At the conclusion of World Autism Week, we’ve pulled together a new edition of the Autism Digest, packed with insights from the Autism community in the past month.

This edition highlights research examining the potential relationship between pesticide exposure and prevalence of Autism in the population, as well as news about the Australian Government’s draft strategy for improving the lives of Autistic people. We’ve also featured a young Autistic creative making waves with his newly published children’s book.

In the spotlight this week is a non-profit organization founded by an Autistic man and his parents, aiming to improve employment for neurodiverse and disabled people, and create an amazing product along the way.

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Latest Research and News

Recent publications

🐛 Exposure to Environmental Pesticides and the Risk of ASD: This study evaluated pesticide exposure in >2800 people diagnosed with ASD in Spain, to determine if there was a potential relationship between exposure and developing the condition. It was found that prevalence of ASD was increased in areas of high pesticide exposure, particularly in males compared to females. Link to article.

🩺 Barriers and facilitators to inclusive healthcare for Autistic adults: 23 Autistic adults were interviewed, identifying key themes that affect their healthcare experience. Some of these included their own sensory or functioning challenges limiting their ability to seek care or advocate for their health; short appointments limiting the treatment of complex health issues; and the positive impact of social support on quality of care. Link to article.

🧠 Disruption of body clock gene in mice produces ASD-like behavior: Disruptions to the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian clock, as well as sleep disorders, have been noted in ASD. This study in mouse models found that deleting a gene essential for the circadian clock, Bmal1, caused social impairment, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and motor learning disabilities. Changes to brain cell structure and function were also observed. Link to article.

New in News

🌎 April 2nd is World Autism Acceptance Day: This year, President Joe Biden proclaimed this day to “champion the equal rights and dignity of the millions of Americans on the autism spectrum, and [to] celebrate the immense contributions of all neurodiverse people”. The full proclamation detailed how the Administration is presently supporting Autistic Americans, and how they aim to continue doing so in the future. Link to article.

🇦🇺 Australian government releases draft National Autism Strategy: Informed by researchers, Autistic people and their families, carers, and advocates, the strategy aims to provide guiding principles for a coordinated national approach to improving the lives of Autistic Australians. The government is seeking feedback from the public on the strategy. Read more.

💰 New grant for research into Autism neuropsychology: The National Institute of Mental Health has provided $435K for scientists at the Center of Neuroscience to continue research into how a particular Autism risk gene, Chd8, affects a part of the brain called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is involved in processes related to physical movement and coordination.
Link to article.

Featured

Nonprofit giving Autistic & disabled adults new opportunities

Popcorn For The People (PFTP) was established after Steven and Barbie Bier realized the lack of existing work opportunities for their Autistic son, Samuel, and others like him. They co-founded the organization in 2014, and are committed to providing sustainable and meaningful work for Autistic and disabled people.

PFTP currently employs 39 neurodiverse people at their New Jersey location, many of whom have never had a job, according to Steven Bier. In co-founder Samuel’s words, he thinks the organization can “give people the tools they need to extend to another business, help give them confidence, the optimism, the endurance”, expressing exactly what the business means to him.

A partnership between PFTP and the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation was born in 2019, when an executive for the team bought a bag during a game and realized how the missions of both organizations aligned.

Recently, this partnership has expanded to the addition of corporate sponsors for PFTP, and resulted in the opening of a new production facility for the nonprofit. A permanent PFTP stand has also been erected at the Eagles’ home field, so that Samuel and his coworkers can continue to share their product and mission with the community.

PFTP sells a variety of popcorn flavors, including Caramel, Chicago baked cheddar, Kettle, Butter, Dark chocolate espresso, and French toast.

You can read more about Popcorn For The People on their website here.

Community Corner

📖 Andrew does his dance: Newly-minted author Andrew James Brundidge is Autistic, and his first published children’s book aims to spread awareness about how to interact with Autistic people. In true oldest-sibling fashion, Andrew is looking out for others in the community by sharing his experience. Read more.

🏥 Nebraska medical center piloting new diagnostic tool: The University of Nebraska’s Monroe-Meyer Institute has implemented use of the EarliPoint™ device in children aged 31–84 months. In conjunction with other clinical measures, the device can assist in diagnosing Autism by analysing a child’s eye movement while they watch videos. It reportedly provides a diagnosis with 80% accuracy. Read more.

🧑‍🎓 Student support making a difference: At Central Michigan University, The Autism Support Club are working towards making the college experience more inclusive for Autistic people, and providing peer support to younger students. The initiative is working on establishing support networks at new schools. Read 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.

❓What are Autism Spectrum Disorders? A History of Autism Diagnosis: Read Human Health’s new blog about how Autism has previously been and is currently classified in diagnostic manuals. Read the post here.

📱 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