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Interactions between the lipidome and genetic and environmental factors in autism

Autism omics research has historically been reductionist and diagnosis centric, with little attention paid to common co-occurring conditions (for example, sleep and feeding disorders) and the complex interplay between molecular profiles and neurodevelopment, genetics, environmental factors and health. Here we explored the plasma lipidome in 765 children (485 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)) within the Australian Autism Biobank.

Psychosocial wellbeing, parental concerns, and familial impact of children with developmental coordination disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting motor skill acquisition and competence. While previous studies have identified adverse psychosocial outcomes in DCD, they are limited by small or population-screened, community-based samples.

The effects of breast-feeding duration on language ability to middle childhood

Modern societies are challenged by "wicked problems" - by definition, those that are difficult to define, multi-casual and hard to treat.

A preliminary study of fetal head circumference growth in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Fetal head circumference (HC) growth was examined prospectively in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Duration of breast-feeding and language ability to middle childhood

There is controversy over whether increased breast-feeding duration has long-term benefits for language development.

A Parent-Mediated Intervention for Newborns at Familial Likelihood of Autism: Initial Feasibility Study in the General Population

Developmental theory and previous studies support the potential value of prodromal interventions for infants at elevated likelihood of developing autism. Past research has supported the efficacy of parent-mediated prodromal therapies with infants from as early as 7 months. We outline the rationale for implementing interventions following this model from even earlier in development and report on the feasibility of a novel intervention developed following this model of parent-mediated infant interventions.

Fetal androgen exposure and pragmatic language ability of girls in middle childhood

Prenatal exposure to testosterone has been shown to affect fetal brain maturation as well as postnatal cognition and behavior in animal studies.

Fetal androgen exposure and pragmatic language ability of girls in middle childhood:

This is the first prospective study to identify an association between early life testosterone exposure and pragmatic language difficulties in girls

Free testosterone levels in umbilical-cord blood predict infant head circumference in females

Fetal androgens influence fetal growth as well as postnatal neurocognitive ability

Unpacking the complex nature of the autism epidemic

This paper discusses changes in diagnostic criteria, decreasing age at diagnosis, improved case ascertainment, diagnostic substitution, and social influences.