Welcome back to the latest edition of The Autism Digest. The Human Health team has prepared a fresh round-up of the latest news, research, and stories from the Autism community in the past month, just for you.

This edition highlights research examining the differences in brain development between Autistic children of different sexes, as well as news about recent grants for exciting and innovative Autism research. We’ve also featured a new resource from an Australian charity that aims to introduce kids to the concept of neurodiversity, to help build awareness and acceptance.

In the spotlight this week is a smash-hit TV show that has revolutionized Autistic representation both on and off the screen.

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Latest Research and News

Recent publications

👫 Sex differences in brain development in Autistic children: This study followed children from 2 years old until they were 13 years old, to identify patterns in the thickening of parts of the brain. Autistic females exhibited more thickening than non-autistic females in early childhood, whereas Autistic males showed less thickening and slightly more cortical thinning than non-Autistic males. Cortical thinning throughout childhood occurred faster in Autistic females than males. The results suggest that variation in the presentation of Autism between sexes may be associated with differences in brain structure between sexes. Link to article.

🧠 Analysis of cellular metabolism in newborns and 5-year old non-ASD and ASD children: Researchers compared biochemical differences in the cells of these cohorts to identify any patterns or biomarkers that could be used to distinguish ASD. It was found that 80% of the changes found in ASD children may be caused by 14 pathways that increased the cell’s stress response, and affected anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. The researchers also identified a new link between metabolic pathways that could provide more information about the development of ASD. Link to article.

🧬 Gene technology improves effects of ASD-linked genes in brain tissue models: This study used a technology called CRISPR, which can be used to edit genes, to alter the expression of genes linked to Autism in lab-grown brain tissue models known as ‘organoids’. The targeted genes were SCN2A and CHD8. The experimental study showed that targeting certain gene sequences which control the expression of these genes may be able to reverse the effects they produce that are associated with Autism. Link to article.

New in News

🌎 UMMC seeks diverse participants for world’s largest Autism study: Researchers from the University of Mississippi are calling for families in the United States to join the SPARK study, which aims to reveal genetic causes of Autism. In particular, researchers are appealing to those from cultural and ethnic groups that may be traditionally underrepresented in scientific research, so that results from the study can help enrich our understanding of how the condition affects individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
Link to article.

🤒 Why does fever affect Autism symptoms? A joint research project between MIT and Harvard Medical School has received new grants from The Marcus Foundation to conduct research into why a fever response can sometimes appear to improve Autism symptoms. The grants will provide $2.1 million for 3 years of research into this intriguing phenomenon. Link to article.

🥗 Eating difficulties in Autism and ADHD: UC Davis MIND Institute has received an Autism Science Foundation fellowship grant, funding junior specialist Sarah Bayoumi to research why neurodivergent individuals are prone to eating difficulties. Some of these difficulties may include limited food intake or diet, insistence on specific mealtime routines, and self-harming behaviors during mealtime. Link to article.

Featured

Bringing Autistic appreciation and representation to TV

A teen fiction novel written by Autistic author Elle McNicoll has been given a new life on the small screen. A Kind of Spark follows young Addie, who is fighting for a memorial in her town for the ‘witches’ who were persecuted in the past, because she believes they were just Autistic like her, and were wrongly punished for their differences.

Another key feature in the show is Addie’s relationship with her twin older sisters, Nina and Keedie, with Keedie also being Autistic. Each of the lead actresses are actually Autistic, marking a revolutionary step for representation in media, with Nina’s character being neurotypical rather than neurodivergent.

Georgia De Gidlow, who plays Keedie, expressed that this project gave her and her co-stars the opportunity to “…show that autistic people can play autistic people, [and] neurotypical people as well. There’s no pigeonholing us. Acting is acting.”

McNicoll describes Autism as being all-encompassing, and that it filters into every aspect of life. It was therefore important to her to portray the condition in a way that isn’t typically depicted in media, highlighting that there is no “inspirational disabled child overcomes adversity” story arc written into the messaging of the show. “There’s just life.”

A Kind of Spark is receiving critical acclaim for its real, raw, and relevant portrayal of Autism, as well as its intriguing storyline. It’s available to watch on BBC iPlayer now. Click here to read more about the show.

Community Corner

📚 All Brains Are Different: Australian charity Yellow Ladybugs has released a new children’s book for pre-order that introduces the concept of neurodiversity to young readers. Also available for purchase is a Teacher’s guide to accompany the book and enhance learning and understanding. Readers reviews’ proclaim that the book is a beautiful celebration of neurodiversity. Read more.

🚘 The Autism Society’s Road to Acceptance: During Autism Acceptance Month, The Autism Society hit the highways and travelled the United States to bring community stories to the world. They connected with over 500 people in 6 cities to highlight the diverse range of human experiences within the Autism community. Watch the recap video here.

👬 Brothers on TikTok share the realities of Autism: Jake and his brother Max, who has Autism, are taking TikTok by storm, sharing their daily lives with over 1 million followers. The duo are hoping to raise awareness about how Autism brings both highs and lows, and to highlight the value that those with neurodivergence bring to the world. Learn more.

Resources and Tools

💡 NEW Autism Hub webpage: A knowledge base for current information about Autism, including live feeds of the latest clinical trials and publications, news articles, community stories, and more. Visit the Autism Hub.

📱 Health tracking: Human Health is a free mobile app that helps you track Autism symptoms and treatments. Download the app here.

💬 Support groups: You can find a list of Autism support groups and organizations on the US Autism Association website. Link to list.

Inspiration and Motivation