Odd Eating Habits May Aid Early Detection of Autism

A new study finds that atypical eating behaviors were present in 70 percent of children with autism, 15 times more common than in neurotypical children. Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine believe the association suggests a child with unusual eating behaviors should be screened for autism. Read PsychCentral article here

Review of the National Autism Strategy 'Think Autism': call for evidence

In April 2014 the government published ‘Think Autism’, a strategy for meeting the needs of autistic adults in England. The strategy supports the Autism Act 2009. This year the Department of Health and Social Care, working with the Department for Education, will review the strategy and extend it to cover children as well as adults  Click here to read further.

Virtual Reality Holds Promise for Reducing Phobias in Autism

In a new pilot study, adults with autism showed real-life, functional improvements following a virtual reality (VR) treatment approach in which they were gradually exposed to their fears. The VR treatment was coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  Click here to read further.

Positive Well-Being May Buffer Against Depression in Newly Employed Adults with Autism

A new study shows that positive well-being — a sense of happiness and life satisfaction — is linked to a lower risk of developing depression in newly employed adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 12 months follow-up.  Click here to read further.

Utah Study Finds Suicide Increase Among Those With Autism

Based on a 20-year population study in Utah, researchers have discovered that among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suicides, though rare, have increased over time compared to the general public.  Click here to read further.

Think Autism strategy: governance refresh

The way that the Department of Health and Social Care and other organisations monitor the progress of the autism strategy has been updated.  Click here to read further.

Prescribing antipsychotic medication for children with autism

A new study has suggested that children with intellectual difficulty or autism are more likely to be given antipsychotic medication from a younger age than those without intellectual disability and have higher rates of hospitalisation for depression and for injury and also are at risk of other medical side effects.  Click here to read further.

Six ways we can improve services for people with autism

More than 1 in 100 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. Find out what people with autism have told Healthwatch about the health and care support they’ve received, and what could be improved.  Click here for further details.

Biometric technology could be the future of autism care

Wristband sensors can monitor tiny physiological signs and alert support workers and clinicians to an individual’s growing anxiet.  Click here for news item.

Mental Health Bulletin: 2016-17 Annual Report

This publication provides the most comprehensive picture available of people who used NHS funded secondary mental health, learning disabilities and autism services in England during the financial year 2016-17. Click here to read further.

Optimism May Buffer Against Stress of Parenting Autistic Kids

Mothers of teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID) report higher levels of stress and other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, than mothers of typically developing teens, according to a new study published online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.  Click here for news item (not the study).

Autism self-assessment framework exercise

Department of Health Guidance on Autism self-assessment framework exercise

Developing support and services for children and young people with a learning disability, autism or both

This document from NHS England provides guidance for Transforming Care Partnerships (and their local CCG or local authority partners) in commissioning support and services for children and young people with learning disability, autism or both.

Cost-Benefit Analysis Favors Intensive Early Intervention for Autism

Early therapeutic intervention is considered best practice for children with an autism spectrum disorder. But many insurance carriers and agencies are reluctant to pay for the care.

New research suggests the costs associated with the intensive treatment are quickly recovered as the children will need less services over time.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in every 68 children in the United States. The neuro-developmental disorder presents as difficulty socializing and communicating needs and desires, and often is accompanied by restricted interests or activities.

Antidepressant use in pregnancy linked to autism in children

Children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy seem to be at a slightly higher risk of autism than children of mothers with psychiatric disorders who were not treated with antidepressants during pregnancy, finds a study published in The BMJ.

Imperial lead the way for patients with learning disabilities

Read more about a system of purple pathways developed by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust  to help patients with learning disabilities or autism experience the best journey through their hospitals.

The inpatient healthcare economy for people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder

Centre for Disability Research, University of Lancaster (CeDR) - 
This report analysis the market for inpatient services for people with learning disabilities in England. The analysis finds that approximately half of these services are run by the independent sector, services which are valued at over a quarter of a billion pounds per year. The report calls for greater scrutiny and accountability for the independent sector to ensure high quality of care and patient safety.

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1 in 5 Kids with Tourette Syndrome Meet Autism Criteria

A new study shows that about one in five children with Tourette syndrome also meet criteria for autism. But the researchers believe this prevalence may be due to a similarity in symptoms rather than actual autism.

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) tested 294 children and 241 adults with Tourette’s for autism, using a self-reporting test called the Social Responsiveness Scale. The findings show that 22.8 percent of the children reached the cutoff for autism, versus 8.7 percent of the adults. In the general population, autism is estimated to affect only 0.3 to 2.9 percent, according to studies cited in the paper.

Autism self-assessment framework exercise

This report presents the findings from the fourth Autism self-assessment exercise carried out by local authorities (LAs) between July and November 2016. It shows the LAs progress towards meeting the requirements of the Autism Act.

The report is accompanied by personal stories from self-advocates, their families’ and carers.

Elevated rate of autism symptoms found in children with Tourette syndrome

Around one in five children with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, met criteria for autism, a study shows. But this prevalence may be more a reflection of similarity in symptoms than actual autism, according to the study's researchers.