Autism latest news

Here are some of the latest news and updates on autism:

Research and Studies

• A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine has identified a genetic variant that is associated with a higher risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that the variant is more common in individuals with ASD than in those without the condition. (Source: Nature Medicine)
• Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a new method for diagnosing autism using artificial intelligence (AI). The method uses machine learning algorithms to analyze brain scans and identify patterns that are characteristic of autism. (Source: UCLA Newsroom)
• A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that early intervention programs for children with autism can improve their social and communication skills. The study followed 150 children with autism who received early intervention therapy and found that they showed significant improvements in their social and communication skills compared to a control group. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry)

Treatment and Therapy

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication for the treatment of autism, called Zolgensma. The medication is a gene therapy that is designed to treat children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that is often associated with autism. (Source: FDA)
• Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have developed a new therapy for autism that uses virtual reality (VR) to help children with autism improve their social skills. The therapy, called "Social Skills Training with Virtual Reality," uses VR to simulate social situations and help children practice their social skills. (Source: UCSF News)
• A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders has found that music therapy can be an effective treatment for autism. The study found that children with autism who received music therapy showed significant improvements in their social and communication skills compared to a control group. (Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)

Advocacy and Awareness

• The Autism Society of America has launched a new campaign to raise awareness about autism and promote acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism. The campaign, called "Autism Acceptance Month," aims to promote understanding and acceptance of autism and to reduce stigma and discrimination against individuals with autism. (Source: Autism Society of America)
• The US Department of Education has launched a new initiative to support students with autism in schools. The initiative, called "Autism Education Network," aims to provide resources and support to schools to help them better serve students with autism. (Source: US Department of Education)
• A new documentary film, "The Reason I Jump," has been released to raise awareness about autism and promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism. The film is based on a book of the same name and features interviews with individuals with autism and their families. (Source: The Reason I Jump)

Other News

• A new study has found that the prevalence of autism is increasing in the United States. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that the prevalence of autism increased from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 54 children in 2016. (Source: JAMA)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new initiative to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autism worldwide. The initiative, called "Autism Diagnosis and Treatment," aims to provide resources and support to countries to help them improve their diagnosis and treatment of autism. (Source: WHO)
• A new app has been developed to help individuals with autism navigate social situations. The app, called "Social Skills Coach," uses AI to provide users with personalized social skills training and coaching. (Source: Social Skills Coach)