Balovaptan, a novel drug that binds to and blocks vasopressin 1A (V1a) receptors, does not improve social communication in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), new research shows. Efficacy analysis from a phase 2 trial included more than 160 participants, making it the largest of its kind to date, investigators note. Although [...]
Autism Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine are preparing a first-of-its-kind, multidisciplinary investigation to determine if and how cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, provides therapeutic benefit to children with severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study, scheduled to launch [...]
Children with comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at an increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders, a cross-sectional analysis has shown. “Our study supports that anxiety and mood disorders, although highly prevalent in those with ASD alone, are even more prevalent in individuals who have [...]
Taking folic acid and/or multivitamin supplements preceding and during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of offspring developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an observational epidemiologic study published Jan. 3 showed. The findings could have important public health implications, reported Stephen Z. Levine, PhD, and his associates. The case-cohort study included [...]
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in U.S. children and adolescents climbed to 2.41% from 2014 to 2016, Guifeng Xu, MD, and her associates, wrote in a research letter. However, the increased prevalence of ASD over the 3-year period was not statistically significant. Of the 30,502 children and adolescents [...]
Treatment with the diuretic bumetanide (Bumex, Validus) improved core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including social deficits and stereotyped behaviors, results from a multicenter phase 2b study show. Bumetanide was effective in improving ASD-related symptoms across the pediatric age range, as assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), [...]
The US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation on Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder Michael Silverstein, MD, MPH; Jenny Radesky, MD In this issue of JAMA, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) presents final recommendations for screening children aged 18 to 30 months for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).1 Autism spectrum disorder can be responsible [...]
Abstract Many studies indicate a crucial role for the vitamin B12 and folate-dependent enzyme methionine synthase (MS) in brain development and function, but vitamin B12 status in the brain across the lifespan has not been previously investigated. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, Cbl) exists in multiple forms, including methylcobalamin (MeCbl) and adenosylcobalamin [...]