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What Parents Need to Know About the President’s New Autism Announcement

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What Parents Need to Know About the President’s New Autism Announcement

President Trump recently gave a major speech on autism, and many parents are wondering what it really means for their families. Government announcements often come wrapped in technical language, so here’s a clear breakdown of the key points and what parents should take away.

A New Treatment Option for Some Children

One of the biggest announcements from the speech on autism was a new pathway for using leucovorin, a medication that may help certain children with autism who also have a condition called cerebral folate deficiency (CFD).

CFD happens when a child’s brain doesn’t get enough folate, an important B vitamin, even though blood levels of folate look normal. Some studies show that when children with autism and CFD are treated with leucovorin, parents and therapists see improvements in speech, social skills, and learning.

The FDA will now recognize leucovorin as an approved option in these cases, and Medicaid will cover the treatment for eligible children. This is not a treatment for all children with autism, but for a specific group that doctors can test for using a blood test.

Pregnancy, Acetaminophen, and Autism Risk

The President also addressed growing concerns about acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy. Some research suggests a possible link between frequent acetaminophen use in pregnancy and a higher risk of autism or ADHD in children. However, experts emphasize that the evidence is not conclusive. Other studies have not found the same connection, and scientists do not yet agree that acetaminophen causes autism.

For now, the official advice is that pregnant women can still use acetaminophen when needed, but should:

  • Use the lowest effective dose
  • Take it for the shortest time necessary
  • Only use it when truly needed

It’s important to remember that untreated fever or pain during pregnancy can also be harmful, so this is about balance and careful use. Pregnant parents should talk with their doctor before making any changes to how they manage symptoms.

A Big Investment in Research

Another important piece of news is that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be investing over $50 million into new autism research. Thirteen projects will be launched under the new “Autism Data Science Initiative.” These studies will look at possible causes of autism—ranging from genetics and environmental factors to medical conditions—and will work to connect this information with real-life family experiences.

This kind of large-scale research is critical. It may not bring immediate answers, but it helps build the knowledge needed for better tools, therapies, and understanding in the years ahead.

Autism Rates Are Rising

The President also noted that autism diagnoses have been increasing. Current estimates suggest that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, up from 1 in 36 just a few years ago. This highlights how important it is for schools, healthcare systems, and communities to keep expanding services and supports. We provide autism testing using the ADOS, one of the gold standard tools for evaluating children.

What This Means for You Today

For most families, these announcements won’t change day-to-day life right away. The new treatment applies only to children with cerebral folate deficiency, and the acetaminophen guidance is simply a reminder to use medications carefully during pregnancy. The most immediate takeaway is that the federal government is paying closer attention to autism and putting significant money into finding answers.

You should continue to use ABA therapy as a primary intervention.  Follow your pediatrician’s advice, ask questions about testing and treatments, and stay informed as new research unfolds. While uncertainty remains, these announcements show that progress is being made toward better understanding autism and supporting children and families.

We use a comprehensive approach to testing your child for autism starting with an in-depth parent interview.  Then we spend 4 hours over a couple of days testing your child using the ADOS and other autism assessments.  We’ll also gain insights from your child’s teacher or therapist.  We do this to make sure we obtain the big picture of what you see, what others see, all the work from your child, and our clinical observations and testing. Check out my book, Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism, if your child was recently diagnosed. It gives you a road map of the best evidenced based practices and steps to take to help your child right away.

Call us to schedule autism testing for your child (561) 625 4125.

Autism Testing Palm Beach

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The rates of autism have increased in recent years and we offer autism testing in Palm Beach and Jupiter for ages 2 through 25.  The autism numbers continue to increase due to better awareness and a broader diagnostic criteria. According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States:

  • 1 in 36 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2023.
  • Autism is about 4 times more common in boys than in girls, though girls tend to be diagnosed later and often present with different symptoms.

Prevalence rates vary by country, but overall, research shows that the rate of autism diagnoses has been increasing worldwide. The way autism is diagnosed and identified has evolved over time, which contributes to this increase in reported cases.  Factors that influence the prevalence of autism include:

  • Increased awareness and recognition of autism by parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
  • Expanded diagnostic criteria that allow for a broader range of behaviors to be classified under the autism spectrum.
  • Better access to diagnostic services.

Why is Autism Testing Important?

Autism testing is important for several reasons, as it helps with early identification, support, and understanding.

  1. Early Diagnosis: The earlier autism is identified, the sooner appropriate interventions can begin. Early interventions, such as applied behavioral therapies, can significantly improve developmental outcomes, social skills, and communication abilities in children.
  2. Understanding Individual Needs: Autism is a spectrum, meaning it manifests differently in each person. Testing helps to understand an individual’s unique strengths and challenges, enabling tailored support and strategies that best suit their needs.
  3. Access to Resources and Services: A formal diagnosis can open doors to specialized resources, therapies, and educational services that may not be available without it. These services can play a crucial role in promoting a person’s development and well-being.
  4. Reducing Misunderstandings: Early testing can help reduce misconceptions and social stigma. Understanding autism allows people to be more empathetic, accommodating, and supportive of those with the condition.
  5. Support for Families: For families, knowing that their child has autism can provide clarity, helping them seek out the right support systems. It can also help in managing expectations and understanding the child’s behavior.
  6. Advocacy: With an official diagnosis, individuals and their families can advocate for their needs more effectively, whether in schools, workplaces, or social settings.

Overall, autism testing helps to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism by ensuring they get the right diagnosis, resources, and support at the right time.

Autism Testing Palm Beach

Dr. Jim Forgan and associates provide autism testing for children and young adults. We offer autism testing for ages 2 through 25.  Autism testing for a 2-year-old is quite different from autism testing for a 25 year old.  If you need autism testing, call us to discuss the differences.  However, one similarity is that all autism testing uses the industry’s gold standard assessment called the ADOS which stands for the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (second edition) and measures an individual’s social understanding.  We do not accept insurance but we do direct billing for Step Up for Students Unique Abilities.  If you don’t already have Step Up, our autism testing can qualify your child for this yearly scholarship from the state of Florida.

Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism

Dr. Jim Forgan co-authored the go to book for when you find out your child has autism.  The Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism contains research based interventions and treatments that work for children with autism.  Time is too valuable to waste so you want to provide the treatments which will make the most improvement in the shortest amount of time.

We look forward to hearing from you so call us at (561) 625 4125.