Branched chain amino acid supplements for some autism?
Use of a supplement containing the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine resulted in some potentially intriguing behavioral improvements in a small group of children and young people with ASD according to a new study. Researchers from Greece reported on their pilot open-label study including data from 55 children with ASD aged between 6-18 years. Various changes to behavior were recorded in relation to core and peripheral behaviors. Authors stress their study results are preliminary and in need of replication with more controlled study designs. Such work fits into a pattern of existing research suggesting that within the vast heterogeneity of autism, there may be specific sub-types amenable to intervention with BCAAs on the basis of genetic predisposition to problems with metabolism of these important compounds. Earlier this year, other researchers talked about the adoption of enhanced early screening for a genetic condition manifesting autism among other things, that may be treatable with BCAAs.
Does autism present differently across the sexes in young children?
A recent review and meta-analysis suggest that whilst there may be subtle differences across the sexes, to all intents and purposes, the presentation of autism in young children does not differ in any statistically meaningful way in boys vs. girls. Drawing on data from 21 studies, Australian researchers explored the presentation of autism in children up to 6 years old across the various core autism domains as well as in relation to cognitive development and comorbid conditions (sleep, depression, anxiety). They found nothing of any statistical significance, but did see a possible signal in relation to the presentation of RRBs (Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors) - boys showing more RRBs than girls. Such findings provide a degree of assurance that the current methods of screening and assessing for ASD remain reliable. Further continued research on what happens to the presentation of autism with increasing age is still warranted, reflecting other studies suggesting potentially clinically relevant sex differences.
The challenge of challenging behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
A different group of researchers from Australia trawled through the available research on this important topic and turned up some 56 studies looking at what happens to challenging behavior - “an umbrella term for behaviors which include self-injurious behavior, aggression, and destruction of the environment” - in ASD over time. There were hints that challenging behaviour does decrease to some extent as a function of age and maturation, but such changes were by no means uniform and did not denote total remission. Given the significant effects that challenging behaviors can have on a person’s quality of life, and those around them, urgent actions are needed to investigate the sources of such behaviors and the development of effective interventions.
Vision issues are prevalent in ASD and require screening and intervention
Functional vision problems and structural alterations to the eye are potential issues to be screened for when it comes to ASD according to a new review of research from a multinational collaborative research group. Data from over 40 studies suggested that an array of visual issues covering strabismus (where the eyes don’t align in the same direction) to retinal thickness to peripheral vision capacity are over-represented in those with a diagnosis of ASD. Authors suggest further study is required looking at issues like the timing of onset of such issues and whether the various perceptual differences that have been discussed in the context of autism might be in part due to such vision problems. Given also the multitude of studies talking about the effects of nutritional deficiencies again over-represented in relation to autism potentially affecting vision and eye function, one could envisage a connected research agenda encompassing nutrition, visual health and autism.
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