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Doctors from the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School conducted a survey of 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the New Jersey-New York (NJ-NY ) metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016. The results were recently published in the February issue of the journal of Pediatrics.

Autism is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” CDC data show that about 2% of children have been diagnosed with ASD in the United States. Children with ASD can be classified into groups with and without intellectual disability (ID). Having higher intellectual ability has been associated with having better functional outcomes.

The Rutgers study found that:

• Diagnosis rates are 3-times higher among 8-year-olds in the NJ-NY metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016.
• The diagnosis rates of children with average and above average IQs increased 5-times from 2000 rates
• Diagnosis rates increased most among children of wealthy families and without intellectual disability, as compared to Black and Hispanic children and children from underserved areas
• 1 out of 3 ASD children had ID
• Almost 80% of ASD children were male
• A greater proportion of ASD children with ID lived in underserved areas

Possible explanation for findings:

• Greater awareness of ASD
• Improvement of diagnosis methods and provider education
• Changes in the environment and genetics
• However, there is no evidence of any association with vaccines

Experts recommend early intervention to help ASD children with the development of communication skills and the ability to overcome socialization and behavioral challenges. Dr. Josephine Shenouda, an epidemiologist and lead author for the study, told NBC News that universal screening for autism is “not happening consistently, and even when it happens, the follow-through – where parents are referred to appropriate services – that’s also lacking.”

The authors are hoping that their data would help identify the cause of ASD and in planning for services. There is a shortage of special education teachers and staff (particularly in low resource communities) that is made worse by the sharp increase in the diagnosis of ASD and the need for early treatment. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents were unable have their children evaluated for ASD or be able to obtain the necessary treatment for them. The after-effects of this delay will be more apparent with the normalization of life after the COVID crisis.

Listen to the full report below:

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we take care of ourselves. We can hop on the internet for virtual doctor visits, virtual wellness groups and for health education. This has greatly benefitted seniors, persons with poor mobility or without transportation, and people who are unable to take time off from work.

The North Carolina (NC) Center for Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville has developed a division called Healthy Aging NC to offer free in-person and virtual evidence-based programs to people in need. Project Manager Nadia Mazza, from Healthy Aging NC, says that “There’s something for anyone looking to improve their health or well-being, particularly older adults.”

Here are some of the programs that are available:

• A Matter of Balance is a program designed for people at risk or fearful of falling. The program teaches balance and strength exercises, fall prevention and how to create a safer environment at home.
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention can help improve balance, strength and mobility. The exercises have been specifically modified for older persons and people with arthritis.
• Living Healthy with Chronic Disease Management is designed for people with chronic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, stroke and arthritis. The program is also available in Spanish.
• Living Healthy with Diabetes Self-Management teaches people with type 2 diabetes about their disease. It offers support with exercise, healthy eating and medication. The program is also available in Spanish.
• Health Coaching pairs people with a coach to help identify health concerns and achieve health goals.
• The Social Bridging Project is for people who are experiencing isolation or loneliness. Trained individuals perform check-in phone calls. People can be connected with transportation services, meal deliveries and free wellness programs. Other benefits include training in how to use social media and electronic communication devices to help reduce isolation.
• Walk with Ease is for people with arthritis, heart disease and other chronic health conditions who would like to increase their physical activity. It consists of a health-or-exercise-related education session, followed by stretching and a 10 to 35-minute walk. The program is also available in Spanish.

Interested persons can sign up online or refer others at healthyagingnc.com. There is no cost for this service.

Listen to the full report below:

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]