This week’s podcast includes a summary of the new study, this time in an animal model, looking at microbiome transplantation. Because this was more of an experimental model, the researchers could be more rigorous in their design and look at things like behavior, brain activity, and specific biological pathways. While a mouse does not have autism, transplantation of the autism microbiome resulted in autistic-like behaviors. Second, a hopeful message of the value of participating in research on outcomes – those infants that were tracked prospectively showed improved outcomes later on, suggesting that all of the extra attention they get leads to a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in adaptive behavior. Even if you do not have a family history of autism – participate in research. It’s good for your child, and it’s good for other people’s children. Listen to the podcast here.
Podcast: Yeah, another study about autistic poop
Even though many parents of kids with autism and autistic adults are using cannabis (THC and CBD) and cannabidiols (CBD only), these treatments are technically illegal. So how are pediatricians discussing these options with their patients when asked? A few pediatricians from states where it is legal for adults to obtain cannabis containing products weigh in on what they say, how they communicate, and what is ethical to explain in what circumstance. Also, new findings from an imperfect, but medically supervised, study on stem cell therapies in autism. Findings are interesting but should be judged with caution. Listen to the podcast here.