Media Coverage | A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

Autism rates continue to climb and experts don't exactly know why

USA Today, Apr 27, 2018

The CDC reported that prevalence rates of autism in 8-year-olds has gone up to 1 in 59 children from the previously reported 1 in 68. Experts including A.J. Autism Institute Director Craig Newschaffer weigh in on questions that still need to be answered about the factors at play.

2017 IACC Summary of Advances in Autism Research features work by Autism Institute researchers

IACC, Apr 20, 2018

Autism Institute researchers' work was included in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee's 2017 Summary of Advances in Autism Research. Work by Dr. Diana Robins and Dr. Craig Newschaffer are included in the summary report.

Entering Adulthood With Autism

U.S. News & World Report, Apr 12, 2018

Falling off the ‘services cliff’ can have dire consequences for young adults with the developmental disorder.

How the Eagles Autism Challenge Helps Local Families

NBC10, Apr 03, 2018

Leading up to the Eagles Autism Challenge on May 19, NBC10 highlights the advancements and programs in the Philadelphia area that are helping kids and their families. Dr. Diana Robins's studies focus on getting children with autism the beneficial early intervention they need as soon as possible. This is just one research area of many that will benefit from the Eagles' inaugural autism fundraising event.

Should We Screen All 2-Year-Old for Autism

Slate.com, Nov 29, 2017

It’s actually not too early to assess them, and doing so might help close important socioeconomic and racial gaps around services and treatment. Dr. Diana Robins, who leads the Early Detection and Intervention team at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, comments on the issue.

Multivitamin intake during pregnancy could reduce autism risk

Global News, Oct 12, 2017

A new study has found that children of mothers who took multivitamins in the early stages of their pregnancy were nearly half as likely to develop autism versus women who didn’t take them. Although researchers found an association between multivitamins and reduced risk of autism, they stress that more studies are necessary.

Autism Risk Significantly Reduced in Women Who Take Prenatal Vitamins

Newsweek, Oct 11, 2017

A new study published online inThe BMJ, found that women who take prenatal vitamins during their pregnancy may be able to lower their child’s risk of developing autism associated with intellectual disabilities by as much as 30 percent. Dr. Brian Lee, a fellow in the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, was senior author of the study.

Multivitamins during pregnancy linked to lower rates of autism with intellectual disability

PhillyVoice, Oct 08, 2017

Mothers who regularly took multivitamins during pregnancy were significantly less likely to give birth to children with autism and a co-occurring intellectual disability, according to new research out of Drexel University. The research team at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute analyzed data collected over more than a decade in Stockholm, Sweden, finding that the 30 percent decline in risk was specifically linked to autism with attached intellectual disabilities. There did not appear to be a similar outcome for the development of autism without intellectual disabilities.

Unmasking anxiety in autism

Spectrum News, Oct 04, 2017

Anxiety can assume unusual forms in people with autism — turning uncertainty, or even a striped couch, into a constant worry. New tools may help identify these hidden fears.This deep-dive piece by Spectrum features perspectives from Dr. Connor Kerns, assistant research professor at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.

The Tricky Path to Employment Is Trickier When You’re Autistic

Slate, Sep 22, 2017

Autistic children grow up to be autistic adults. Our society doesn’t give them the support they need. An in-depth commentary on Slate includes mentions of the Life Course Outcomes Program's National Autism Indicators Reports, as well as quotes from researcher Anne Roux.