Scientists and researchers are constantly uncovering more information related to autism, offering insights into the origins, possible causes and even at times potential cures. I come across dozens of articles on a weekly basis, some of which seem more important than others. I thought I would share on a monthly basis stories that caught my eye.
~ Maureen
Recognizing Anxiety in Children and Teens with Autism
Research has long shown that people with autism have high rates of anxiety disorders. Research also suggests that anxiety tends to have different causes and symptoms in those affected by autism than it does in the general population. For these reasons, the Autism Speaks ATN prioritized the development of the diagnostic and treatment guidelines that became part of a special ATN/AIR-P supplement to the February issue of Pediatrics.
Read the full article here.
Brain Scans Could Diagnose Autism Sooner
A study has found that brain scans may soon be able to assist in earlier diagnosis of autism in boys. Researchers have been able to identify signs of autism in the images – which can be used to diagnose the disorder and measure its progression. They found boys with autism have changes in the part of their brain that controls social perception – that is, being able to understand a person’s facial expression and tone of voice. In future, the scans could diagnose children at an earlier age, providing treatment when it is most effective.
Read the full article here.
http://researchautism.net/news/article/10489/
Autism Costs More than Double with Age
State spending on adults with autism is dramatically higher than for children, according to a new analysis that may offer hints of what’s to come as more people on the spectrum grow up. In a study looking at per-person spending on autism services in California, researchers found that the state is shelling out roughly $26,500 on average for each adult annually. By comparison, costs for those under age 18 are averaging about $10,500.
Read the full article here.
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/04/19/study-autism-costs-double-age/22200/
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Unchanged in New CDC Report
A new CDC report finds the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder largely unchanged from two years ago, at one in 68 children. Rates have been rising since the 1960s, but researchers do not know how much of this rise is due to more children being diagnosed with ASD or if actual cases are increasing, or a combination of both. The CDC’s first prevalence report, which was released in 2007 and was based on 2000 and 2002 data, found that one in 150 children had ASD.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160331154247.htm
Tune in next month for an update on autism research!
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