For a pregnant woman, the factors that can raise autism risk in her unborn child may seem to abound. Studies suggest that getting the flu, having a fever or gaining too much weight while pregnant can all boost the odds of having a child with autism. Certain medications may also raise the risk. For instance, pregnant women who take the epilepsy drug valproate are […]
In 1985, a team of researchers in Sweden set out on an ambitious investigation to better understand the nature and course of anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by disturbances in the experience of the body and dangerous weight loss. The scientists screened the total population of 15-year olds in Göteborg and surrounding regions, and […]
At six months of age, Case 6 was a happy baby. She locked eyes with people and smiled back, reacted when her name was called, and enjoyed playing ‘peek-a-boo’. By twelve months, she babbled and knew three words. Six months later, she hadn’t learned any new words. She didn’t point at things to ask for […]
The latest study to show that autistic children tend to be overweight suggests that the risk is greatest for those at the severe end of the spectrum1. Autistic children are about 1.6 times as likely as their typical peers to be overweight or obese, the study shows. And autistic children with severe traits have 1.7 […]
Teenagers with autism or other psychiatric disorders are far less likely to exercise or play team sports than are their typical peers, reports a Norwegian study published 22 January in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health. This is an important issue because these adolescents with autism may set themselves up for mental and physical health problems and […]
Children with autism often receive lots of specialized care: Some complete as many as 40 hours per week of applied behavioral analysis (ABA), the most common behavioral treatment for autism. Others may also see a speech or occupational therapist. But for many children, chances are that exercise is not part of the prescribed routine, says Meghann Lloyd, associate […]
When Majority Leader Brad Tschida rose on the floor of the Montana House on a March afternoon last year to speak against one of the most consequential pieces of legislation to ultimately pass the 2019 session, he had a clear message for his fellow Republicans: “Be aware,” he said, “that anyone who votes for this […]
New Yorkers looking for a mail-in copy of the state voter registration form or any assistance at all in registering to vote during the pandemic won’t get any direct answers from the state Board of Elections’ dedicated hotline. The number —800-367-8683 — is answered with a recorded message and the voice mailbox is full. The hotline eventually […]
MONROVIA, Calif. — Most mornings, like clockwork, you could find Art Ballard pumping iron. At least five days a week, he drove to Foothill Gym, where he beat on the punching bag, rode a stationary bike and worked his abs. After he joined the gym five years ago, he dropped 20 pounds, improved his balance […]
Monday’s biggest developments Gyms and other businesses reopening Texas reports 48,693 cases and 1,347 deaths [4:45 p.m.] Texas reported 909 more cases of the new coronavirus Monday, an increase of about 2% over the previous day, bringing the total number of known cases to 48,693. No new counties reported cases Monday; over 85% of the […]
A low-cost, high-benefit strength-training program offered through Montana State University Extension may be one solution for how seniors living in small towns can access a fitness program that will help them age well. As Montana’s aging population continues to grow (18.9% of Montanans are now 65 or older), rural residents face the same aging challenges […]
As New York City teachers scramble to comply with a mandate to create new remote learning plans for students with disabilities, they have been granted the authority to reduce services in some cases. Educators were required to complete abbreviated learning plans by Wednesday, explaining what real-time services — like counseling or specialized instruction — they […]
