What’s New In Autism Research

April 13, 2017

This month we light it up blue in celebration of World Autism Month and to promote greater understanding and acceptance of those on the spectrum. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating ASD’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States, research into early detection and treatment continues to grow. In the past few months alone, there have been a number of breakthrough studies and discoveries identified related to ASD. Check out the latest in autism research below.

Parent-Led Intervention May Reduce Autism Severity
For the first time, researchers say they have evidence that parent-led intervention for young kids with ASD continues to yield gains several years later. Children who participated in an intervention between the ages of 2 and 4 displayed less severe symptoms six years later, exhibiting fewer repetitive behaviors and better social communication, according to findings published in the journal The Lancet.

Autism Drug Trial Underway
Researchers are hopeful that a new clinical drug trial based on research linking diet and brain development could yield a treatment that addresses core symptoms of ASD.

Study: Exercise May Cut Behavior Issues In Half
Researchers say there may be a simple way to reduce challenging behaviors among those with autism and similar disorders during the school day — add in some exercise. A new study looking at the impact of structured, aerobic exercise in kids on the spectrum and those with other behavioral disorders found that youngsters who participated in “cybercycling” at school as opposed to traditional physical education classes were far less likely to act out.

Brain Stem Size May Predict Aggression In Those With ASD
Biological differences in the brain could explain why some with autism display problematic behavior, researchers say, and pinpointing the root of such issues may lead to interventions.

Study: For Those With ASD, Fixations Can Be Beneficial
Parents and teachers should do more to embrace the preferred interests of those with autism, researchers say, pointing out that such aptitudes can be calming and form the basis for careers. Individuals on the spectrum often display intense interests in topics like computers, animals or trains. Traditionally, many experts thought that such preferences might inhibit social development. However, in a new study looking at the experiences of 80 adults with autism ages 18 to 70, researchers said they found otherwise.

Autism May Be Detectable In Blood
Scientists say they can predict with near perfect accuracy whether or not a child has autism from a blood sample.

Researchers Identify Possible Autism Biomarker
A study published suggests that by examining differences in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid around babies’ brains, it’s possible to predict with nearly 70 percent accuracy which children will develop ASD.

Stem cells offer hope for autism
A study on the safety and effectiveness of cord blood in children with ASD yielded promising results