Analysis of autistic children reveals genes linked to traits and developmental trajectories

Researchers at Princeton University and the private non-profit Simons Foundation have identified four clinically and biologically distinct subtypes of autism. Analysing data from over 5,000 children in an autism cohort study, the researchers used a computational model to group individuals based on their combinations of traits, and linked these to separate genetic profiles.

The study defines the four subtypes as:

• Social and behavioral challenges (37%): children in this group show core autism traits like social difficulties and repetitive behaviors, but reach developmental milestones like walking and talking on time. They are more likely to have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression or OCD.
• Moderate challenges (34%): this group shows less pronounced autism traits and tends to reach developmental milestones on time. They typically do not have co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Mixed ASD with developmental delay (19%): these children experience delays in early milestones but usually don’t show signs of anxiety or depression. There is variation within this group in terms of how social and repetitive behaviours appear.
• Broadly affected (10%): the smallest group faces greater challenges, including developmental delays, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Researchers hope that the findings will lead to improved diagnosis and personalised support for autistic people.

The study of genetic causes of autism is controversial, with support groups and individuals expressing concern that data could be used to further eugenic applications. Neurodiversity campaigners advocate for changes in society to allow autism and other neurodivergent conditions to be accepted as part of normal human variation, rather than problems to be identified and cured – the social vs. medical model of disability.

For more information, click on the links for an article on the Princeton University website, and the study findings published in Nature Genetics. ∎

Wearable technology helps blue light services provide support when attending emergency incidents

Devon & Cornwall Police have launched a pilot aimed at improving the way blue light services support neurodivergent (ND) people when attending emergency incidents.

The project involves the use of green wristbands, known as ‘Neurodiversity IDs’ (NDIDs), that can be worn by ND individuals. When scanned by emergency services, the embedded chip provides vital information about the person so that responders on scene can give them the right help at the time.

The wristbands, designed in collaboration with the ND community, were designed to share details of a person’s neurodivergence, how an individual communicates best, any medical needs they may have and emergency contact details for their next of kin.

The aim is that the NDIDs will support improved interactions and communication between police officers, other emergency services and the wearer.

“We know that emergency situations can sometimes be overwhelming,” said PC John Holland, who supported with the launch of the trial alongside PC Dudley Rowe.

“The wristbands are about putting the person at the centre of our response so we can make sure our communication and care is appropriate from the very first moment.

“The information that they provide will give us the tools we need to make sure our officers handle incidents in the most effective way possible.”

PC Holland added: “We know that we haven’t always got it right in the past, but these wristbands offer an opportunity for us to continue to progress and improve the service we provide to the neurodivergent community.”

The development of the wristbands involved Devon & Cornwall Police, Autistic Community of Cornwall, National Police Autism Association and the National Youth Neurodiversity Council. The wristbands were obtained from Seritag.

The bands use near-field communication technology (NFC) chips and can be scanned by first responders, caregivers and community members.

The initiative is being launched in the Cornwall area – pilot leads are working with local policing teams and partners to identify those able to participate.

If the pilot is successful, the Force hopes the project will be rolled out across Devon and Cornwall.

The pilot has been funded by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Click on the links to view a news article on the Devon & Cornwall Police website, and a FAQ (frequently-asked questions) PDF providing more information on the project. ∎

Monday 17^th March marks the start of this year’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative championing the strengths and talents of neurodivergent people who think and learn differently, and challenging misconceptions around ND conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

As part of NCW, the NPAA is taking part in an event at New Scotland Yard in London, featuring guest stalls and speakers from organisations working with the police service to raise awareness of neurodiversity. More in-person and online events are scheduled to take place throughout the week – information and links can be found on our members’ forum and on the NCW website.

To start the week, we’d like to share an ITV News clip on the Autism Reality Experience (ARE), a new immersive training course developed by Training2Care and one of the exhibits featured at the NSY event. For more information, click on the link to visit the company’s website.

About Neurodiversity Celebration Week: NCW was started in 2018 by Siena Castellon. As a neurodivergent student, Siena encountered challenges and prejudice around her conditions, and was motivated to find a way to help ND people overcome negative preconceptions to celebrate their difference and achieve their potential.

In the clip above, Siena is interviewed with autism/neurodiversity advocate Anna Kennedy on the Chrissy B Show. ∎