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Researchers outline method to create gene list for autism-linked genetic variants … A multidisciplinary group of autism researchers proposed a new method for identifying whether certain gene changes are linked to autism, in a … know how certain gene changes impact a person with autism, ultimately helping us to develop tailored treatments that will support that person,” said Dr. Thomas Frazier, Ph.D., Autism Speaks chief science officer and an author of the paper. After … an autism diagnosis, providers will be better able to offer autistic children and adults more personalized health care and supports. … Researchers outline method to create gene list for autism-linked genetic variants …
Autism in Africa: Transforming care and services for a brighter future… spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities face stigmatization, delayed diagnosis and limited access to support services. In many countries, challenges in service delivery are compounded by humanitarian concerns like armed … meeting of the minds focused on advances in global science, practice and policy. As I sat among this distinguished group ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I was proud to represent Autism Speaks alongside my … and UNICEF to launch the Global Report on Children with Developmental Disabilities . Developed with technical and financial support from Autism Speaks, this report is a roadmap for advocates and policymakers in underserved countries around the …
Identical twins with autism differ significantly in severity of social traits… by our environment. It also confirms what we know about the importance of getting intervention as early as possible to support development,” said Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Thomas W. Frazier. “Repeating this study with larger groups may help us understand those environmental factors where we might be able to best support optimal development for young children at risk for autism.” Using genetic data and clinical information, researchers …
Autism Speaks to host Thought Leadership Summit on Challenging Behaviors… Autism Speaks will convene an invited group of researchers, clinicians, autistic adults and other autism community members virtually on Dec. 3 and 4, 2020, to … with social interactions or might not be appropriate for work or school, to behavior challenges that require significant support, such as aggression and self-injury. There are few programs that provide the level of care needed for those with more significant support needs, and families often face obstacles like distance and financial limitations that keep them from accessing them. …
Autism Speaks endorses sleep guidelines for children with autism … it is important to find a strategy that works for your child to help them get the sleep they need.” Although published by a group of specialists, these sleep guidelines are targeted to support primary care providers treating children with autism in their practices. The guidelines echo the best practices in …
Researchers report findings on getting autism treatments into diverse communities … communities.  A series of presentations by panelists looked at access to services for different minority and ethnic groups as well as in international communities.  “Getting autism care and knowledge into communities means better access for … creative ways that researchers and providers are trying to distribute knowledge so that communities are better equipped to support people with autism where they live.”  In Washington, D.C., where 80 percent of the children enrolled in Medicaid are … program for early childhood educators.   Following a four-part training series, the educators felt better equipped to support children with autism in their care, but still reported that timely access to full evaluations and treatments …
Spotlight on the Gut Bacteria-Brain Connection in Autism… field was reflected by presentations at Neuroscience 2013 this week. The idea of a gut-brain connection isn’t new. It’s supported by a large body of research showing continuous communication between the bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract … brain development. Gut bacteria, propionic acid and autism For more than a decade, Derrick MacFabe and his autism research group at Western Ontario University have been investigating how certain antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria may interfere with … autism-like changes in brain development, as well as evidence of intestinal inflammation. Though preliminary, the findings support Dr. MacFabe’s theory that the production of propionic acid and related fatty acids by antibiotic-resistant gut …
Research meeting highlights access and intersectional challenges in U.S. and international communities … designed to reduce some of that resource burden.”  Early data presented by Wagner from the clinical trial of the TAP tool supported its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool for children who were referred for autism evaluation, but further research was needed to see if the tool would be effective at other sites with more mixed groups of children.  After testing the tool with 200 providers from across specialties, from pediatricians to school … are lifted.  In a related session, researchers at Children’s Mercy Kansas City presented findings about using telehealth to support caregivers during the pandemic. Located in an area with a range of patients from rural, suburban and urban …
Autism Speaks announces pilot sites for groundbreaking project linking discovery science and clinical research… $6.15M including a leading gift of $3.5M from the Wise Family Foundation of Toronto, Canada. These generous commitments support the $12 million expansion of PATH, the next phase of MSSNG, to include not only whole genome sequence data but also … of the data and findings. These larger datasets increase the ability for researchers to find patterns and connections in groups of very different people. Due to the broad and variable ways each person is affected by autism, when testing … people.” About Autism Care Network A first of its kind learning health system for autism, the Autism Care Network, with support from Autism Speaks is built on more than a decade of work in improving autism care and a family-centered approach to …
COVID-19 survey reveals widespread challenges for autism community and wider disparities for minority communities … community are struggling even more, particularly with basic needs.”  Minority respondents, who made up about half of the group surveyed, reported more struggles with a variety of needs related to the pandemic, basic needs, daily routines and education.  The largest disparities were in the areas of food insecurity and receiving distance learning supports, with nonwhite respondents experiencing twice the food insecurity of white respondents and twice as likely to not receive any distance learning supports. Food insecurity was measured as food for the household having run out and families not having enough money to buy …