years old, revealed that 90 minute exercise sessions, 3 times a week over 12 weeks might be a good starting point for the optimal benefits of such physical activity interventions. Such work strengthens the relationship between physical health and developmental processes.
Most information on TikTok about autism is “misaligned with current knowledge”
While social media platforms such as TikTok provide a great way of interacting with others, they carry various degrees of risk in relation to misinformation. Indeed, when it comes to communicating ‘informational content’ about autism, a recent study reported that many TikTok videos may well be inaccurate in their portrayal of autism. US researchers analyzed over a 100 top TikTik videos about autism, between them garnering nearly 200 million views. They concluded that about a quarter provided what would be regarded as accurate information about autism, with the rest either classified as inaccurate or ‘overgeneralized’. Importantly, TikTok videos made by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses or those in allied professions were more likely to provide accurate information about ASD. Accepting the benefits brought by a wider understanding of autism through social media, the message is that one has to be guarded against inaccurate information and overgeneralization about what a diagnosis of autism truly entails.
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