NDIS Supports Rising Autism Diagnoses Among Boys Australia-Wide

Recent studies reveal that genetics play a dominant role in autism, with heritability estimated at 80-90%, although environmental factors like fetal exposure to toxins and parental age also contribute. Researchers have identified thousands of genes associated with autism, many involved in early brain development and neuron communication, with rare genetic variants accounting for a significant proportion of cases, especially when intellectual disability is present. New research from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that despite genetic differences, various forms of autism share similar brain activity patterns and behavioral anomalies, notably difficulties in updating expectations based on new information. Meanwhile, some doctors and parents in Texas are using cannabis, specifically THC and CBD, to treat autism symptoms in children, reporting behavioral improvements and better sleep, although experts caution about unknown long-term effects and potential health risks. These developments highlight the complexity of autism's causes and treatment, demonstrating both genetic insights and emerging, yet controversial, therapeutic approaches.