current research of autism

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Emergency & Trauma

The lifeflight legacy: 40 years in 40 photos, july 29, 2024, study sheds new light on autism, but there’s more work to be done.

A target of their investigations is serotonin, a signaling molecule that is well known for its critical roles in regulating mood and which also plays an important role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Researchers from Columbia and Vanderbilt universities, the University of Illinois Chicago and colleagues across the country are making steady progress in their decades-long quest to understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a brain development condition that affects social interaction, communication and behavior.

In a recent study, the researchers measured blood levels of serotonin in women whose children were diagnosed with ASD. Some of the children carried rare genetic variations that strongly contribute to the risk of autism, while others did not.

In their paper, published July 4 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation , the researchers reported that higher serotonin levels were primarily found in women whose children who did not carry the rare variants.

This finding suggests that elevated maternal serotonin levels are associated with autism in a subset of children who have multiple common genetic or environmental factors which likely contribute to risk. Elevated levels are not found as frequently when a single, rare genetic variant explains most of the risk.

The link between autism-associated genetic variations and maternal serotonin levels was first described more than 60 years ago.

But it is a complicated picture that is not fully understood, noted James Sutcliffe , PhD, a pioneer in autism genetics at Vanderbilt University.

The study probed genetic samples from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Autism Center of Excellence and from the UIC and Vanderbilt sites of the Simons Simplex Collection , a repository of samples from 2,600 families of children with ASD maintained by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative.

The study did not have a control group — it did not compare maternal serotonin levels to those from women whose children do not have autism. Another limitation was that serotonin blood levels in the women were measured after their children had been diagnosed with ASD.

Taking measurements throughout pregnancy would provide a more complete picture of how maternal serotonin levels may relate to autism risk, said Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele , MD, the Ruane Professor of Psychiatry and director of the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

Veenstra-VanderWeele is corresponding author of the paper. Before coming to Columbia in 2014, he directed the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and was medical director of the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders ( TRIAD ) at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

Sutcliffe, who co-authored the paper, is associate professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics and of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt.

Other co-authors are Edwin Cook , MD, also a pioneer in autism genetics who directs the Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UI Health, and colleagues from New York University and Yale University School of Medicine.

While the true nature of the relationship between serotonin levels and ASD remains elusive, clinical trials are underway at Vanderbilt and elsewhere to evaluate drugs that, by impacting the serotonin system, may relieve irritability or improve social functioning in children with autism.

Genetic studies also have led to the identification of other, possibly related health conditions in children with ASD, including previously undiagnosed cardiac abnormalities and severe epilepsy that occurs during sleep, Sutcliffe said.

The investigators hope that further research may lead to targeted interventions based upon ASD-associated genetic variation or biomarkers. That, Veenstra-Vanderweele said, would be “transformative” for children who are severely affected by autism.

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• Open access
• Published: 10 June 2024

New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders

• Lei Qin 1 ,
• Haijiao Wang 2 ,
• Wenjing Ning 1 ,
• Mengmeng Cui 1 &
• Qian Wang 3  

European Journal of Medical Research volume  29 , Article number:  322 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect individuals' social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns, with significant individual differences and complex etiology. This article reviews the definition and characteristics of ASD, epidemiological profile, early research and diagnostic history, etiological studies, advances in diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches and intervention strategies, social and educational integration, and future research directions. The highly heritable nature of ASD, the role of environmental factors, genetic–environmental interactions, and the need for individualized, integrated, and technology-driven treatment strategies are emphasized. Also discussed is the interaction of social policy with ASD research and the outlook for future research and treatment, including the promise of precision medicine and emerging biotechnology applications. The paper points out that despite the remarkable progress that has been made, there are still many challenges to the comprehensive understanding and effective treatment of ASD, and interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research and global collaboration are needed to further deepen the understanding of ASD and improve the quality of life of patients.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a broad group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect an individual's social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns [ 1 , 2 ]. The characteristics of ASD vary significantly between individuals, from mild social impairments to severe communication and behavioral problems, a diversity that reflects the use of the term “spectrum” [ 3 ]. Although the exact causes of ASD are not fully understood, research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a key role in its development [ 4 ].

Characteristics of ASD

Difficulties in social interaction.

Individuals with ASD often exhibit significant difficulties in social interactions. These difficulties may include difficulty understanding the feelings and intentions of others, maintaining eye contact and facial expressions, and adapting to social norms and expectations. Individuals with ASD may experience challenges in establishing and maintaining friendships, they may not understand the two-way nature of social interactions, or they may feel uncomfortable sharing interests and activities [ 5 ].

Communication disorders

Communication deficits are another core feature of ASD. This may manifest itself in delays in language development, including delays in uttering first words or simple sentences. Some individuals with ASD may not use language to communicate at all. Even among individuals with ASD who have normal language skills, they may have difficulty using language in conversations to communicate thoughts, feelings, or needs. In addition, nonverbal communication, such as the understanding and use of body language and facial expressions, may also be affected [ 6 ].

Repetitive behaviors and interests

Individuals with ASD often display restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. These may include a strong fixation on specific topics or activities, repetitive body movements (e.g., rocking, clapping), and an overreliance on daily routines. These repetitive behaviors are sometimes seen as a way of self-soothing or as an attempt to control an environment that otherwise feels unpredictable and overwhelming to them [ 7 ].

Sensory sensitivity

Many individuals with ASD have abnormalities in sensory processing and may have very strong or delayed responses to sound, light, touch, taste or odor. For example, some individuals with ASD may find background noises in their everyday environment unusually harsh, or they may not notice pain or other bodily sensations [ 8 ].

Epidemiologic profile of ASD

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average prevalence of ASD among children globally is approximately 1% [ 9 ]. However, this figure varies significantly between regions and countries. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the prevalence of ASD among 8-year-olds in the U.S. is 1 to 54. ASD is significantly more prevalent in males than females, at a ratio of approximately 4:1 [ 10 ]. This gender difference may reflect differences in genetic susceptibility and/or gender bias in the diagnostic process. Early diagnosis is key to improving developmental outcomes for children with ASD. Despite this, many children are not diagnosed by age 3. The CDC reports that most children are first evaluated for ASD by age 4, but diagnosis may occur later. Research suggests that ASD is highly heritable, but multiple genetic variants are associated with disease risk and environmental factors also play a role [ 11 ]. For example, there is an increased risk of ASD in preterm and low birth weight infants. Socioeconomic factors influence ASD diagnosis and treatment access. Families of lower socioeconomic status may face greater challenges, including barriers to accessing early intervention services, etc. ASD is a global public health problem, and its incidence, time to diagnosis, and treatment access are influenced by multiple factors [ 12 ]. Ongoing epidemiologic research and the advancement of a deeper understanding of ASD are critical to the development of effective prevention, diagnosis, and interventions.

Historical background

Early history of research and diagnosis of asd.

The concept of ASD was first clearly defined in the 1940s, when a group of children exhibiting extreme self-isolation and lack of responsiveness to the environment was first described by American psychiatrist Leo Kanner [ 13 ]. Almost simultaneously, Austrian child psychologist Hans Asperger described a similar but higher level of functioning in a condition that came to be known as Asperger’s syndrome [ 14 ]. These two independent studies laid the foundation for the modern understanding of ASD. For the first few decades, ASD was considered extremely rare and was often confused with schizophrenia. Due to a lack of in-depth understanding of ASD, early diagnostic criteria were unclear and treatment was largely limited to behavioral interventions and psychotherapy. Over time, researchers began to pay more attention to the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings of ASD, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this complex condition. Since the 1990s, the diagnosis of ASD has risen significantly, as diagnostic criteria have continued to be refined and public awareness has increased. This period has also witnessed an increased awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for ASD, which has led to significant improvements in the prognosis and quality of life for many children and adults with ASD [ 15 ].

Evolution of research paradigms

The research paradigm for ASD has undergone a remarkable evolution since the mid-twentieth century, a process that reflects a deepening of the understanding of ASD as well as advances in scientific research methods [ 16 ]. In the early stages, ASD research focused on behavioral observations and psychoanalysis, when ASD was often mistaken for an emotional disorder due to an indifferent mother. During this period, understanding of ASD was relatively limited and treatments focused primarily on psychotherapy and behavior modification. Into the second half of the twentieth century, with advances in genetics and neuroscience, researchers began to explore the biological basis of ASD. This marked a shift from a psychosocial to a biomedical model, and the focus of research gradually shifted to genetic factors and abnormalities in brain structure and function. Through a large number of family and twin studies, scientists found that ASD has a high genetic predisposition, while neuroimaging studies revealed the specificity of brain development in ASD patients. In the twenty-first century, with the application of bioinformatics and high-throughput gene sequencing technology, the study of ASD has entered a new stage [ 17 ]. Researchers have not only been able to identify specific genetic variants associated with ASD, but have also begun to explore the interaction between environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. In addition, the adoption of interdisciplinary research approaches, such as combining neuroscience, genetics, psychology, and computational modeling, has provided new perspectives for understanding the complexity of ASD.

Recently, the concepts of precision medicine and personalized treatment strategies have been introduced to the study of ASD, aiming to develop customized intervention programs based on each patient’s genetic background and symptom profile. With advances in technology and improved methods of data analysis, future research on ASD is expected to reveal more knowledge about its pathomechanisms and provide more effective support and treatment for patients with ASD.

Etiologic studies

Genetic factors, monogenic genetic cases.

The etiology of ASD is multifactorial, involving a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Although most cases of ASD are thought to be the result of polygenic interactions, there are some cases that are directly associated with variations in a single gene, and these are referred to as monogenic genetic cases. Monogenic genetic cases provide an important window into understanding the genetic basis of ASD, although they represent a relatively small proportion of all ASD cases [ 18 ]. A number of specific genetic syndromes, such as fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome, and Rett syndrome, have been found to be associated with a higher risk of ASD. These conditions, often caused by mutations or abnormalities in a single gene, can lead to significant differences in brain development and function, thereby increasing the probability of an ASD phenotype. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited intellectual disability and the single-gene disorder known to be most strongly associated with ASD. It is caused by a repeat expansion on the FMR1 gene [ 19 ]. Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an inherited disorder that affects multiple systems and is caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, and the prevalence of ASD is higher in patients with TSC. 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome (Dupuy 15q syndrome) involves a region of chromosome 15, the duplication of which is associated with an increased risk of ASD [ 20 ]. Rett syndrome, which predominantly affects females, is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, and patients often exhibit some of the features of ASD, such as impaired social interactions [ 21 ]. The association of these classical candidate genes with ASD is summarized in Table  1 .

The discovery of these monogenic genetic cases is not only crucial for understanding the genetic mechanisms of ASD, but also potentially valuable for the development of interventional and therapeutic strategies targeting specific genetic variants. However, even in these cases, the expression of the genetic variants showed a degree of heterogeneity, suggesting that the diversity of phenotypic features and clinical manifestations, even in monogenic genetic cases, may be influenced by other genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, an in-depth study of these conditions will not only improve our understanding of the genetic basis of ASD, but also provide clues for the development of more personalized therapeutic strategies.

Multigene interactions

The development of ASD is widely recognized as a result of the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, with polygenic interactions occupying a central position in the genetic background of the disease. Unlike monogenic cases, polygenic interactions involve variants or polymorphisms in multiple genes that together increase the risk of ASD. These genetic variants may contribute a smaller effect in each individual, but when acting together they can significantly increase the probability of ASD development [ 30 ]. Current research suggests that no single gene can explain all cases of ASD. Instead, hundreds of genetic loci have been identified that are associated with an increased risk of ASD. These genes are often involved in key processes such as brain development, neuronal signaling, and intercellular communication, suggesting that ASD involves extensive regulation of brain function and structure. The complexity of multigene interactions means that genetic studies of ASD require large-scale genomic data and sophisticated statistical methods to reveal those genomic variants that increase risk.

Meta-analyses of large-sample genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several consistently replicated ASD risk gene loci, such as those in the chromosomal regions 3p21, 5p14, 7q35, and 20p12. These loci contain genes like CNTN4, CNTNAP2, and NRXN1, which play crucial roles in neurodevelopment and synaptic function, particularly in processes such as synaptic adhesion and neurotransmission. These findings provide a more robust understanding of the genetic architecture of ASD and highlight the importance of integrating genetic findings with functional studies to advance our understanding of the disorder. They also have implications for future research, such as the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on an individual's genetic profile. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and other genomic approaches, scientists are gradually unraveling the genetic landscape of this complex disease. Understanding the impact of multiple gene interactions on ASD not only helps us understand its genetic basis, but also opens up the possibility of developing personalized treatment and intervention strategies [ 31 ].

Environmental factors

Maternal exposure.

Exposure during pregnancy refers to a mother’s exposure to specific environmental factors or substances during fetal development, which may increase the child's risk of developing ASD in the future. These exposures include certain prescription medications (e.g., anti-seizure medications and opioids), environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals and air pollutants), infections (e.g., rubella and influenza viruses), and poor nutrition or deficiencies in specific nutrients (e.g., folic acid). These factors may increase the risk of ASD by affecting fetal brain development and the maturation process of the nervous system. Understanding the effects of exposure during pregnancy can help to take preventive measures to reduce the incidence of ASDs [ 32 ].

Effects of early developmental stages

The early developmental stages of ASD are influenced by a variety of factors that include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and early life experiences. During a child's early development, the brain experiences rapid growth and the formation of neural networks. Any disruption during this critical period may interfere with the proper development of brain structure and function, thereby increasing the risk of ASD. For example, very early lack of social interaction, delayed language development or abnormal sensory processing may be early signs of ASD. These developmental abnormalities reflect difficulties in the brain’s nervous system in processing information, making connections and adapting to environmental changes. Early identification and intervention are essential to promote optimal development in children with ASD [ 33 ].

Genetic–environmental interactions

The genetic–environmental interactions are summarized in Fig.  1 . ASD develops as a result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, and this interaction reflects the complexity of the combination of genetic background and external environmental factors that influence ASD risk. Specifically, certain genetic susceptibilities may be activated in response to environmental triggers, leading to the development of ASD. For example, genetic variants may make individuals more sensitive to certain environmental exposures (e.g., substance use during pregnancy, environmental pollutants, or maternal nutritional status), which together may increase the risk of ASD by acting on key brain developmental stages [ 34 ]. This complex genetic–environmental interaction underscores the need to understand multifactorial etiological models of ASD and the importance of developing personalized intervention strategies.

Advances in diagnostic methods

Traditional diagnostic methods.

Traditional diagnostic methods for ASD rely heavily on detailed assessments of behavior and developmental history. These assessments are usually conducted by specialized health care providers such as pediatricians, neuropsychologists, or psychiatrists. The diagnostic process encompasses direct observation of the child as well as in-depth interviews with parents or caregivers to gather information about the child's social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns [ 35 ]. Diagnostic tools include, but are not limited to, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS), and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). These tools are designed to identify core symptoms of ASD, such as social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors or interests. In addition, the doctor may perform a series of developmental or cognitive assessments to rule out other conditions that may explain the child’s behavior, such as language disorders or other neurodevelopmental disorders [ 36 ]. While these traditional diagnostic methods are highly effective in recognizing ASD, they rely on subjective assessments and the experience of the professional, and therefore may have some degree of variability. In recent years, with a deeper understanding of ASDs, new diagnostic techniques and methods are being developed and adopted to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Latest diagnostic techniques and tools

Genetic testing.

Genetic testing for ASD is a method of identifying risks associated with ASD by analyzing genetic variants in an individual's DNA. This testing looks for specific genetic variants that have been linked by scientific research to the development of ASD. Although the genetic background of ASD is extremely complex, involving multiple genes and the interaction of genes with environmental factors, variants in specific genes have been identified as having a significant impact on ASD risk [ 37 ]. For example, variants in the SHANK3 gene are associated with Phelan–McDermid syndrome, and patients with this syndrome often exhibit ASD features. Variants in the FMR1 gene are responsible for fragile X syndrome, which is the most common single-gene cause of ASD known to be associated with ASD. Mutations in the MECP2 gene have been associated with Rett syndrome, and patients with Rett syndrome often exhibit ASD condition. In addition, variants in the NRXN1 and NLGN3/4 genes have been found to increase the risk of ASD [ 38 ]. Genetic testing can help provide more precise diagnostic information, and in those cases of ASD where the cause is unknown, it may even reveal the underlying genetic cause. This will not only help to understand the genetic mechanisms of ASD, but also provide more targeted intervention and support strategies for patients and families.

Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging techniques in the study of ASD provide a non-invasive way to explore changes in brain structure and function, helping scientists better understand the biological basis of ASD. These techniques include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and positron emission tomography (PET). Through these neuroimaging techniques, researchers are able to observe structural and functional differences in specific regions and networks of the brain in individuals with ASD [ 39 ]. For example, fMRI can reveal patterns of brain activity when performing specific tasks, helping to understand the impairments in social, language, and cognitive functioning in individuals with ASD. dTI focuses on the microstructure of the brain’s white matter, revealing the connections of bundles of nerve fibers, which can help to study neural connectivity issues in ASD. PET scans, on the other hand, are able to assess the activity of specific chemicals in the brain, providing clues to study the neurochemical basis of ASD [ 40 ]. With these advanced neuroimaging techniques, researchers will not only be able to delve deeper into the neurodevelopmental abnormalities of ASD, but also identify possible novel therapeutic targets that can provide a scientific basis for developing more effective interventions. However, while these techniques provide valuable perspectives in understanding ASD, a complete understanding of the complexity of the brain remains a challenge for future research.

Early screening methods

Recently, the field of early screening for ASD has witnessed the application of a number of innovative techniques designed to improve the accuracy and convenience of screening. One notable new approach is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to analyze children's behavioral videos and biomarkers. By training algorithms to recognize specific behavioral patterns and physiological signals associated with ASD, these technologies can help physicians and researchers identify potential ASD symptoms earlier [ 41 ]. Another area of innovation is eye-tracking technology, which assesses children’s social and cognitive development by analyzing their eye movement patterns when viewing pictures or videos. Studies have shown that the eye movement patterns of children with ASD while viewing social scenes differ from those of typically developing children, providing a non-invasive window for early screening [ 42 ]. The application of these state-of-the-art technologies not only improves the efficiency and accessibility of early screening, but also provides new perspectives for understanding the complexity and individual differences in ASD [ 43 ]. Although these approaches are still in the research and development stage, they demonstrate the great potential of utilizing technological advances to improve the process of ASD screening and diagnosis. With further validation and refinement of these techniques, it is expected that they will make a significant contribution to the early identification and intervention of ASD in the future.

Treatment approaches and intervention strategies

Behavioral and educational interventions, applied behavior analysis (aba).

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an intervention approach based on the principles of behavioral psychology that is widely used in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ABA works to understand and improve specific behaviors, particularly to enhance social, communication, academic skills, and daily living skills, while reducing maladaptive behaviors. It helps individuals learn new skills and behaviors by systematically applying reinforcement strategies that encourage and reward desired behaviors [ 44 ]. ABA therapy is highly individualized and customized to each child’s specific needs and abilities. Treatment planning begins with a detailed behavioral assessment to identify target behaviors and intervention strategies. Learned behaviors are then reinforced and cemented through one-on-one teaching sessions using positive reinforcement. ABA also emphasizes the importance of data, which is collected and analyzed on an ongoing basis by the therapist to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary [ 45 ]. Research has shown that ABA is an effective way to improve social interactions, communication skills, and learning in children with ASD. Through early and consistent intervention, ABA can significantly improve the independence and overall quality of life of children with ASD. Although ABA treatment requires a commitment of time and resources, the long-term benefits it brings to children with ASD and their families are immeasurable.

Social skills training

Social skills training (SST) for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is an intervention designed to improve their ability to interact socially in everyday life. This training focuses on teaching children with ASD the ability to understand social cues, establish effective communication skills, and develop friendships. Through SST, children learn how to recognize and interpret other people's facial expressions, body language, and social etiquette, which are essential for building positive relationships [ 46 ]. Social skills training typically includes a series of structured instructional activities such as role-playing, social stories, interactive group exercises, and peer modeling. These activities are designed to provide practice in real-world social situations in a supportive and interactive manner, helping children with ASD learn and practice new skills in a safe environment [ 47 ]. In addition, SST can include teaching emotion management and conflict resolution skills to help children with ASD better understand and express their emotions and cope with challenges in social interactions. Through regular and consistent practice, children with ASD can improve their self-confidence, increase their social engagement, and ultimately improve their social competence and quality of life. SST has been shown to be significantly effective in enhancing social adjustment and interpersonal interactions in children with ASD [ 48 ].

Medical treatment

While there is no cure for ASD, certain medications can be used to manage specific symptoms associated with ASD, such as behavioral problems, attention deficits, anxiety, and mood swings that are common in individuals with autism. Medication is often used as part of a comprehensive intervention program designed to improve the quality of life and daily functioning of the patient [ 49 ]. Medications commonly used for ASD symptom management include antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, and anxiolytics. For example, two antipsychotics, risperidone and aripiprazole, have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of stereotypic and aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with ASD. In addition, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful in managing anxiety and depressive symptoms in individuals with ASD.

Importantly, medication needs to be closely monitored by a physician to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the medications, as they may have side effects. We have summarized the research evidence on the efficacy and safety of commonly used medications in ASD, including antipsychotics for treating irritability and aggression, antidepressants for co-occurring anxiety and depression, and other medications such as stimulants and melatonin. While these medications can be helpful in managing specific symptoms, they also carry potential side effects and risks, such as weight gain, metabolic disturbances, and behavioral activation. Therefore, a thorough diagnostic evaluation, individualized treatment planning, close monitoring, and regular follow-up are essential when considering pharmacotherapy for individuals with ASD. The decision to medicate should be based on an individualized assessment that takes into account the patient’s specific needs, the severity of symptoms, and possible side effects. At the same time, pharmacological treatments are often used in combination with non-pharmacological treatments such as behavioral interventions and educational support to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes [ 50 ].

Biofeedback and neuromodulation

Biofeedback and neuromodulation are innovative approaches that have been explored in recent years in the treatment of ASD, aiming to reduce ASD symptoms by improving brain function. Biofeedback techniques enable individuals to learn how to control physiological processes that are not normally under conscious control, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and brainwave activity. Through real-time feedback, patients can learn how to regulate their physiology, resulting in improved concentration, reduced anxiety, and improved emotional regulation. Neuromodulation, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), affects neural activity in the brain through external stimulation. tMS utilizes a magnetic field to affect neuronal activity in specific areas of the brain, while tDCS modulates neuronal excitability by applying a weak electrical current. These methods have been studied for improving social communication skills and reducing stereotypical behaviors in people with ASD [ 51 ].

Biofeedback helps individuals develop self-regulation skills by providing real-time feedback on physiological states, while neuromodulation techniques like TMS and tDCS modulate cortical excitability and neural plasticity in aberrant circuits implicated in ASD. Current research suggests potential benefits of these techniques in improving emotional regulation, social functioning, and cognitive performance, but mixed results highlight the need for larger, well-controlled trials to validate efficacy, safety, and optimal protocols. Despite challenges, these techniques show promise as adjunctive therapies in the comprehensive management of ASD, warranting further research to guide their translation into clinical practice. Although biofeedback and neuromodulation show potential in the treatment of ASD, research on these techniques is currently in its infancy. More clinical trials and studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness, safety, and long-term effects and to determine which patients may benefit from these interventions. Nevertheless, as non-pharmacologic treatments, they offer promising complementary options to the comprehensive treatment of ASD.

Emerging intervention approaches

Technology-assisted interventions.

Technology-assisted interventions have become an important development in the field of ASD treatment in recent years, providing new ways for children with ASD to learn and communicate. These interventions utilize computers, tablets, smartphone apps, and virtual reality technology to design a range of interactive learning tools and games designed to improve social skills, communication, and cognitive functioning in children with ASD [ 52 ]. A key advantage of technology-assisted interventions is their ability to provide highly personalized learning experiences. Software and applications can be adapted to a child's specific needs and interests, ensuring that learning content is both engaging and appropriate to the individual's developmental level. In addition, the feedback provided by technology is often immediate and consistent, helping children with ASD to better understand and process information. The use of virtual reality technology, by simulating social situations, provides a safe and controlled environment for children with ASD to practice social interaction and problem-solving skills, which is often difficult to achieve in traditional educational and therapeutic settings [ 53 ]. Although technology-assisted interventions have demonstrated great potential, research on their long-term effects and optimal implementation is still ongoing. To maximize the benefits of these tools, it is often recommended that technology-assisted interventions be used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches to provide a comprehensive intervention program.

Diet and nutrition interventions

Dietary and nutritional interventions have received increasing attention in the treatment of ASD, based on the observed potential link between nutritional imbalances and ASD symptoms. This intervention approach aims to improve the behavioral performance and overall health of children with ASD by optimizing their diet. Specific strategies include restricting certain foods that may exacerbate symptoms, such as gluten and lactose, as well as increasing intake of foods rich in essential nutrients to support brain development and function [ 54 ]. Several studies support the potential benefits of specific dietary interventions, such as implementing a gluten-free lactose-free (GFCF) diet, which may help improve behavioral and digestive symptoms in some children with ASD. In addition, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals (e.g., magnesium and zinc) have been proposed as potentially beneficial strategies to support neurologic health and alleviate ASD-related symptoms [ 55 ]. However, the effectiveness of dietary and nutritional interventions may vary by individual and more scientific research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of their long-term effects on children with ASD. Before implementing any dietary intervention, it is recommended to consult with a physician or nutritional expert to ensure that the individual needs of the child are met and to avoid malnutrition. In combination, dietary and nutritional interventions can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ASD, complementing traditional behavioral and educational interventions.

Social and educational integration

Educational integration of children with asd.

Educational integration of children with ASD is an inclusive educational practice that seeks to integrate children with ASD into the mainstream educational system to learn and grow with their typically developing peers. This integration model emphasizes individualized learning plans and adaptive teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of children with ASD while promoting their social inclusion and emotional development. Through educational integration, children with ASD are provided with opportunities to interact with other children, which is essential for them to learn social skills, enhance their communication abilities, and improve their ability to adapt to society. To support the successful integration of children with ASD, schools often provide special education services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions, which take place in classroom settings to ensure their academic and social progress. Educational inclusion is not only beneficial for children with ASD, but it also helps to foster a sense of inclusion and diversity among their peers. By learning and playing together, all children learn to respect and understand differences, laying the foundation for a more inclusive society. However, effective integrated education requires close collaboration among teachers, parents and professionals, as well as the availability of appropriate resources and support systems [ 56 ].

Social integration and employment of adults with ASD

The social integration and employment of adults with ASD is a current focus of attention in ASD research and social services. For many adults with ASD, social integration challenges include establishing stable relationships, participating in community activities, and finding and keeping a job. Although adults with ASD may have unique skills and interests in specific areas, social communication deficits and fixed patterns of behavior may make it difficult for them in traditional work settings. In recent years, more and more organizations and businesses have begun to recognize the value of diversity and inclusion and are working to create work environments that are better suited for adults with ASD. This includes providing flexible work arrangements, clear communication guidelines, and individualized support measures such as workplace co-worker support and professional career counseling. In addition, social service programs and non-profit organizations offer training and job readiness programs specifically designed for adults with ASD to help them develop necessary vocational skills and social competencies. Through these efforts, adults with ASD will not only be able to find jobs that meet their interests and abilities, but also find a place for themselves in society, enhancing their independence and life satisfaction. However, the realization of this goal requires sustained social awareness-raising and the construction of an ASD-friendly environment [ 57 ].

Future research directions

Application of precision medicine in asd treatment.

The application of precision medicine in the treatment of ASD represents a paradigm of a personalized treatment strategy that aims to tailor the treatment plan to each patient's genetic information, biomarkers, history of environmental exposure, and lifestyle factors. The philosophy behind this approach is that, although ASD is classified as a spectrum, each patient's etiology, symptoms, and their severity are different, and therefore treatment should be highly individualized [ 58 , 59 ]. By fully sequencing a patient's genome, scientists and physicians can identify specific genetic variants that may affect ASD symptoms, allowing them to develop targeted treatments. For example, if a particular ASD patient's symptoms are linked to an abnormality in a specific metabolic pathway, that pathway could be modulated through dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, or specific medications with a view to improving symptoms. In addition, precision medicine involves the consideration of environmental factors and personal behavior to ensure that treatment options are not only scientifically effective, but also appropriate to the patient's lifestyle. Although precision medicine is still in its early stages in the field of ASD, it offers great potential for delivering more personalized and effective treatment regimens, which are expected to significantly improve the quality of life of people with ASD [ 60 ].

Prospects for emerging biotechnologies

Emerging biotechnologies in the field of ASD, such as gene editing, stem cell therapies, and biomarker development, are opening up new possibilities for treating and understanding ASD. Gene editing technologies, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 system, provide researchers with the means to precisely modify genetic variants associated with ASD, promising to reveal how specific genetic variants affect brain development and function, thereby providing clues for the development of targeted therapies [ 61 ]. Stem cell therapies utilize a patient's own induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study the pathomechanisms of ASD by mimicking the neurodevelopmental process in vitro, as well as exploring potential cellular alternative treatments. In addition, the discovery of biomarkers facilitates early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, making personalized treatment possible [ 62 ]. In addition, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids from ASD patients have emerged as a powerful tool for studying the neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with ASD. These 3D, self-organizing models recapitulate key features of human brain development in vitro, allowing researchers to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying ASD pathogenesis. By comparing brain organoids derived from ASD patients with those from healthy controls, researchers can identify alterations in neuronal differentiation, migration, and connectivity that may contribute to the development of ASD. Moreover, patient-derived brain organoids provide a personalized platform for drug screening and testing, enabling the identification of targeted therapies that can be tailored to an individual's genetic background. This approach has the potential to revolutionize the development of precision medicine strategies for ASD, by providing a more accurate and relevant model system for investigating disease mechanisms and testing novel therapeutic interventions. As the field continues to advance, iPSC-derived brain organoids are expected to play an increasingly important role in unraveling the complex etiology of ASD and guiding the development of personalized treatment strategies [ 63 ]. The development of these technologies has not only improved our understanding of the complex etiology of ASD, but also provided more precise and effective treatment options for ASD patients. Although most of these emerging biotechnologies are still in the research phase, they bring hope and anticipation for the future of ASD treatment and management. As research progresses and technology matures, it is expected that these innovative approaches will bring substantial benefits to individuals with ASD and their families.

Interaction between social policy and ASD research

The interaction between social policy and ASD research is key to achieving better social inclusion and quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. Effective social policies can provide the necessary financial support and legal framework for ASD research, promoting a deeper understanding of ASD and the development of new treatments. For example, policies can promote collaboration in interdisciplinary research, encourage the use of innovative technologies and methods, and support long-term follow-up studies. In addition, social policies play a crucial role in ensuring that ASD research results are translated into practical applications and that education, employment, and social services are provided to individuals with ASD. Through the development of inclusive education policies, employment assistance programs, and the provision of integrated social services, policies can help individuals with ASD realize their potential and better integrate into society. At the same time, advances in ASD research also provide a scientific basis for the development of more targeted and effective social policies, helping policymakers understand the needs of individuals with ASD and develop more precise support measures. Thus, there is a close interplay between social policy and ASD research, which together have contributed to the advancement of the understanding of ASD and coping strategies.

Limitations of the current research

Although significant progress has been made in ASD research, a number of key limitations remain. First, the etiology of ASD is extremely complex, involving genetic and environmental factors and their interactions, making it extremely challenging to identify specific etiologies and develop targeted treatment strategies. Second, the heterogeneity of ASD is reflected in the extreme variability of symptoms among patients, which makes it difficult to develop uniform diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches. In addition, most studies have focused on children, and adult patients with ASD have been relatively understudied, which limits the understanding of the full lifespan of ASD. In terms of research methodology, most current ASD research relies on small, short-term studies, which may affect the broad applicability of results and the assessment of long-term effectiveness. In addition, although advances in technology have provided new tools for ASD diagnosis and intervention, the popularization and application of these technologies still face economic and resource constraints. Finally, ASD research is unequal across the globe, with far more research conducted in resource-rich countries and regions than in resource-limited areas. This imbalance limits a comprehensive understanding of ASD in different cultural and social contexts. Therefore, to overcome these limitations, more interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and long-term research, as well as global collaborations, are needed to deepen the understanding of ASD and improve the quality of life of individuals with ASD.

Perspectives on future research

The outlook for future prevention and treatment of ASD points in a more individualized, integrated, and technology-driven direction. With a deeper understanding of the genetic and environmental factors of ASD, it is expected that more targeted interventions and therapeutic strategies will be developed that will be based on an individual's specific genetic background and pathologic characteristics. The application of precision medicine is expected to improve treatment outcomes, reduce unwanted side effects, and optimize resource allocation. Meanwhile, technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality, are expected to revolutionize the way ASDs are diagnosed, monitored, and treated. These technologies are capable of delivering customized learning and treatment programs that enhance the acceptability and effectiveness of interventions. In addition, interdisciplinary research will be strengthened, and social policies and public health strategies will focus more on early screening and intervention, as well as increasing public awareness and understanding of ASD. Most importantly, the future of ASD prevention and treatment will place greater emphasis on the needs of patients and families, promote social integration and employment of patients, and improve their quality of life. As society's awareness of diversity and inclusion increases, individuals with ASD will receive more support and respect and enjoy fuller opportunities for social participation.

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Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation

Holly hodges.

1 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA;

Casey Fealko

2 Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA;

Neelkamal Soares

3 Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. There have been recent concerns about increased prevalence, and this article seeks to elaborate on factors that may influence prevalence rates, including recent changes to the diagnostic criteria. The authors review evidence that ASD is a neurobiological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors affecting the developing brain, and enumerate factors that correlate with ASD risk. Finally, the article describes how clinical evaluation begins with developmental screening, followed by referral for a definitive diagnosis, and provides guidance on screening for comorbid conditions.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors ( 1 ). In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders —5 th edition (DSM-5) was published, updating the diagnostic criteria for ASD from the previous 4 th edition (DSM-IV) ( Table 1 ) ( 1 , 2 ).

ASD, autism spectrum disorder; SPCD, social (pragmatic) communication disorder.

In DSM-5, the concept of a “spectrum” ASD diagnosis was created, combining the DSM-IV’s separate pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) diagnoses: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), into one. Rett syndrome is no longer included under ASD in DSM-5 as it is considered a discrete neurological disorder. A separate social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD) was established for those with disabilities in social communication, but lacking repetitive, restricted behaviors. Additionally, severity level descriptors were added to help categorize the level of support needed by an individual with ASD.

This new definition is intended to be more accurate and works toward diagnosing ASD at an earlier age ( 3 ). However, studies estimating the potential impact of moving from the DSM-IV to the DSM-5 have predicted a decrease in ASD prevalence ( 4 , 5 ) and there has been concern that children with a previous PDD-NOS diagnosis would not meet criteria for ASD diagnosis ( 5 - 7 ). There are varying reports estimating the extent of and effects of this change. One study found that with parental report of ASD symptoms alone, the DSM-5 criteria identified 91% of children with clinical DSM-IV PDD diagnoses ( 8 ). However, a systematic review suggests only 50% to 75% of individuals maintain diagnoses ( 9 ) and other studies have also suggested a decreased rate of diagnosis of individuals with ASD under the DSM-5 criteria ( 10 ). Often those who did not meet the requirements were previously classified as high functioning Asperger’s syndrome and PDD-NOS ( 11 , 12 ). Overall, most studies suggest that the DSM-5 provides increased specificity and decreased sensitivity compared to the DSM-IV ( 5 , 13 ); so while those diagnosed with ASD are more likely to have the condition, there is a higher number of children whose ASD diagnosis is missed, particularly older children, adolescents, adults, or those with a former diagnosis of Asperger’s disorder or PDD-NOS ( 14 ). Nevertheless, the number of people who would be diagnosed under the DSM-IV, but not under the new DSM-5 appears to be declining over time, likely due to increased awareness and better documentation of behaviors ( 4 ).

It has yet to be determined how the new diagnosis of SPCD will impact the prevalence of ASD. One study found the new SPCD diagnosis encompasses those individuals who possess subthreshold autistic traits and do not qualify for a diagnosis of ASD, but who still have substantial needs ( 15 ). Furthermore, children who previously met criteria for PDD-NOS under the DSM-IV might now be diagnosed with SPCD.

Epidemiology

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the international prevalence of ASD at 0.76%; however, this only accounts for approximately 16% of the global child population ( 16 ). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 1.68% of United States (US) children aged 8 years (or 1 in 59 children) are diagnosed with ASD ( 6 , 17 ). In the US, parent-reported ASD diagnoses in 2016 averaged slightly higher at 2.5% ( 18 ). The prevalence of ASD in the US more than doubled between 2000–2002 and 2010–2012 according to Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) estimates ( 6 ). Although it may be too early to comment on trends, in the US, the prevalence of ASD has appeared to stabilize with no statistically significant increase from 2014 to 2016 ( 19 ). Changing diagnostic criteria may impact prevalence and the full impact of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria has yet to be seen ( 17 ).

Insurance mandates requiring commercial plans to cover services for ASD along with improved awareness have likely contributed to the increase in ASD prevalence estimates as well as the increased diagnosis of milder cases of ASD in the US ( 6 , 20 , 21 ). While there was only a modest increase in prevalence immediately after the mandates, there have been additional increases later as health care professionals better understood the regulatory and reimbursement process. The increase in prevalence may also be due to changes in reporting practices. One study in Denmark found the majority of increase in ASD prevalence from 1980–1991 was based on changes of diagnostic criteria and inclusion of outpatient data, rather than a true increase in ASD prevalence ( 21 ).

ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but its diagnosis is far from uniform across these groups. Caucasian children are consistently identified with ASD more often than black or Hispanic children ( 6 ). While the differences appear to be decreasing, the continued discrepancy may be due to stigma, lack of access to healthcare services, and a patient’s primary language being one other than English.

ASD is more common in males ( 22 , 23 ) but in a recent meta-analysis ( 24 ), true male-to-female ratio is closer to 3:1 than the previously reported 4:1, though this study was not done using the DSM-5 criteria. This study also suggested that girls who meet criteria for ASD are at higher risk of not receiving a clinical diagnosis. The female autism phenotype may play a role in girls being misdiagnosed, diagnosed later, or overlooked. Not only are females less likely to present with overt symptoms, they are more likely to mask their social deficits through a process called “camouflaging”, further hindering a timely diagnosis ( 25 ). Likewise, gender biases and stereotypes of ASD as a male disorder could also hamper diagnoses in girls ( 26 ).

Several genetic diagnoses have an increased rate of co-occurring ASD compared to the average population, including fragile X, tuberous sclerosis, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, among others; however, these known genetic disorders account for a very small amount of overall ASD cases ( 27 - 30 ). Studies of children with sex chromosome aneuploidy describe a specific social functioning profile in males that suggests more vulnerability to autism ( 22 , 23 , 31 , 32 ). With the increased use of chromosomal microarray, several sites (chromosome X, 2, 3, 7, 15, 16, 17, and 22 in particular) have proven to be associated with increased ASD risk ( 28 ).

Other risk factors for ASD include increased parental age and prematurity ( 33 - 35 ). This could be due to the theory that older gametes have a higher probability of carrying mutations which could result in additional obstetrical complications, including prematurity ( 36 ).

ASD is a neurobiological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors affecting the developing brain. Ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of potential etiologic mechanisms in ASD, but currently no single unifying cause has been elucidated.

Neuropathologic studies are limited, but have revealed differences in cerebellar architecture and connectivity, limbic system abnormalities, and frontal and temporal lobe cortical alterations, along with other subtle malformations ( 28 , 37 , 38 ). A small explorative study of neocortical architecture from young children revealed focal disruption of cortical laminar architecture in the majority of subjects, suggesting problems with cortical layer formation and neuronal differentiation ( 39 ). Brain overgrowth both in terms of cortical size and additionally in terms of increased extra-axial fluid have been described in children with ASD and are areas of ongoing study both in terms of furthering our understanding of its etiology, but also as a potential biomarker ( 40 , 41 ).

Genetic factors play a role in ASD susceptibility, with siblings of patients with ASD carrying an increased risk of diagnosis when compared to population norms, and a much higher, although not absolute, concordance of autism diagnosis in monozygotic twins ( 42 - 44 ).

Genome wide association studies and whole exome sequencing methods have broadened our understanding of ASD susceptibility genes, and learning more regarding the function of these genes can shed light on potential biologic mechanisms ( 45 ). For example candidate genes in ASD include those that play a role in brain development or neurotransmitter function, or genes that affect neuronal excitability ( 46 , 47 ). Many of the genetic defects associated with ASD encode proteins that are relevant at the neuronal synapse or that are involved in activity-dependent changes in neurons, including regulatory proteins such as transcription factors ( 42 , 48 ). Potential “networks” of ASD genetic risk convergence include pathways involved in neurotransmission and neuroinflammation ( 49 ). Transcriptional and splicing dysregulation or alterations in epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation or histone acetylation and modification may play a role ( 42 , 49 - 51 ). A recent study describes 16 newly identified genes associated with ASD that raise new potential mechanisms including cellular cytoskeletal structure and ion transport ( 52 ). Ultimately, ASD remains one of the most genetically heterogeneous neuropsychiatric disorders with rarer de novo and inherited variants in over 700 genes ( 53 ).

While genetics clearly play a role in ASD’s etiology, phenotypic expression of genetic susceptibility remains extremely variable within ASD ( 54 ). Genetic risk may be modulated by prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental factors in some patients ( 35 ). Prenatal exposure to thalidomide and valproic acid have been reported to increase risk, while studies suggest that prenatal supplements of folic acid in patients exposed to antiepileptic drugs may reduce risk ( 55 - 57 ). Research has not confirmed if a small positive trial of folinic acid in autism can be used to recommend supplementation more broadly ( 58 ). Advanced maternal and paternal age have both been shown to have an increased risk of having a child with ASD ( 59 ). Maternal history of autoimmune disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or psoriasis has been postulated, but study results remain mixed ( 60 , 61 ). Maternal infection or immune activation during pregnancy is another area of interest and may be a potential risk factor according to recent investigations ( 62 - 65 ). Both shorter and longer inter-pregnancy intervals have also been reported to increase ASD risk ( 66 ). Infants born prematurely have been demonstrated to carry a higher risk for ASD in addition to other neurodevelopmental disorders ( 34 ). In a prior epidemiologic review, obstetric factors including uterine bleeding, caesarian delivery, low birthweight, preterm delivery, and low Apgar scores were reported to be the few factors more consistently associated with autism ( 67 ). A recent meta-analysis reported several pre, peri and postnatal risk factors that resulted in an elevated relative risk of ASD in offspring ( 35 ), but also revealed significant heterogeneity, resulting in an inability to make true determination regarding the importance of these factors.

Despite the hysteria surrounding the now retracted Lancet article first published in 1998, there is no evidence that vaccines, thimerosal, or mercury is associated with ASD ( 68 - 70 ). In the largest single study to date, there was not an increased risk after measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccination in a nationwide cohort study of Danish children ( 70 ).

Ultimately, research continues to reveal factors that correlate with ASD risk, but no causal determinations have been made. This leaves much room for discovery with investigators continuing to elucidate new variants conveying genetic risk, or new environmental correlates that require further study ( 52 ).

Evaluation in ASD begins with screening of the general pediatric population to identify children at-risk or demonstrating signs suggestive of ASD, following which a diagnostic evaluation is recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommend developmental surveillance at 9, 15 and 30 months well child visits and autism specific screening at 18 months and again at 24 or 30 months ( 28 , 71 ). Early red flags for ASD include poor eye contact, poor response to name, lack of showing and sharing, no gesturing by 12 months, and loss of language or social skills. Screening tools for ASD in this population include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) and Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC) ( 72 , 73 ). Red flags in preschoolers may include limited pretend play, odd or intensely focused interests, and rigidity. School age children may demonstrate concrete or literal thinking, have trouble understanding emotions, and may even show an interest in peers but lack conversational skills or appropriate social approach. If there is suspicion of ASD in these groups, screening tools available include the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) ( 74 - 76 ).

If concerns are raised at screening, primary care clinicians are recommended to refer the child to early intervention if less than 3 years of age or to the public school system for psychoeducational evaluation in order to establish an individual education program (IEP) if the child is three years of age or older. Clinicians should additionally refer the child to a specialist (pediatric neurologist, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, child psychiatrist, licensed child psychologist) for a definitive diagnosis and comprehensive assessment ( 71 ). A comprehensive assessment should include a complete physical exam, including assessment for dysmorphic features, a full neurologic examination with head circumference, and a Wood’s lamp examination of the skin. A parent interview, collection of any outside informant observations, and a direct clinician observation of the child’s current cognitive, language, and adaptive functioning by a clinician experienced with ASD should be components of this comprehensive assessment. ( 28 , 71 , 77 , 78 ).

Additionally, primary care clinicians need to be aware of (and evaluate for) potential co-occurring conditions in children with ASD. According to a surveillance study of over 2,000 children with ASD, 83% had an additional developmental diagnosis, 10% had at least one psychiatric diagnosis, and 16% at least one neurologic diagnosis ( 79 ). In the past, rates of co-morbid intellectual disability (ID) in patients with ASD were reported from 50% to 70%, with the most recent CDC estimate reported at 31.0% (26.7% to 39.4%) with ID defined as intelligence quotient (IQ) ≤70 ( 6 , 80 ). Other common co-occurring medical conditions include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including dietary restrictions and food selectivity, sleep disorders, obesity, and seizures ( 81 - 84 ). Studies using electronic health record (EHR) analysis revealed prevalence of epilepsy ~20% and GI disorders [without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)] at 10–12% ( 82 ). Epilepsy has been shown to have higher prevalence rates in ASD with comorbid ID and medical disorders of increased risk such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) ( 85 - 87 ). GI disorders or GI symptomatology, including diarrhea, constipation, restrictive eating, or reflux, have been shown to be prominent in ASD across multiple studies ( 81 , 82 , 88 , 89 ). Sleep problems have been reported to occur in anywhere from 50% to 73% of patients with ASD with variation in prevalence dependent on the definition of sleep symptoms or the measurement tool used ( 90 - 92 ). Rates of overweight and obesity in ASD are reported to be roughly 33% and 18% respectively, higher than rates in typically developing children ( 81 - 84 , 93 ).

Other behavioral or psychiatric co-occurring conditions in ASD include anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder, and mood disorders or other disruptive behavior disorders ( 81 ). Rates of co-occurring ADHD are reported anywhere from 25% to 81% ( 81 , 94 ). A recent meta-analysis of 30 studies measuring rates of anxiety and 29 studies measuring rates of depression reported a high degree of heterogeneity from the current literature, but stated pooled lifetime prevalence for adults with ASD to be 42% for any anxiety disorder and 37% for any depressive disorder, though the use of self-report measures and the presence of ID could influence estimates ( 95 ). In children with ASD seeking treatment, the rate of any anxiety disorder was found to be similar at 42% and in addition this study reported co-morbid oppositional defiant disorder at a rate of 46% and mood disorders at 8%, with 66% of the sample of over 600 patients having more than one co-occurring condition ( 94 ).

Currently no clear ASD biomarkers or diagnostic measures exist, and the diagnosis is made based on fulfillment of descriptive criteria. In light of a relatively high yield in patients with ASD, clinical genetic testing is recommended and can provide information regarding medical interventions or work up that might be necessary and help with family planning ( 96 ). The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMGG) guidelines currently recommend chromosomal microarray for all children, fragile X testing in males, and additional gene sequencing, including PTEN and MECP2 , in certain patients as first tier genetic testing in the work up of ASD ( 97 ). High resolution G-banded karyotype, once recommended for all patients with ASD, is no longer routinely indicated based on recent consensus recommendations, but might still be performed in patients with a family or reproductive history suggestive of chromosomal rearrangements or specific syndromes such as sex chromosome anomalies or Trisomy 21 ( 96 - 98 ). Several professional societies recommend genetic testing for ASD, including the American Academy of Neurology, the AAP, ACMGG, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and a child may require further referral to a geneticist and/or genetic counselor, depending on results of testing ( 25 , 28 , 97 , 99 ). As the field of genetics continues to advance rapidly, recent publications suggest whole exome sequencing may become the preferred method for clinical genetic testing in individuals with ASD ( 100 , 101 ).

Aside from genetic testing, no other laboratory work up is routinely recommended for every patient with a diagnosis of ASD. However, further evaluation may be appropriate for patients with particular findings or risk factors. Metabolic work-up should be considered in patients with any of the following concerning symptoms or signs: a history of clear developmental regression including loss or plateau of motor skills; hypotonia; recurrent episodes of vomiting, lethargy or hypoglycemia; microcephaly or poor growth; concern for other organ involvement; coarse features; or concern for seizures or ataxia. Based on the patient’s history and presentation, components of a metabolic laboratory evaluation could include complete blood count (CBC), liver and renal function tests, lactate, pyruvate, carnitine, amino acids, an acylcarnitine profile, urine organic acids and/or urine glycosaminoglycans ( 97 , 102 ). Children with a history of pica should have a lead level measured ( 28 , 103 ). In a child with significantly restricted food intake, one should consider a laboratory evaluation of nutritional status. Sleep symptoms may warrant a referral for a possible sleep study, and if restless sleep symptoms are present, an evaluation for iron deficiency is not unreasonable, particularly if dietary rigidity limits iron intake ( 104 ).

Neuroimaging is not routinely recommended for every patient with ASD ( 28 , 99 ), but may be appropriate in patients with a suspicion for TSC or other neurocutaneous disorders, microcephaly, or an abnormal neurologic exam (spasticity, severe hypotonia, unilateral findings). Patients with suspected seizures should have an electroencephalography (EEG) obtained ( 102 ). If accessible, it might be appropriate to immediately refer children with concern for further genetic, metabolic or neurologic conditions to a specialist who can then obtain and interpret the aforementioned testing. At this time there is inadequate evidence to recommend routine testing for celiac disease, immunologic or neurochemical markers, mitochondrial disorders, allergy testing, hair analysis, intestinal permeability studies, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase studies, stool analysis, urinary peptides or vitamin and mineral deficiencies without a history of severe food selectivity.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Recent changes to the diagnostic criteria occurred with the transition to the new diagnostic manual (DSM-5) and will likely impact prevalence, which currently stands at 1 in 59 children in the US. ASD is a neurobiological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors affecting the developing brain. Research continues to reveal factors that correlate with ASD risk and these findings may guide further etiologic investigation, but no final causal pathway has been elucidated. Clinical evaluation begins with developmental screening of the general pediatric population to identify at-risk children, followed by referral to a specialist for a definitive diagnosis and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Children with ASD should also be screened for common co-morbid diagnoses. While no clear biomarkers or diagnostic measures exist, clinical genetic testing is recommended as part of the initial medical evaluation. Further medical work up or subspecialist referrals may be pursued based on specific patient characteristics.

Acknowledgments

Funding: None.

Ethical Statement : The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Conflicts of Interest : The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Autism Breakthrough: New Treatment Significantly Improves Social Skills and Brain Function

The treatment caused neurological changes, including a decrease in inflammation and an increase in functionality, according to the researchers.

A recent Tel Aviv University study found that pressure chamber therapy greatly improved social skills and the condition of the autistic brain. The research was carried out on autism animal models. The researchers discovered changes in the brain, including a decrease in neuroinflammation, which has been linked to autism. Furthermore, the social functioning of the animal models treated in the pressure chamber improved significantly. The success of the research has significant implications for the applicability and understanding of pressure chamber therapy as a treatment for autism.

Inbar Fischer, a Ph.D. student in Dr. Boaz Barak’s lab at Tel Aviv University’s Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, led the team that made the discovery. The findings were recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences .

According to Fischer and Barak, hyperbaric medicine is a kind of treatment in which patients are treated in special chambers where the atmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure we experience at sea level, and they are also given 100% oxygen to breathe. Hyperbaric medicine is already being used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and is considered to be safe. Scientific evidence has accumulated in recent years that certain protocols of hyperbaric treatments boost the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, thereby increasing brain function.

Dr. Barak: “The medical causes of autism are numerous and varied, and ultimately create the diverse autistic spectrum with which we are familiar. About 20 percent of autistic cases today are explained by genetic causes, that is, those involving genetic defects, but not necessarily ones that are inherited from the parents. Despite the variety of sources of autism, the entire spectrum of behavioral problems associated with it are still included under the single broad heading of ‘autism,’ and the treatments and medications offered do not necessarily correspond directly to the reason why the autism developed.”

In the preliminary phase of the study, a girl carrying the mutation in the SHANK3 gene, which is known to lead to autism, was treated by Prof. Shai Efrati. He is director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at the Shamir “Assaf Harofeh” Medical Center, a faculty member at the Sagol School of Neuroscience, and a partner in the study. Upon completing a series of treatments in the pressure chamber, it was evident that the girl’s social abilities and brain function had improved considerably.

In the next stage, and in order to comprehend the success of the treatment more deeply, the team of researchers at Dr. Barak’s laboratory sought to understand what being in a pressurized chamber does to the brain. To this end, the researchers used adult animal models carrying the same genetic mutation in the SHANK3 gene as that carried by the girl who had been treated. The experiment comprised a protocol of 40 one-hour treatments in a pressure chamber, which lasted several weeks.

Dr. Barak: “We discovered that treatment in the oxygen-enriched pressure chamber reduces inflammation in the brain and leads to an increase in the expression of substances responsible for improving blood and oxygen supply to the brain, and therefore brain function. In addition, we saw a decrease in the number of microglial cells, immune system cells that indicate inflammation, which is associated with autism.

“Beyond the neurological findings we discovered, what interested us more than anything was to see whether these improvements in the brain also led to an improvement in social behavior, which is known to be impaired in autistic individuals,” adds Dr. Barak.

“To our surprise, the findings showed a significant improvement in the social behavior of the animal models of autism that underwent treatment in the pressure chamber compared to those in the control group, who were exposed to air at normal pressure, and without oxygen enrichment. The animal models that underwent treatment displayed increased social interest, preferring to spend more time in the company of new animals to which they were exposed in comparison to the animal models from the control group.”

Inbar Fischer concludes: “The mutation in the animal models is identical to the mutation that exists in humans. Therefore, our research is likely to have clinical implications for improving the pathological condition of autism resulting from this genetic mutation, and likely also of autism stemming from other causes. Because the pressure chamber treatment is non-intrusive and has been found to be safe, our findings are encouraging and demonstrate that this treatment may improve these behavioral and neurological aspects in humans as well, in addition to offering a scientific explanation of how they occur in the brain.”

Reference: “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Social Behavior Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders” by Inbar Fischer, Sophie Shohat, Gilad Levy, Ela Bar, Sari Schokoroy Trangle, Shai Efrati and Boaz Barak, 21 September 2022, International Journal of Molecular Sciences . DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911077

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So how do they know that the effect is caused by the pressure and not by the oxygen?

A very promising news.

if this was true then i’d expect to see this news everywhere i look, not just on this one site truth is, there isn’t enough research on this right now to truly say if this can help manage autism lets just treat autistic people like normal, aye?

do your own reading if you like: https://www.nice.org.uk/donotdo/do-not-use-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-to-manage-autism-in-any-context-in-children-and-young-people https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5471082/ https://asatonline.org/for-parents/becoming-a-savvy-consumer/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/

i feel like if this was legit we’d be seeing news about this everywhere (which i’m not seeing) doing my own research concludes that this “treatment” is shaky at best, and hasn’t been given the proper scientific investigation it may or may not deserve

i don’t think i’m allowed to share links here, so just search up “hyperbaric chamber autism” and do your own research for now, let’s just not try to alienate autistic people aye?

Begs the question…. how long does the improved behavioral and neurological improvements last–days, weeks, months, years? Are additional hyperbaric treatments needed to maintain these improvements?

Maybe i don’t want to be social. Maybe my autism doesn’t need to be “fixed”.

If you’re happy as you are, that’s genuinely awesome, you don’t need to try it. But there are lots of people who would love to have it better managed than what is currently offered.

What you want might not be what the next person wants, though.

Allow me to clarify what Danielle might have been getting at. The characteristics of autism are part of us. Sure, learning life skills through OT, doing speech therapy, etc can be super useful and good for people with ASD to have a better quality of life. But neurotypicals trying to “fix” their autism because their autistic-ness doesnt fit in with society. The problem here isnt that people with autism are perfectly happy with their quality of life. Being autistic in this society sucks. Its horrible. But what a lot of autistics want is for society to change- being more inclusive, accepting, and accessable- not constantly hear how neurotypical society thinks they can and need to change us.

Exactly! Society disables us…we don’t need treatments or cures, just understanding.

You don’t need those things. But some autistic people do.

Please make room for *their* lived experience of autism, as you would like other people to make room for yours.

It’s a disability and many of us would like to treat or cure certain aspects to make our day to day life easier.

Well said! Articles like this give me rage.

Maybe the autistic people in the study were more regulated because the sensory environment of the hyperbaric oxygen tanks was ideal for them? And maybe there is nothing wrong with autistic people’s socialization, maybe it’s just different.

So my question is what the expectations are and how will preparations be made in the outcome of humans treated with this method in correlation to the absence of consciousness in a person. How will the transition be for the peraon treated. Would it be like the person experiencing birth? What are the difficulties of this?

This is fascinating to see used as a treatment. The implications and subsequent results would constitute being better classified as a cure. As for the people with negative responses to this, this is a new study, not going to see a lot of news, still in lab trials, for the one that doesn’t want autism fixed, ignorance is bliss, but please keep that ignorance to yourself. My specific form of autism is quite painful. Increasing my brain function would be fantastic. If you find that insulting, that is awesome. What are you doing looking at cures and treatments for something you are comfortable with? Wouldn’t you find something positive to occupy yourself with?

This research presents autism as a genetic weakness that needs to be cured which it is not it is neurodiversity which in many cases is proven to be an advantage Elon musk, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and many more had autism and they flourished. We need to help the disadvantages that autism brings and nurture the extraordinary things it does not try to eliminate it all together. This project is a pure example of fascism the belief that one group of people is superior to another. I feel sorry for the people and animals that have and will be in this experiment.

Anything that helps me achieve my goals is good for me. I want to more easily relate to others. I want a family. I don’t want people to feel like they were born with a disease, but I’d like options on how my own brain functions. It’s possible that given the nature of excess throughout history people will take this too far. However we need more options now and we can try to be better to reach other as we go on.

I’m going to need to see this replicated on more than a human sample size of one. When you treat one single person with something you will not be able to fully generalize their result/success rate to a population as diverse as the autism one, and the scientists even acknowledge it themselves, saying autistic behavior comes from so many different sources but are grouped together under one diagnostic label.

Why try to fix us? We are humans with a different ways of understanding and as far as I know you’ll never find an autistic tyrant or something worse We as people have a right as everyone yet it’s a problem to be fixed and if it’s just a model then I guess soon you’ll be wanting people so you’ll as parents for volunteers yeah right I’m dyslexic/autistic person who has finally accepted myself for who I am I’m a person not a problem to be fixed.

Wow I have seen the different reactions from people who are autistic and wonder if there is a need for further research and diversity and maybe direction as to the source of this (difference) in structure and function of the brain that leads to the classification of autism. If there is a seemingly a discovery of a treatment or protocol that will make for a better life for such people, why shoot it down.

Hey there sheeple! Just FYI in 99% of the times Autism is a vaccine injury induced by aluminum breaching the blood brain barrier using Polysorbate 80. Also, there are protocols to detoxify the brain and effectively cure Autism using heavy metals chelators such as Chlorine Dioxide . You can find more info all over Telegram

This is idiotic. Take your BS elsewhere.

Go get a booster it’s good for your sheeple heart and will rid us of your carbon

Useless conspiracy theorist idiots wouldn’t understand science if it slapped them.

Absolute crap… I was born autistic, as was every other autistic person. Autism existed before vaccines and is an evolutionary development.

$CIENCE! IT’S ALL FAKE BS shilling for pharma companies

Why is this drivel even being published? The premise upon which this nonsense is based is flawed as it is treating being autistic as something that needs to be “cured”. The people conducting the study are clearly not up to date in their understanding of what it means to be autistic as they seem to think that only 20% of autistic people’s neurology is due to genetic mutation and seems to dismiss any idea that autistic parents have autistic kids. That would,of course require them to admit that autistic people are full members of society who can have families, jobs etc.

I wonder where the funding for this nonsense came from.

You are defensive. No one is forced to do anything. Simple as hyperbaric oxygen is, it definitely has positive short term effects on cognition. Now that makes this interesting g to those open to learn. All autism is not the point… maybe some cases benefit in ways some autistic individuals will find beneficial. You don’t get to decide that for the universe. You should just step out if this thread if that’s your oersodctive.

Wow…it is quite incredible to observe, as a neurodivergent person within the spectrum, how certain individuals have such immature reactions due to a biased position. No one said that the persons under the spectrum constitute a problem, because they aren’t, indeed, we are different and wonderful in so many ways. But it is a SPECTRUM and there are persons within its range, that suffer intensely and actually would benefit from certain forms of therapy. If the quality of life ( which was the actual PROBLEM that was addressed ) can be increased for certain individuals that do face different problems and difficulties and their life, that’s great news. For your own good, learn to think outside yourself, because from what I see there can exist the tendency to negate somebody else’s reality and struggles when you are generalising.

Well said Vanilla Cat

Thank you for saying that so well.

Freddy, easy for you to say until it affects your own child and you have to help them function daily. Not all autistic people get along just fine without treatment and support and to assert that they can is privileged and ignorant.

I have 2 children on the spectrum and one full blown moderate to severe ASPERGERS. I have been a Critica Care , Clinical Care Specialty Nurse for 30 years, we came before Nurse Practioner’s , yes I am old.

I am familiar with hyperbaric therapy, obviously for lung conditions.

As one who has done much research on my Children’s Conditions, they were all adopted, 2 from Ukraine, 1 from China and my most complex child was a domestic adoption, we adopted Danny at 7 days old, he is 19. He has a rare Genetic Disorder, Partial Trisomy 3Q29 and Epilepsy, and a Chiari 1 Brain Malformation, and Cortical Visual Impairment with depth perception problems. He has severe global and cognitive delays and Autistic Spectrum, and my 24 year old from Ukraine Fetal Alcohol Disorder, Lily 13 year old daughter is the Asperger’s.

Yes super smart but cannot get a bath and get dressed in the morning without me.

So just because this has not been researched on AUTISM very well I’m this country, does not mean we have to sit around and say “ well I guess I wait 20 years and then find out it could have helped my kids tremendously, no we rally as advocates for our loved ones and say, to Teaching Learning Hospitals, John’s Hopkins University Hospital, Jefferson University Hospital, University of Penn Hospital and petition some neurological, Autism Specialist, neuropsychology , Autism Psychiatrist who treat the very hard cases of ADHD/Asperger’s.

If this study gets more oxygenated blood to the brain, which let’s face it any medical and lay person knows that is a good thing, and if the pressure aspect is studied more in detail, this could be a breakthrough!!

I could have children that can actually feel emotions and can think about other people before their own needs. Autism is just not about being more social, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder just as ADHD.

All the sensory, odd behaviors, ticks, and with life skills and social skills if their is something as simple as pressure and oxygen that can even help these kids/Adults think better and feel better and understand themselves better, we should definitely push for more research.

Most parents and family of severely affected Autistic loved ones will understand this, High Functioning Autism Adults or teens who can function in the real world obviously, I am not including them, but like my A+ child who cannot get dressed or get on the run and she is 14 in 3 months, we will take all the help we can get.

If you do not live 24/7 with Autistic, several children, you will not understand a word I am saying, I live it, breath it, have gone to Doctors for decades, and if my kids could stop picking her head, Tick, my son could stop slapping his tongue and my oldest one paces and talks to himself, I really am going to advocate for this.

I have been in special needs, Disabled child Medicaid, IEP’s, Social Security fighting my butt off for years for my kids. So the question is where are the hyperbaric chambers located, we start their first.

Just a word from a beyond experienced SN Mom and a seasoned Specialist in Critical Care, I use ICP drains, I k ow what brains pressures can do.

Let’s put this together and it either does or does not work, what’s the worst that can happen your child remains absolutely the same, well you already have that down.

The “do your own research” BS has to STOP! It’s embarrassing. You can read what’s available but you ARE NOT doing “your own research”! Ask questions, read, inquire, but that is NOT research.

Do you think that a two year old would be able to deal with this treatment? This toddler can’t stand noise.

Hospitals use a 95%oxygen/5%carbon dioxide gas mixture on their coma patients. Would using that gas mixture, instead of the 100% oxygen in this hyperbaric treatment, make it even more effective?

How long will it take. My grandson would get anxious in a confined space for too long. Is it safe for someone to be in the chamber with them like a diving bell of something?

It’s garbage. It’s another scitech fairytale.

As a member of the autistic community articles like this are just plain offensive.

Your grandson is not defective, he’s not broken, he doesn’t need fixing. I know it can be challenging but give him the right stimulus and he’ll show you how awesome he can be.

@Andy: You don’t get to speak for everyone with Autism, or those that live with and/or help them. It’s not the case of treating all Autism as a problem, so that’s a false premise to begin with; sure some people may view it that way, but not all (and I doubt most) do.

As most that have experience with it know – It is a wide-spectrum: some can function just fine in society (with or without A-typical behaviour) and occasionally with advantageous developments in areas; these people are likely to be, and feel just fine about themselves and their role in society. They are more akin to the healthy autist that’s just a bit different (neurodivergent), but is otherwise happy/healthy/thriving; certainly not a problem to be fixed, but they are also not the typical case either.

Again, not all autists are the same; some thrive, some just need a bit of help, but some are genuinely unhappy with themselves and their condition and would like help – you don’t get to deny that reality for them.

On the other side of things; some can be severely inhibited (not just in wider society, but in the day-to-day tasks required to live, let alone thrive). What about the child that wants to give/have a hug, to have that closeness, but can’t stand the feeling on their skin and gets frustrated at themselves for it (sometimes to the point of self-harm)? Or the child that’s trying desperately to process language and communicate well enough so that those not in her immediate family can also understand her?

I’m sure it’s outrageously expensive.

I think this study sounds fascinating and I can totally see it working. I would love to know where this treatment will be offered. I think its definately worth a try.

Makes sense to me, an HFA. I always felt so much better after scuba diving and hyperbaric tanks recreate the pressures experienced when scuba diving.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a higher concentration of oxygen delivered in a chamber or tube containing higher than sea level atmospheric pressure. Case series and randomized controlled trials show no evidence to support the benefit of HBOT for children with ASD. Only 1 randomized controlled trial reported effectiveness of this treatment, and those results have yet to be repeated.

I tried this for my son on 2011. He was 7 years old at the time. I went with him in the chamber and laid down for about approx 2.5 hours each day. It was horrible being confined in a capsule like chamber. No effect. Spent thousands of money.

I’m okay the way I am. I’ve lived a long and sometimes difficult life caused by “normal” people who wanted to change me, punish me, fix me, and otherwise make me well aware that I am undeserving of the benefits and respect of the mainstream. This is more of the same bullying, and these scientists can go to Hell.

Very interesting lies, unaware people who don’t understand or experience sh*t would believe, but meditation and a little weed are the only things you need to fix THE TRAUMA DISORDERS AUTISM, AND ADHD. B**** *** **** hiding that most important fact from everyone. You baby was traumatized at some point at birth during birth,that’s autism and adhd

The connection between inflammation in the brain and autism is a big deal.

It would be great if this process could be created for individual use at home somehow. I also wonder about long term treatment or maintenance.

Zac Brace, professorC, etc al.: IF autism is indeed the result of inflammation of the brain, then this is not simply an example of “neurodiversity” but of an abnormal physiological condition. For every Elon Musk, Albert Einstein or Isaac Newton in history, there are thousands (perhaps millions) of autistic souls suffering throughout their lives and failing to optimize their potential. The significant disabilities of an autism spectrum disorder for many individuals warrants continued research for viable treatments. If you, as an autistic, have a satisfying rewarding, & independent life, good for you but don’t make the mistake of believing your autism parallels that of all others. My guess is your autism is not very significant, which would make you (yes) “neurodiverse”, not disabled.

Completely agree with your statement. It’s unbelievable that some would think that just because something works for them, that everyone else should be OK too. Ridiculous, we need advancements in autistic treatment now. My niece is suffering along with her sister who doesn’t understand why her autistic sister won’t play with her. It’s sad for both children.

I see people are still trying to FIX “the Autism problem”…

It’s only neurotypicals who experience anything other than what they perceive as normal as a problem that needs fixing.

Please do some research on what autism does to a parent that has a 4 year old that is non verbal, violent to self and others, hits. Screams and is completely unable to socialize in almost any type of surroundings. Many only sleep 2 or 3 hours a night, won’t eat and refuses potty training. Then you can decide that this is not good news. Until then your negative comments are very unhelpful and you come off as unfeeling towards the suffering of thousands of kids and their parents.You ATA

Id like to know more. What exsactly does the improved brain function help with. Only social issues? What about theself harm part? Would more oxygen and pressure help with the biting himself or smashing his head in the walls? Is this only for higher functioning autstics or can it help the more severe people too. I dont care about a cure so much as I would love to see my child enjoy life more and stop hurting himself as much. I love seeing more research on autism.

Jess, you don’t get to answer for everyone on the spectrum. Maybe higher functioning people will choose not to make any changes to themselves and that should totally be supported. But some on the spectrum cannot talk, function, ever hold a job, are violent to themselves and/or others. They deserve a chance to live a better life. What happens when my husband and I die? Who will care for my son so that he can be happy and not destructive? I have seen enough abuse of seniors and disabled to know he won’t stand a chance.

No offense, but some of us have been doing this for years for our kids with autism. It’s definitely not new.

I’m not quite sure how to address this article from this so called online magazine I have to stand thoroughly disgusted there’s nothing to fix I’m fine maybe it’s everyone else and maybe we’re just fine the way we are you can just sit in your hyperbolic chamber and eat Doritos and watch TV and we’ll do important things thank you

And yet again switch posting absolute garbage. I’ve seen more accurate reporting on Fox News.

I mean for a start autism is a genetic condition, usually inherited from parents even if they don’t present with autistic traits. Our brains function just fine, quite often better than NT peers, we just tend to be a bit more focused.

If you think autistic people are defective take every mechanical, electronic or other modern gadget out of your house because I can guarantee they were either designed, engineered, coded or otherwise created by people who are probably on the spectrum.

Articles like this are on the same level as Trump suggesting intravenous UV and Klorox.

Autistic people aren’t a defective kind of neurotypical people, we are whole people in our own right, we just have a different neurotype. Before nts say I’m ‘not like their autistic child’, just know that I’m regularly non verbal, unfit to work, and at times I often self harm and sui*. I’m also able to travel alone, I’ve a great network of friends, and go to clubs, pubs, gigs, and write poetry – its not black and white. What causes autistic people is sex. Not brain injury. Animals simply can’t be autistic, at least not in the way humans are, as they have different brains, and behaviours. It’s ableist to imply otherwise and this is hack science taking advantage of vulnerable autistic people and their hopeful parents and care givers.

Not all people with autism are high functioning. Many have significant behaviors and would benefit. My son did thus when he was young and it helped. But some of the positives fade. I think you need to do treatment long term like medication.

I have autism L2 and Fibromyalgia,It has been adviced that the same treat may help relieve pain of fibro.

Gods forbid another Albert Einstein, Michelangelo, Charles Darwin, Emily Dickinson, Bill Gates, Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla, Vincent Van Gogh, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Benjamin Franklin, Beethoven, Mozart, or Jane Austen use the brains they were born with to create groundbreaking art, science, literature, music, comedy, or anything else. Far more important to make them conform to neurotypical standards of social acceptability, amirite?

Oh, and if this so-called ‘treatment’ makes Autistic kids more neurotypical, then I guess we can expect them to become ruthless social climbers who are better liars, more dispassionate about their interests, more underhanded and conniving, and more willing to accept obsolete social rules without questioning them. But at least they’ll smile and make eye contact!

You see it from the social aspect alone. As a father of a 12 years old who can not use even the potty, has no speech, keep inflicting injuries on himself can’t sleep without tranquilizer most of the time not even aware of his our existence,you will realize that it is not just about socializing and eye contact. It is about self help. You may be on the mild end but I tell you a lot more are on the severe end and needed anything that gives a glimpse of hope.

Treat inflammation thru diet.

Autism is a very generic and diverse classification. I am certainly no expert, but I have seen totally nonfunctional autism and I have seen those who are capable of self-regulating function. It is very important that we help those who are in need of a basic quality of life.

I remember seeing a research presentation for hyperbaric oxygen chamber at a biomedical conference back in 2005. It sounded promising for certain case studies, but did not offer generalized results. What is new here?

Many with autism have texture phobias, balance issues and sometimes a little ADD, ADHD, some will spin, focus too much or too little on tasks at hand, some can be more sensitive to change in environment and like to take things apart or line em up rather than put them together. The pressure room can help regulate some of that because it can give them more balance and forthcoming control over movement and therefore à less interrupted thought process, not just deflaming the brain.. great idea.

Very interesting. Don’t see any harm in giving this option to those who are on the autism spectrum, and are interested and find this method may be useful to them. I find conversation much more interesting and intellectually stimulating when talking to friends who may be on the spectrum. There may be huge positives and some negatives (like all people) as we are all different. So with that being said it’s wonderful for scientists to study everything. To ask questions. To discover. Humans are fasting, so are our brains. Let’s be supportive. What one may see as minuscule and lacking in importance could change another life for the better!

So, if we decrease systemic inflammation, would that be another avenue?

I think it’s great news to be moving in the direction of either a cure or helping with the symptoms that affect many autistic children. Where would one find more information or how are clinical studies going to be done soon? Is I let available to everyone?

Stop trying to cure different. Your eugenics is showing. Different is not bad. Rather than trying to cure our existence why not try accepting us with understanding. Your pity looks like a tombstone.

I doubt very much the same treatment can possibly cure a spectrum of symptoms of varying degree, not necessarily interrelated and which may stem from environmental factors. Are we capable of changing a person’s character; the way they think; their likes; dislikes; their empathy, and whether others value their company? Of course not!

So autism could be symptom of neuro- inflammation?

It is very discouraging to see the high functioning autistic people on here be so negative about autism treatments! Not every autistic person has a choice if they want to be fixed or not. My son whom is 14 and can’t speak and still isn’t completely potty trained with major social deficits could certainly benefit from any breakthrough or treatments offered up. So many other severely autistic children and adults in the world that deserve to be free from the frustration and anxiety of extreme sensory overload and inability to communicate.To all of the higher functioning autistic I say this….you poor tortured souls that want to bask in your autism…go for it! But for the sake of the lower functioning or severely affected autistics that need help; be freaking respectful and mindful of what you say! (In honor of my son)

There is no such thing as “high functioning autistic people”… We are all just Autistic and present differently.

We don’t need treatments or cures. We are a different neurotype… We don’t have a disease! 🙄

Stephanie Brown you read my mind!! My grandson is severely autistic… he’s almost 6, doesn’t speak & isn’t potty trained. The difference between high functioning autism & the severely autistic is so profound they might as well be to different diagnoses. High functioning autistic individuals can speak for themselves, the severely autistic need their family to speak for them. I for one think this research is promising & just because it’s brand new & not all over the media doesn’t mean it’s false. For goodness sake it takes YEARS for changes to trickle down & be put into practice in the medical field. I’m hopeful to hear studies like this are happening & hopeful there will be something in the future that can help my grandson. I know there’s no such thing as “fixing” him but something that could help his enormous anxiety, confusion & anger. Something that’ll help him feel comfortable in his own body & this world.

“High functioning” autism is not a thing. Autism is Autism, and some Autistic people present differently. Stop using outdated labels.

How do I get some for my very hard to diagnose problem with hydrocephalus to take care of my adult dependent with Autism? He says he isn’t going in there. I think I need to at least try?

How long do the effects last outside the pressure chamber? Would one need to wear a pressurized diving helmet with a 100% oxygen feed to ‘cure’ one’s autism?

I fully agree with you Zak Brace.

Autism in the severest form is what this is about not functioning autistics. It bothers me that high ASD people would even comment in here the way they have. Live with a non verbal person and meltdowns then understand we need this kind of research. But I think vitamin e works just as well with relieving swelling in brain. Please research this

This supports the findings of the first “autistic researcher,” Temple Grandin, who invented a similar idea based on pressure, she called the Squeeze Machine.(See the movie made by HBO “Temple Grandin.”)

It also mentions the immune system relation to autism that was named in 2003 to associate autism with one of the 5 immune system disorders, called Common Variable Immune System Disorder, – which I was born with in 1949, and later assessed as caused by DDT poisoning of my mother when she was pregnant. (There was a LOT of crop dusting in the rural S. TX town we lived in.)

I am so happy to hear of this development and especially for my grandson who has autism and lives in Israel. And yes. I too would prefer people were treated in a real, loving expression toward each other and there more value in that enough that we had “application” training available.

I think the article refers to capacity. As in autistic people we’ll have a higher capacity for being social. I don’t think it means that they have to be social.

How do I get hepl

How can you test an animal for autism. That ridiculous. An animal can’t talk or anything. You need to test on adult who want to be tested. Testing animals is NOTHING like on a human being it’s common sense. If there were more help out there for autism more educational HELP. Then maybe they will learn how to deal with this world because this world is having a hard time dealing with autism or any type of Special need human. That’s where these people with these paper hanging on there walls ( Bachelor degree ) should start educating others how to help the proper way for Special need people. This Article is all False hope for autism.

This article doesn’t tell how many people were studied in total. In fact, the scientific study’s title is “…a mouse”. Singular. Everyone knows you need to have a large sample study in order to gain any type of conclusion. Nothing is conclusive here, in my opinion.

What those people with autism commenting here fail to realize is that this autism of a thing is a spectrum. All of you here are not having this condition as far as am concern. My son is 12 with a case of regressive autism has lost every single skill he previously acquired and is mostly inflicting injuries on himself can’t use the toilet, is out of school, infact I doubt if he aware that he is alive. So you expect me not to worry about finding way out? Please scientists go on with anything that will better the life of these children. If my child is high functioning like you guys, I will have nothing to worry about. So you need to realize that autism is a spectrum. It affects people differently.

People sitting talking smack about us “high functioning” (which we are not and don’t use that term for this reason) autistics, clearly aren’t seeing what the problem we have is. It’s not that we don’t know that this could benefit people with very high needs. We aren’t stupid. It’s more frustrating that we’ve been forgotten when it comes to autistic studies. They don’t ask us what we need help with to better understand our issues. As someone with a non verbal son with high needs, I know the struggle, but you aren’t the victim here, they are. I have to advocate for my son but I can’t get the same respect because I’m too “normal”. “High functioning” autistics are offin themselves at an alarming rate because we can’t stand to exist in a world that doesn’t care. Have some compassion on an issue you don’t fully understand.

This begs the question: Do we have to risk getting “The Bends” just because we stim or pace? For the father of the 12 year old who cannot use the toilet, do you think they can tolerate being in the chamber for who knows how long?

Judgmental. If you have autism and are happy with it than more power to you. However for some of us it is debilitating.

I looked up one of those chambers, no way am I getting into that claustrophobic thing. Like you keep trying to “cure” us but how about just try being nice perhaps? Being understanding and non-judgemental does loads more for my social anxiety than a pressure cooker ever will. Maybe we should work on curing societys rudeness first. Also, I only skimmed the article so it’s on me probably but what exactly is an autism animal model I’ve never heard that before

Not every autistic person is able to function like you are. My daughter is essentially nonverbal and has bad behavioral episodes caused by frustration by being unable to communicate her wants and needs. Something like this, if it works as they said, would make it 100000% easier on everyone. These types of therapy aren’t for everyone and are likely best for people that are so severe on the spectrum that they can’t even function on their own. Consider yourself blessed to be able to read, write and communicate with those around you in an understandable way. You don’t understand how helpful this would be to my family. I’d have a child that can actually understand what is being said to her and can respond back in some verbal and coherent form. I’d probably cry if she suddenly went from nonverbal to talking after 40hrs of this treatment. If it effectively stopped or extremely reduced her aggression and behavior episodes, I’d be ecstatic. And who wouldn’t be?? No more worries about her hurting teachers at school or potentially someone else cause she couldn’t control herself.

Our autistic daughter is frequently made miserable by her autism. She talks about her brain not letting her do what she wants, about being constantly frustrated by the way her autism affects her subjective experience of living in her own head.

We would do anything that *she* wanted, to help her feel better in the ways that *she* feels miserable. But, so far, we’ve all found limited success.

Not all people with autism are unhappy about it. And many people with autism are unhappy because of the way society treats people with autism. But *some* people with autism are miserable *because of their autism*, in ways that their context can do nothing to improve.

Please don’t exclude my daughter’s lived experience, in your perfectly understandable desire to push back against the way that our society pathologizes autism even when it causes no intrinsic distress in the person experiencing it. For some people, autism itself hurts. 😢

Some are missing the point of these treatments. My grdaughter is autistic but she does not socialize, speak unless directed right ar her, does not really know how it is to do anything without instruction. Some people leaving comments say they are autistic but they are able to read on their own and they know what they are reading. If my grdaughter could do that, I would not even consider her autistic.

This sounds like a gimmick. My sons and I have ASD my eldest and I are verbal and my youngest is not. He has agoraphobia issues so something like this chamber may scare the heck out of him. For those talking about people trying to change them I feel miss the point. I would accept any help for my kids and myself. While our thinking and perception is unique to ourselves, our health issues are not. By the time we reach adult hood 1 in 4 of us will acquire a neurological disease like Parkinson’s or dementia. I’m assuming it’s because our gut flora is highly dysfunctional and does not work properly ( Gut theory). Also compared with the neurotypical population our lifespans are much shorter. On average classical autism patients see to live up to 39 yrs of age where as people with aspbergers level diagnosis reach to see 57 on average. I would like to see our lifespan reach somewhat of a normal frame and is riddled with less neurological problems .

How does one do about being involved in the study as a participant?? I’d be genuinely interested to join along with my daughter and see the effects on us. I’m pretty sure I’m on the spectrum and my daughter is on the moderate to severe side with behavioral and nonverbal symptoms.

How lucky so many of those responders are who are aware of their diagnosis enough to make choices in and out of relationships! But they call it a Spectrum for a reason. For those un-diagnosed or unaware in neurodiverse relationships, further that may share other dx-s unaware or untreated, relationships and families are often destroyed in time. All that aside, for those becoming aware something is wrong and trying to identify it through therapy with the many angels beginning to specialize in the higher levels of the Spectrum, these researchers findings could be miracles for the future! Jobs, friendships, marriages, children who feel abandoned, I’ve seen it all. Look into AANE and read the forum emails! Join the groups. We NEED this research even if you don’t. Keep up your good work and self care. You’re clearly doing well and must be happy.

5 mg Lexapro was like someone blew 75% of his severe autism quirks away

This isn’t a new treatment for ASD, nor is it effective. It gives people false hope and may even cause more harm than good. There is not a shred of empirical evidence proving it to be effective. If there was then it would have been all over the news by now. It’s been around for well over a decade.

So they tested it on some autistic mice and one little girl. Promising.

My son has severe autism. He suffers daily from an inability to communicate, insomnia, chronic constipation, self-injury, aggression, and anxiety. He attacked me driving down the road related colon cramps. He sometimes withholds his stool for 21 days straight. Yes, I think he would love treatment to make his life 20-30 percent better. I love him more than anything in the world; it breaks my heart to watch how much he suffers. We do not live in a high-functioning world. Of course, I would do anything to take away his pain if it worked. Unfortunately, there are minimal options for people with severe autism that take them to even a moderate level of functioning. He will need daily living support probably for the rest of his life. It absolutely kills me to think of his life once I’m dead and gone. People like my son are vulnerable to predators. I hope they find more treatments that are humane to help him.

Very well said Zac 👏

Most of the children I see – who have autism or other issues would be traumatized by being places in such a chamber for an hour x 40. “The girl”? How old was she? In what way and to what degree did autism effect her? You can put a mouse in a hyperbaric chamber – no problem . How did you place this child in one?

Autism is not a disease. Stop trying to ‘treat’ it and maybe put all that time and effort into listening to actually autistic people and putting a stop to damaging nonsense like this. Jesus christ, people with so much education behind and yet they still don’t bloody get it.

Listen to the full R’s talk about ground breaking progress to help millions… like narcissistic children indoctrinated in new age anti progressive cult think akin to the psychological operation that is the manufactured trans/lgbtq societal gender war. “Are you saying im not perfect because I wont make eye contact, cant function in society and have been a tremendous burden on my loved ones who have fought an unwinnable fight my whole life, sacrificing theirs for mine… well words are violence and you’re racist. Dont assume my dogs gender. Im fine. We are fine. Neuro diversity is good and that kid not being able to talk… that builds character?” This is wonderful and if you think otherwise or feel personally attacked… head to the nearest pressurized chamber with a shower to wash the sand out.

I bought a hyperbaric chamber over 10 years ago for my then 6yr old son who was diagnosed on the lower end of the autism spectrum. He was doing ABA treatment at the time, I asked all the doctors and specialist back then about what I was researching and they told me that it was not going to work because autism is genetic, but he wasn’t barely progressing in ABA. Even my husband was a skeptic because we were spending almost $13,000 with conversion from $US to $CAD but I didn’t care because I refused to believe that nothing could be done for my son who was progressing normally and started regressing at age 2. Within a week of usage he went from barely 10 words per day to over 100 words the therapist were witnessing. He was potty trained a month later in 1 week never haven’t had an accident since, started reading in 6 months, changes in food choices in around a year and more importantly vast improvement in his behaviour. I tried telling them what I was doing but they didn’t think that hbot was helping so I stopped talking. What does a mother know, I am a not part of a university study. My son was later doing a university study where they were tracking his eye movements. I told them about the chamber nothing. So my son has improved and my information could have helped many parents years ago but now 10 years later this is a headline

This is great news. How is your child doing now? This gives me hope ❤

Maybe the school system should be more inclusive of neurodiversity. Idk. Just a thought. We grow up thinking that school is going to make us well rounded. But they want to keep defunding anything creative. Now we got a jacked left brain and a crippled right. School is a terrible atmosphere for autistic people. Probably because we know at a cellular level that the environment is soul crushing. I don’t think an oxygen chamber would change my mind about that, but this is very Ineresting and would love to hear more.

Not everyone who is autistic is a genius like Einstein. There are autistic people who are non verbal,unlettered, into repetitive, self harming behaviour like head banging, totally dependant on others for their day to day needs and not even aware of all this as they live in their own warped world of pain. If treatments like this one can help them, it would be a huge help for their caretakers. Autism is not cute or just a slight quirk, people!

I think this is an exceptional break through and that hopefully will lead to further break throughs. My son is autistic and I’m almost certain he would like the be neuro appropriate. As a mother of an autistic child, once I leave this world I don’t know for certain how he will be cared for. If he is able to cope socially, my fears will be lessened. Is this selfish, hell yes it is but if he cannot interact in a way to express his feelings to others, will this not cause him more frustration and cause him to withdrawal even more? It most definitely will. This doesn’t mean one has to be more social it just means he would have the ability should he choose to do so. More power to those who have made this discovery. Please don’t stop researching autism. We need you desperately.

My son is 11.5 years old. He barely reads at a kindergarten level and math at grade 1. He will not use any other toilet than home and its a fight to get him to let me clean him up afterwards. For this reason, we hardly leave home. His language is limited and jarbled. He self harms and has meltdowns over the smallest of issues, mainly eats the same 3 foods and will not try anything new, has sensory issues, will not cooperate with doctors or dentists. For those of you that feel he doesn’t need “fixed”, you are greatly mistaken. He probably will never be able to function on his own or support himself. In cases like his, the entire family is evolved. If this treatment could help him in anyway, I would go to earths end to do it. I really hope this therapy proves to be effective for our family could use the help.

Hello, I have twin Autistic sons, age 20.

One twin has a job, drives and works on social settings on his own now. He’s very happy!

Sadly, his brother is VERY LONELY and non verbal. He can push a few buttons on his speaking device.

When asked what he wants??? A FRIEND!

Every person is different. Every Autistic person is different.

Let’s not knock any research the may HELP. So many studies over the past 20 years…we’ve learned how to identify (in utero) in order to abort these children.

I’m grateful for any studies that may one day help my poor, sad son.

Thank you for reading. Ruby

There always has ti be morons in the comment section giving their worthless opinion to feel important. Autism is related to inflammation in the brain which is NOT NORMAL for a human body. So for those of you saying it’s who I am, I was born this way, is completely ignorant. That’s like saying someone who develops severe joint inflammation as a child, i.e. oligoarthritis will be ok with their life and refuse treatment. It is a disability and hinders one in different and important aspects of life that are not healthy. Whether you want to admit that or not. This is breakthrough treatment and will take a few years to “perfect”. All you other pessimists can wallow in your depression because you are antisocial and believe that I’d a healthy lifestyle.

“Fixing autism” shouldn’t be the goal, but reducing brain inflammation is always a good outcome.

All these people saying, “maybe I don’t want to be ‘fixed'”fixed. Ever think of those on the spectrum that are also IDor can never live on their own or have a functional life because of it? Ever think of the CHILDREN who are able to possibly grow up without any difficulties? Many young children with autism struggle so much with communicating with others that they harm themselves, others, their environment, bc they are so frustrated they can’t communicate or their sensory system is in overdrive all the time. It is literally my profession to work part of an autism team to determine intellectual adaptive skills and then help develop a behavioral plan. I see how this impedes a child’s ability to develop socially, academically,communicatively, cognitively, etc, and it can be extreme for more than your realize. Why would we force a child to grow up with so many struggles of they don’t have to? That’s like forcing a child to battle a disease alone. Schools and parents provide intervention services ask the time for children on the spectrum, treatment like this should be no different. And btw, it’s “people WITH autism” not “autistic people”. Autism may be part of you, but it doesn’t define you. YOU define you, autism or not. It may shape you, but it is not the core of you.

Saying that this is essentially your job, is very disheartening. As someone who is autistic. (we actually prefer autistic people, not “people with autism) it should be society that changes to benefit everybody. Not us who change to benefit society. You say you see the impacts daily, yet don’t recognize you’re continuing them. Autism should *not* be likened to a disease. If you truly actually care about the people you work with. Maybe listen to us, instead of things written about us, by Allistics.

So many comment and it’s clear that 99% of them didn’t even read the introduction in the study or they wouldn’t be making the comments they are making.

While pressure therapy has an effect I’m nervous what it really means. Overwhelming the senses with a perfectly even pressure may well seem calming on the surface but lead to deeper issues involving repressed experience to stimulus. Experiments which I conduct on myself are moving in the direction of being open to stimulus rather than further isolating myself from my body. I have had some success in confronting reservoirs of anger and moving past them to a state of mind resembling comfort. On the other hand I would be very interested to test oxygen treatments as I’m sure my mind body disconnect includes shallow breathing patterns that clearly induce extra anxiety.

people in these comments are making great points about autism not necessarily needing a cure. however, the therapy also alleviates inflammation, which is helpful

My son is 21 years old and I would love the opportunity for him. He’s 21 77lbs and non verbal.

Great, more people treating autism as a disease and not something that just is. This biased study also makes the assumption that the autistic brain doesn’t work as well as the Allistics. My gods its 2022 can we stop treating autism like it’s cancer, something to be eradicated??

This is horrifying and extremely worrying to discover this and money has been spent on this?! I hope no one forces autistic people to go through this. ABA and shock therapy is torture enough.

Autism is a different neurotype not a defect! More time should be spent on accommodating autistic people’s needs and making the world suitable for all neurotypes NOT trying to make autistic people neurotypical.

It’s not trying to make us more neurotypical, it’s an attempt to treat aspects that disable us and makes daily life extremely difficult. Stop trying to get in the way of autistic people getting help.

My son is autistic, wonderfully autistic. Although he has made amazing progress and highly functional…his social skills are not. He doesn’t have friends, nor enjoy any sports. I’ll never going to cheer him up in a basketball game, he will not be invited to friends parties, perhaps he’ll never have a family of his own. Gaby doesn’t need a cure, but deserves an opportunity to enjoy these little things that we take for granted.

Funny thing is psychology today and scientific American published articles around the same time condemning this kind of thinking about autism as a disease to cure.

Maybe this can also work for narcissism

This is a great example of how a neurotypical will read a study on neurodivergents and completely miss the point of the scientific study. It is not “The mutation” as the author puts it, it is a mutation, one mutation in one person of 43 known mutations and countless unknown. The more important thing is that the autoimmune portion, which is associated with many people, is treated. Oh wait we already knew if you killed the cells in animal immune systems that those cells would stop attacking parts of the body and make everything feel better for people with autoimmune disorders.

I’d like to know more about the animal models with autistic “mutations.” How was that determined? What were their characteristics before and after “treatment.” What species? What was the duration between the treatment and social interaction? How long did it last? How were the changes measured?

It seems to me that if an animal is confined to a pressure chamber that the mere isolation itself could cause a temporary change in behavior. I would think that being in the chamber would be anxiety inducing, so being let out of it could cause a feeling of relief and maybe even joy. Change in interactions with others may just be a response to not being isolated anymore.

This study should be replicated for people with fibromyalgia who an illness known to be liked to inflimmation in the brain.

I have a autistic child I love her the way she is and I am not putting her through something like that. She already went through a lot of blood test when she was a baby we found out she also has a thyroid condition to I have to give her medicine every day just so she can manage her weight and she does not speak and does not drink a open cup and does not yous silver ware and she is still in pull ups. But I still love her very much and I would like to see her learn without a machine or anything else in that category.

Autistic children seek pressure perhaps this meets this need and helps to relieve the internal pressure they may be feeling. I do not understand why a parent would want to leave their autistic children as is, do we love them less as they are? I hope not. They want friends and relationships I cannot imagine leaving them in such distress. I have seen children at all levels of autism. The anxiety they experience is heartbreaking. We as parents have a responsibility to give them a way to cope and survive. We, the parents, do not live forever and the world is not a kind place.

STOP TORTURING INNOCENT ANIMALS. EXPERIMENT WITH YOURSELF OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS

Look, I can empathize with those high functioning autists here who feel that society makes life difficult for them and are butthurt at every suggestion that autism could be healed. I’m a schizoid myself and have often been wronged by ignorant expectations from normies. But this time, you are wrong and doing harm to other autists, because not everyone is as lucky as you. Autism is, as we like to repeat, a spectrum, and it’s one that also includes people where it’s definitely not society’s fault that they can’t function in everyday life and where the only voice they – unable to present their case – have is that of their relatives (whose lives they make extremely difficult). It would be great to have a treatment for that (and if that also gives you the option (no one’s forcing you) to do social stuff easier than before, all the better). Please proritize that over your personal indignation over being called disabled (which technically you are, as you lack certain common abilities, even if you’re fine with that).

You are a beautiful soul. Thank you for this well thought out, heart felt reply. I also have a brilliant one in my life who is schizophrenic. Such an amazing person. I hate when life gets hard for her. She is kind and beautiful and doesn’t deserve it. You give me a lot of hope. God Bless you. ♥️

Interesting research. I don’t think that the chamber benefits are anything new though. Autism mothers have known this for a long time and many already get hyperbaric oxygen treatment for their kids or even have their own chambers at home. Would love to see this research lead to the availability of this treatment and equipment to the average person. I’m not a fan of the negative comments here. I have two with autism, one who is brilliant like Einstein and Elon but would love relief from anxiety and fitting in better. The other has terrible co-morbids and pain that we manage in unique ways but I think the oxygen therapy would help with being non verbal. It’s not lessening them in anyway to only want the best.

Austism is not genetic. Only ~8% of what happens to us is genetically caused. Also, if you wait for a “study” you’ll wait a long time. 99% of all studies prove exactly what the entity paying for the study wants proved so they can sell what they want to make millions on. Very simple equation. It’s like a business who sells Christmas lights, winter jackets, boots, and ladders, which then does a study and lo and behold, they learn to through this ‘”study”‘ that at homes where owners have purchased abc brand Christmas lights, winter jackets, boots and ladders always have the best looking Christmas lights every single year, only when they our base abc brands. This is how a very large percent of so-called studies in America are “designed.”

I don’t get the negative comments at all. Well maybe I do. I am a father of an autistic child, he is 9, he is high functioning. Obviously most of our friends are also parents to autistic children, I’m sure everyone here knows how that goes. But some our friends kids have severe issues and parents are very hopeful for any new treatment, especially non-instrusive treatments. It’s called the spectrum for a reason. We’ve been through a lot raising our kid, he’s came SO far at this point, but some of our friends are in hell, and want nothing more than for their kids to be more manageable, and excepted outside of the home. Blogs and commercials are total BS, it’s what happens in real life that pisses us special needs parents off. Bring on as many treatments as you can to help those parents that are in need of it. Just my opinion

I for one really appreciate this kind of experimentation and hope it leads to something great. I’ve always recognized my inability to properly recognize social cues and nuances and would love to partake in something that improved that.

My brother is 63 years old. He suffers from severe autism. It was a little known term in the 1960s and 70s. As a child I had to explain to people I didnt mean he is “artistic.” If a treatment would have stopped him from beating his face bloody it would have been a God send.

The article claims that the treatment is somehow more or less harmless.

“Harmless” and/or its synonyms are what they always say until it is shown that the treatments and proposed “cures” are actually very harmful!

So, the pressurized chamber works by forcing more Oxygen into the body and therefore more Oxygen into the Autistic person’s brain, eh?! Well, what if that would also cause OXYDATIVE STRESS AND/OR HYPER-PEROXIDATION THAT ACCELERATES THOSE AUTISTIC PERSONS” BRAINS’ AGING PROCESSES AND THUS WOULD DRASTICALLY INCERASE THEIR RISK OF ORGANIC (TRUE) DEMENTIA LATER IN LIFE — EH?!

Those so-called “scientists” are a bunch of Curebie Quacks and it shows!

Those Curebie Quacks of Tel Aviv really should stay away from Autistic people in all countries and of all nationalities! Israel would do well by eventually renouncing those Curebie Quacks — along with all the other Quacks. Also, the sooner that Israel renounces all Quacks, including Curebie Quacks, the better it will be for Israel’s moral and social condition!

That young Autistic girl was a child! What they essentially did to her was to perform a medical experiment on her, using elevated levels of Oxygen as a mind-altering drug or “psychotropic medication” (to use a euphemism). I understand that a certain creep named Mengele also liked to perform experiments with children!

I for one totally despise all Curebie Quacks! Curebie Quacks are evil and dangerous, and some of them are even genuinely sadistic in what they are willing to subject Autistic people to!

By the way, the very phrase “the autistic brain” is a very disturbing expression that symbolically dehumanizes Autistic people by suggesting that our brains be somehow not really Human brains. Imagine what it’s like to be told all your life that you are not fully or truly humsn because your brain is different from that of Joe Neurotupical’s brain! You might find it to be a hopeless and humiliating situation, right?

I suspect that the little girl in the experiment is being more sociable that usual because she wants those horrible treatments to end so that she can go home to go back to living her life! Or maybe she is/was experiencing some sort of Stockholm Syndrome or Trauma Bonding or some variations of those themes! See, she’s stll very young, so that’s why she’s acting more sociable and trying to please the Neurotypical normies. The day will very probably come in which she will see those Curebie Quacks and their accomplices for what they are: Bigots Who Like To Physically And/Or Psychologically Abuse Autistic Persons Under The Guises Of Science And/Or Healing !!!

I don’t think some of you people that are against this possible future therapy are thinking outside of your ‘boxes’. If you’re autistic and you’re capable enough to be typing on a comment section of this article then you may not need as intensive a treatment program as a lot of others out there that might benefit greatly from a treatment like this in the future. My middle child is almost 7 and isn’t talking yet. The prognosis for somebody like him isn’t nearly as good as somebody like my oldest son who’s 11 and is also on the spectrum but can communicate just fine and is sharp as a tack he’s just a bit goofy(aspergers). So I guess what I’m saying is just because you might be well enough to take care of your daily needs and communicate enough to get through life, there’s tens of thousands of others out there that don’t have those abilities and may never without breakthrough treatments like these coming out eventually, and there’s hundreds of thousands if not millions of loved ones of those people that would do anything to get them the help they need to be able to satisfy their daily needs themselves after we’ve passed on. It doesn’t mean ‘neurotypical’ people see autistic people as needing ‘fixed’, it just means we love them and want them to live satisfying and self sufficient lives when we’re no longer around to make sure that happens ourselves…

I understand this is not meant to cure autism, but to improve the quality life. Most parents of autistic children would do anything to get help for their kids. I, as a mother of an autistic child, am concerned about his safety when I’m not around. My Gaby is aware of his condition, he suffers, he does not have control for his outburst, he feels horrible when people get scared if him. Why not try something that promise some hope

Articles like this give me hope! All the neurodivergent folks should stop their inputs on treatments. Clearly they are not impacted as much and doing a lot of disservice to others on the spectrum.

And most autistic kids would need to be sedated to be locked in a chamber! wouldn’t that diminish the effect? Maybe there is another way to flood the brain with oxygen?

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What Causes Autism? Study of 100,000 Kids Reveals New Clues

From genetics to fevers, Columbia psychiatrist and epidemiologist Mady Hornig discusses the possible roots of this mysterious condition.

Autism is, for the most part, an inherited disorder: scientists estimate that up to 80 percent of a child’s risk of developing it is determined by DNA. But environmental and behavioral risk factors may also play a role, and since rates of autism in the US are at an all-time high, new and expecting parents are eager to learn more about the roots of this complex condition. 

For the past two decades, a team of researchers including  Michaeline Bresnahan ’99PH,  Mady Hornig , W. Ian Lipkin , and Ezra Susser ’74CC, ’82VPS, ’93PH, all epidemiologists at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, has been searching for nongenetic clues to explain why some kids develop autism and others do not. The researchers, in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and other Columbia scientists, have scrutinized the medical histories of more than one hundred thousand children, as well as those of their parents. Armed with unprecedented amounts of data, the researchers are investigating dozens of hypothesized risk factors for autism — everything from parental age to maternal infections to vitamin deficiencies. Columbia Magazine recently spoke to Hornig, who is herself the mother of an adult son with autism, about the team’s research.

What are the major risk factors for autism?

Well, a father’s age, which was one of the first risk factors identified a couple of decades ago, is certainly consequential. My colleague Ezra Susser published a major study on this subject in 2006. Using data collected in Israel, he showed that men who become fathers when they’re over the age of forty are six times more likely to have a child with autism than men who father kids before turning thirty. In 2016, I coauthored a larger study , which analyzed our Norwegian data together with information from Israel and three other countries, that confirmed the impact of paternal age while adding some new twists. We discovered that women at the beginning or end of their childbearing years — those in their teens or in their forties, roughly — are also more likely to have children with autism. And the biggest risk here is when older men have children with much younger women. There may be something about the big mismatch in age that can disrupt a child’s neurodevelopment. 

Is this a reason for certain couples to avoid having children?

No, not necessarily. The thing to keep in mind is that autism is an extraordinarily complex condition that’s probably influenced by hundreds of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and dietary factors, several of which may have to co-occur and reinforce one another for the condition to arise. So even though parental age is one of the most powerful variables, it probably accounts for 5 percent or less of any child’s total risk. 

Do any other factors rise to this level of importance?

One of our more recent discoveries is quite significant: we found that if a pregnant woman experiences a high fever in her second trimester, her child’s chances of developing autism increase by 40 percent. We’re not sure why this is, but molecular evidence suggests that inflammation in the mother’s body may be associated with a delay in the formation of blood vessels in the fetal brain during a critical point in the development of the central nervous system. 

Does it matter what causes the fever?

We suspect that any number of viral or bacterial infections can probably have this effect, but we’d need to conduct even larger studies to know for sure. Influenza appears to be implicated: the mothers of many of the children diagnosed with autism in our cohort suffered a serious bout of influenza in the second trimester. But the type of infection seems to be less important than its severity, since it’s the fever itself — indicative of a systemic, full-body inflammatory reaction — that we found to be strongly associated with autism. That said, I wouldn’t want to be alarmist. A lot of women experience fevers while they’re pregnant and go on to have perfectly healthy kids. Again, the risk this poses for any particular child is quite small. 

So what’s the takeaway for pregnant women or women who plan to get pregnant?

Get a flu shot. Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Wear a mask and practice social distancing. Keep your immune system strong by exercising and eating healthy food. And if you do get sick and have a high temperature, talk to your doctor about possibly taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. (Acetaminophen does not counter inflammation in the same way). Physicians have traditionally cautioned against taking ibuprofen while you’re pregnant because it carries a risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester, or possibly deformation of the baby’s heart if given close to the time of delivery, but administration of anti-inflammatory medications for fever during the second trimester might be discussed with one’s physician. At that stage, you really want to reduce a fever as quickly as possible. 

Are any dietary factors important?

We analyzed the diets of all of the women and children who participated in our project to see if any vitamin or mineral deficiencies contribute to autism. What jumped out of the data was that women who take supplements of folic acid, or vitamin B9, early in their pregnancy are almost 40 percent less likely to have a child with autism. That wasn’t a shock because folic acid, which is found naturally in leafy vegetables, beans, and eggs, has long been known to be essential for fetal brain development. But our research revealed that folic acid supplements only protect a fetus against autism if a mother begins taking them shortly before conception and throughout the first two months of pregnancy, which is earlier than many women start on prenatal vitamins. That’s why I suggest that women who are planning a pregnancy talk to their doctors about taking prenatal supplements before they conceive. 

We’ve also found preliminary evidence that heritable differences in how the body regulates levels of vitamin D in the body may be associated with autism in certain subsets of people with the condition, but we need to do additional research to confirm that.

Other researchers have claimed that altering an autistic child’s diet, such as by removing gluten, dairy, or other potential allergens, can sometimes ameliorate symptoms. Have you found any evidence that a child’s diet might contribute to the condition’s onset?

No, though it’s possible that dietary factors play such a role and that we’d just need larger studies with more statistical power to spot them. But we’ve tended to focus our investigations on pregnant women’s health in the Norway cohort because we believe that the roots of autism are likely established in the earliest stages of brain development, in the womb, and that improving our understanding of these processes holds promise for uncovering tractable pathways for prevention.

What are you looking at next?

Our findings about the role of fever in causing autism raise all sorts of questions. For example, we’d like to know if psychosocial stressors in the mother during pregnancy may pose a risk by triggering low-grade inflammation in the body that translates into neurodevelopmental risk for the child. The use of antidepressants by expectant mothers has previously been hypothesized as a risk factor for autism, but other data suggest that antidepressants themselves are unlikely to be the culprit; we’ve considered instead that underlying or untreated depression or anxiety may be the real danger. 

Do you expect that we’ll see a spike in autism cases as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, sadly, I think that’s possible. And not just because many pregnant women have been getting COVID-19, but also because many people, pregnant women included, have been dealing with serious mental stress during the pandemic. It will be a few years before we know if autism rates rise in response, because the condition is usually diagnosed around age three or later. It is also quite likely that rates may rise more generally for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD.

Autism’s prevalence in the US has nearly tripled since 2000. Why?

Part of the explanation is certainly that doctors are more aware of the condition and are diagnosing it more frequently. But my colleagues and I suspect that other factors, like people having children later in life or environmental changes that are making our bodies more vulnerable to infections and immunological problems, are contributing to the uptick in cases.

You’ve spoken publicly about your own experiences raising a son with autism. Is there anything that you wish you’d known back when you were pregnant?

You know, it’s interesting, because I just discovered, through my own participation as a subject in an unrelated medical study, that I have a genetic mutation that’s known to interfere in the body’s absorption of folic acid. So this tells me that it’s possible I wasn’t getting enough folic acid when I was pregnant back in the late 1980s, even though I was taking the recommended four hundred micrograms per day. Now, did a lack of folic acid cause my son’s autism? That’s way too simplistic, because there were probably lots of genetic and environmental factors involved. Did it contribute? Maybe. I certainly wish that I’d known I was susceptible to folate deficiency when I was pregnant, because then I could have talked to my obstetrician about it and explored solutions. 

What is the genetic variant you have? And are pregnant women routinely tested for it today?

The gene variant, which is carried by about 15 percent of all Americans, is located in the gene MTHFR . Pregnant women aren’t routinely tested for it, and a physician might initially balk at ordering it, unless he or she is knowledgeable of cutting-edge autism research and knows how to interpret its results. But if a woman can find a doctor who thinks the test is beneficial and she has good insurance, she might get it covered.

Are there any genomic tests that can tell an adult if he or she is likely to have a child with autism?

No, because the genetics of autism are still poorly understood. Although scientists have identified more than a hundred genes linked to the condition, we can’t say precisely what many of these genes do, nor the degree to which they increase an individual’s risk. There are some geneticists who will analyze and interpret men’s and women’s DNA in an attempt to estimate this risk. However, such analyses don’t offer definitive predictions, since we still haven’t identified all of the mutations involved in autism. Further, the influence of certain gene variants on autism may also depend on whether an individual is additionally exposed to specific environmental risks that may affect the function of that gene variant during key periods of early neural development — much as the rare inherited disorder phenylketonuria (PKU), caused by genetic mutations, can be treated by reducing or eliminating the amino acid phenylalanine from a child’s diet. A good source of information on this topic is the SPARK website of the Simons Foundation, a New York–based nonprofit that supports autism research.

Eventually, we’d like to get to the point where we’re able to recommend a whole range of preventive steps parents might take to mitigate the damaging effects of specific mutations they carry. But we still have a lot more work to do, both in terms of identifying the causes of autism and in understanding how various risk factors interact. Right now, we’re still building the scientific foundation for that kind of customized clinical care. 

For more information on this research, see the following articles from Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health:

Study Identifies Biomarkers Linked to Autism Risk

Could Flu During Pregnancy Raise Risk for Autism?

Autism Risk Linked to Fever During Pregnancy

Autism Risk Linked to Herpes Infection During Pregnancy

This article appears in the Spring/Summer 2022 print edition of Columbia Magazine with the title "In search of autism's roots." 

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New Research May Change How We Think About the Autism Spectrum

Insar keynote suggests brain differences correlate with cognition—not diagnosis..

Posted May 16, 2022 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

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• Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou presented the results of neuroimaging studies at the International Society for Autism Research 2022 annual meeting.
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• These findings suggest we need to reconsider how we classify neurodivergence.

University of Toronto child neurologist Evdokia Anagnostou dropped a bombshell in her keynote Saturday at the annual meeting of the International Society of Autism Research (INSAR) in Austin, Texas, which may call into question the validity of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

What Brain Scans Tell Us About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anagnostou and her colleagues had set out to use neuroimaging to identify brain differences unique to ASD, as compared to other neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD , OCD , and intellectual disability. And they did find that brain differences clustered into different groups—but not by diagnosis. In fact, brain scans could not distinguish children who had been diagnosed with ASD from those who had been diagnosed with ADHD or OCD.

“Dr. Anagnostou reported data from multiple papers that looked at over 3,500 children,” Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer at the Autism Science Foundation, explained to me. “These studies looked at multiple structural and functional features of the brain—including cortical gyrification (the way the brain folds in the cortex), connectivity of different brain regions, and the thickness of the cortical area—and found no differences based on diagnosis.”

Groupings did emerge, but they were along totally different axes. Added Halladay, “The brains themselves were more similar based on cognitive ability, hyperactivity, and adaptive behavior.” In other words, the brains of mildly affected autistic children looked much more like the brains of kids with ADHD than they did like those of severely autistic children.

Validity of the Autism Spectrum Diagnosis May Be at Stake

If replicated, these findings could have tremendous implications for our current diagnostic framework. During the question and answer period following her talk, Anagnostou described two children who both carried the diagnosis of autism; one was very mildly affected, while the other had such disordered behavior that “even their bus driver knows” he is autistic. “Should these kids have the same diagnosis?” she asked.

Right now, they do—but there has been a growing dissatisfaction among many stakeholders in the autism community with the American Psychiatric Association’s introduction of the all-encompassing ASD diagnosis in the 2013 revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) to replace more narrowly defined categories, including Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood disintegrative disorder.

In 2021, the Lancet Commission —a group of 32 researchers, clinicians, autistic individuals, and family members—called for the creation of a new label, “profound autism,” that would carve out those autistic individuals who also suffer from cognitive and language impairments and require round-the-clock supervision. “Anagnostou’s data converge nicely with the Lancet Commission’s proposal,” Halladay observed. “They provide biological evidence for a category that was originally defined solely by external criteria.”

At the very least. The real question is whether this work demands an even more radical re-imagining of our classification of neurodevelopmental differences. If, as Anagnostou’s data demonstrates, cognition and hyperactivity are much more correlated with brain difference than variables like social deficit that have been considered core symptoms of autism, then perhaps it’s time to scrap our current model and introduce new diagnoses based on these more salient dimensions. Aligning our diagnostic system with underlying biology is the first step in the development of targeted interventions for some of the most intractable and dangerous behaviors exhibited by the developmentally disabled, such as aggression , elopement, self-injury , and pica (the compulsion to eat inedible objects).

As Anagnostou opened her talk, “Nature doesn’t read the DSM.” But, as our understanding of the brain advances, shouldn’t the DSM reflect these divisions in nature?

Amy S.F. Lutz, Ph.D. , is a historian of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of We Walk: Life with Severe Autism (2020) and Each Day I Like It Better: Autism, ECT, and the Treatment of Our Most Impaired Children (2014) . She is also the Vice-President of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA).

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Systematic review finds suicide rate considerably higher for people with autism

by University of Queensland

University of Queensland-led research has found people on the autism spectrum are almost 3 times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-autistic people. The study was published in Psychiatry Research .

Dr. Damian Santomauro from UQ's School of Public Health and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research led a team which conducted a systematic review of nearly 1,500 international research papers.

"We aimed to quantify the risk, mortality and burden of suicide among people on the autism spectrum ," Dr. Santomauro said.

"There were several alarming findings in this study, including the fact people on the autism spectrum but without intellectual disability were more than 5 times more likely to die by suicide compared to people not on the autism spectrum.

"In 2021, the total years of life lost to the increased risk of suicide in the autistic community exceeded those lost to cocaine use, rabies or testicular cancer across the total global population. And almost 2% of all suicide deaths globally in 2021 could have been avoided if the risk for death by suicide for autistic people was not elevated."

Dr. Santomauro said there were likely many reasons for the higher associated risk.

"People on the autism spectrum often experience bullying, social rejection, stigma and discrimination—all risk factors for depressive disorders," he said.

"There can also be other challenges for autistic people that impact their educational progress, employment, independent living and peer relationships."

Dr. Santomauro said the findings showed a critical need for interventions and prevention strategies.

"Measures to reduce risk factors for suicide among autistic people would substantially reduce the fatal burden of suicides globally and the health burden experienced by people on the autism spectrum," he said.

"Studies like this one are important, to get an idea of how issues impact people on the autism spectrum. Without these estimates there would be no gauge for policy makers or service providers on the mortality and burden of suicide for autistic people."

The study also involved researchers from Deakin University, La Trobe University, the University of Leicester, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the University of Washington.

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• Published: 13 September 2024

Correction: Examining the association between autism spectrum disorder and atopic eczema: meta-analysis of current evidence

• Anas Elgenidy 1 ,
• Eman F. Gad 2 ,
• Islam Shabaan 3 ,
• Hasnaa Abdelrhem 4 ,
• Paula Gamal Wassef 1 ,
• Taher Elmozugi 5 ,
• Mohanad Abdelfattah 1 ,
• Hisham Mousa 1 ,
• Mohamed Nasr 6 ,
• Mostafa Salah-Eldin 7 ,
• Ahmed Altaweel 8 ,
• Abdelrahman Hussein 1 ,
• Mohammad Bazzazeh 8 ,
• Mohamed Atef Elganainy 8 ,
• Ahmed M. Ali 2 ,
• Mohamed Ezzat 9 ,
• Amira Elhoufey 10 , 11 ,
• Abdulrahman A. Alatram 12 ,
• Ahmed Hammour 9 &
• Khaled Saad   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8473-6116 2  

Pediatric Research ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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The Original Article was published on 11 August 2024

Correction to: Pediatric Research https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-024-03456-1 , published online 11 August 2024

In the ‘Results’ section of the article abstract, the following sentence “The risk ratio of ASD in the Eczema and Non-Eczema groups showed a significantly increased risk of ASD in patients with eczema (RR 1.67; 95% CI 0.91, 3.06)” has been corrected to “The risk ratio of ASD in the Eczema and Non-Eczema groups showed an insignificantly increased risk of ASD in patients with eczema (RR 1.67; 95% CI 0.91, 3.06)”. The original article has been corrected.

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Anas Elgenidy, Paula Gamal Wassef, Mohanad Abdelfattah, Hisham Mousa & Abdelrahman Hussein

Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71516, Egypt

Eman F. Gad, Ahmed M. Ali & Khaled Saad

Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Islam Shabaan

Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Hasnaa Abdelrhem

Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya

Taher Elmozugi

Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, New Damietta, Egypt

Mohamed Nasr

Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Mostafa Salah-Eldin

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Ahmed Altaweel, Mohammad Bazzazeh & Mohamed Atef Elganainy

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Amira Elhoufey

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Elgenidy, A., Gad, E.F., Shabaan, I. et al. Correction: Examining the association between autism spectrum disorder and atopic eczema: meta-analysis of current evidence. Pediatr Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-024-03570-0

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Taylor Swift's election endorsement has not motivated Americans to vote for her, research says

US-based university research into the influence of Taylor Swift on the presidential election has found the pop star's endorsement of Kamala Harris has not motivated people to vote for the Vice President.

University of St Mary researcher Dr Mark Harvey and academics from Oklahoma University and Hutchinson College conducted a 1000 person survey asking whether or not a Taylor Swift endorsement would make a difference in the election.

He said preliminary results found Swift's endorsement of the democratic nominee "resulted in fewer people wanting to vote for Harris and people not being as interested in Taylor Swift because she took sides".

READ MORE: Dispute over pharmacist's claims her Sydney shop is being crushed from above

"That's what [the research] says and it's also not inconsistent with what a lot of the academic literature says as well," Harvey said.

"Sometimes when celebrities make endorsements it reflects badly on that celebrity and it doesn't help the person they're endorsing."

Harvey is the author of 'Celebrity Influence' a study into the impact of famous faces on US election campaigns.

Taylor Swift's Instagram post announcing she was voting for Harris received enormous attention.

READ MORE: Neighbourhood feud started over palm frond lands two neighbours in court

In 24 hours, the post had 10 million likes.

"I will be voting for Kamala Harris," Swift wrote.

"I think she is a steady handed, gift leader and I believe that we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm not chaos."

American political journalist Jay Newton-Small believes the Swift endorsement is relevant to the campaign because of the demographics the pop superstar appeals to.

"[Swift] speaks to the demographic that people are fighting over right now, particularly white women," Newton-Small said.

"That's a demographic that both of these candidates want and that has really fluctuated in this election."

The US Presidential election will be held on November 5th.

Watch the full video in the player above.

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