Autism

When comparing the rate of diagnoses for autism spectrum disorder given clinically to those given through the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), consistency between the 2 methods was found.

A new study examined the effectiveness of different survey recruitment strategies when engaging parents of children with autism.

Recent research suggests females with autism may need their own set of parameters on which to be measured.

Global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is 1% to 2%, but little research has been done in non-White populations. An investigation offers some much-needed insight.

The US Food and Drug Administration has given marketing authorization to Cognoa, Inc. for their device to aid in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

A study examines if promoting positive behaviors including masking leads to improved face covering in children with autism spectrum disorder and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Is there value in predictive testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? A study examines the ethics.

The pandemic has drastically changed the lives of children, but children with autism spectrum disorder in particular lost the routines that made life easier to handle. A study presented at the virtual 2021 Pediatric Academic Societies meeting offers insight.

A recent investigation examines if people with autism spectrum disorder may be at greater risk of both death by suicide and suicide attempts.

An investigation examines whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of substance use disorder.

Pica can be a life-threatening condition. An investigation examines whether children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders are at greater risk of having it.

What to consider when keeping children with autism spectrum disorder safe from getting lost.

More than 1 condition can have an impact on health outcomes. A new investigation examines how multimorbidity can impact educational outcomes.

An investigation looks into whether exposure to maternal epidural during delivery has an impact on risk for autism spectrum disorder.

A recent study examined the impact of a nightly dose of pediatric prolonged-release melatonin on sleep disturbances in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Severe iodine deficiency in pregnancy has been linked to intellectual disabilities in offspring. An investigation studies whether the same is true for mild-to-moderate deficiency.

A recent study investigates what is causing ASD to drop in wealthy, white California.

Despite clear guidelines opposing it, some children aged younger than 18 months get screen time with televisions, tablets, or cell phones. A new study indicates that these early exposures could increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms later in life.

Motor skill delays are an early predictor of language delays later in childhood and into adulthood in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

The pediatric medical home is the perfect place for early diagnosis of children who may have autism spectrum disorder.

For a child with a developmental disorder, the pathway from screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to diagnosis of ASD to lifelong care takes place in the child’s medical home.

Elopement and wandering are serious problems for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here are practical ways primary care providers (PCPs) and families can work together to keep their children safe.

Already an effective treatment for Clostridium difficile infection, fecal transplantation may offer children with autism new hope.

Research suggests a family history of mental and neurologic disorders may increase risk factors for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in a child.

Autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 100 children and the prevalence is 3 times higher in females. One-third of all children with autism have seizures.

In response to publicity about an alleged but erroneous link between vaccination and autism, the number of children who are being immunized has decreased. This is of concern because many vaccine-preventable diseases have potentially devastating and even lethal consequences.

West Virginia (the state in which I practice) was not one of the 10 best places to live if you have autism, according to this year’s survey from Autism Speaks. Although thanks to a piece of legislation enacted this month, it is now a better place to live if you have autism. Your state can become better too.

The recent article in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine by Shattuck and colleagues should act as a wakeup call to all policymakers about the use of resources for families with disabilities. The transition from being a dependent adolescent with autism to an independent adult requires a major financial and social investment from schools, families, and entire communities.

Families of children with an autism spectrum disorder face many hurdles when seeking care for their child. Creating resource handouts for parents and partnering with educational institutions and research facilities are just a few ways pediatricians can help guide these families through the maze of therapeutic options.

A 4-year-old boy with a history of autism presents to his pediatrician’s office with a complaint of right leg pain. He is presumed to have pulled a muscle; an elastic bandage is applied and he is given ibuprofen. Over the next few days, he begins falling and tripping and is unable to maintain his balance. At a return visit, the patient’s mother says her son’s right leg is “like Jell-O” and that he appears to be dragging the leg.