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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 …
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 …
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 …
Autism Speaks Names 2017 Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellows… career scientists pursuing autism research. Lady Weatherstone and daughter Cheryl Weatherstone-Vance continue to actively support this fellowship program on a personal level.  The 2017 class brings the number of Autism Speaks Weatherstone … and daily living among adolescents affected by autism. Her goal is to guide the development of more-effective programs for supporting a successful transition to adulthood. Read more about Maya Reiter's research project here . Evan Geller Under the … understanding and treatment of anxiety, depression and other mental health problems that commonly occur in this vulnerable group. Read more about Jessica Greenlee's research project here . Elyza Kelly Under the mentorship of Peter Tsai at …
Autism Speaks awards over $550,000 for autism research… more effective, personalized care in the years ahead,” said Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Andy Shih. “We are proud to support a promising group of young scientists who are propelling the field of autism research forward in new directions.”  Grant applications …