Podcast: Internet addiction is a real thing and it is worse in kids with autism

Two studies of importance came out this week. The first looked at the interactive effects of genetic mutations, called copy number variations, and air pollution. Previously, ozone was not listed in the factors in air pollution that increased risk for autism. But combine it with copy number variations, and now the two together dramatically increase risk.Ozone levels are something that can be reduced through legislation. Second, the role of internet addiction is generally not acknowledged or appreciated, but a recent study demonstrated that people with autism show triple the rate of internet addiction compared to those without autism. This is something that psychiatrists and psychologists should know about when they think about treatments and comorbidities of people with ASD.

Click here to listen to this week’s podcast with Dr. Alycia Halladay.