New Clinical Trial to Investigate Autism Risk

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder

A new clinical trial is underway, and researchers are currently seeking participants for an autism risk study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately one in every 59 children. Symptoms of ASD typically become noticeable by the age of two, varying considerably in severity and type. The prevalence of ASD has been on the rise; the CDC indicates that the incidence increased from 20 out of 100,000 births in 1970 to 1,700 out of 100,000 births in 2014. Furthermore, various U.S. government agencies report an annual increase in diagnosis rates of between ten and 17 percent. It is estimated that only about 60 percent of this rise can be attributed to improved diagnostic practices, while the remaining factors influencing the increase remain unclear.

Treatment Options and the Importance of Early Detection

Although there is currently no cure for ASD, various interventions, including behavioral and occupational therapy or medication, can help alleviate symptoms and enhance social skills. Early treatment is crucial for achieving the best outcomes, making early detection of ASD a priority for children.

UC San Diego’s Newborn Screening-Autism Risk Study

In response to the increasing prevalence of ASD, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have initiated the second phase of the UC San Diego Newborn Screening-Autism Risk Study. In California, newborns undergo blood testing at birth, with samples stored on filter paper to screen for various genetic conditions. This study aims to assess whether these stored blood samples can predict future diagnoses of ASD.

The blood test utilized in this study analyzes over 600 metabolites and 400 environmental chemicals present in the dried blood samples, many of which have been previously linked to neurological disorders. Among the environmental chemicals being investigated are pesticides, air pollutants, lead, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Participant Recruitment Criteria

Researchers are seeking 400 participants who meet the following criteria for inclusion in the autism risk study:
– Participants must be born in California and aged between three and ten years.
– They may either be diagnosed with ASD or not diagnosed and not currently taking prescription medications.
– They must have been born within three weeks prior to or two weeks after their expected delivery date.
– They should not have been readmitted to the hospital within a month of birth.

Potential Implications of the Study

The findings from this study could reveal whether ASD can be predicted before the onset of symptoms, which is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, this research may pave the way for potential preventive measures against ASD. Dr. Robert Naviaux, MD, PhD, a professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, suggests that more than half of ASD cases could potentially be prevented through early diagnosis before symptoms manifest.

References

– Autism Facts and Figures. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2020, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-facts-and-figures
– Autism spectrum disorder. (2018, January 6). Retrieved February 16, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352934
– Newborn Screening Autism Risk Study. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2020, from http://naviauxlab.ucsd.edu/study/
– Predicting autism risk may begin with a drop of blood. (2020, February 13). Retrieved February 16, 2020, from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/uoc–par021320.php

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