Special Needs News: Dyslexic Spies, Low Iron link to Autism & ADHD Kids Treated with Drugs Not Therapy - 23 September 2014

Taking Iron During Pregnancy Lowers Autism Risk

Women, over 35, who have low iron intake during pregnancy, are five times more likely to have a child with autism, according to research from the UC Davis Mind Institute.  This increased risk also applied to women with a metabolic disorder such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes.

“Iron deficiency, and its resultant anemia, is the most common nutrient deficiency, especially during pregnancy, affecting 40 to 50 percent of women and their infants,” researcher, Rebecca J Schmidt said. “Iron is crucial to early brain development, contributing to neurotransmitter production, myelination and immune function. All three of these pathways have been associated with autism."

Schmidt noted that more research in this area is needed.  In the meantime, she advises women to follow their doctors' recommendations.

The study, “Maternal intake of supplemental iron and risk for autism spectrum disorders,” is published online in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

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Most US Kids with ADHD Get

Medication as Their Only 

Treatment

Only 25 percent of US children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are treated with therapy as well as medication, reports a study by the RAND Corporation.  The number of children receiving both psychotherapy and medication to treat ADHD is even lower in some parts of the US.

Although ADHD is managed with medication alone, therapy can improve symptoms and even cut the amount of medication needed by children.

“Treatment of ADHD in children generates lots of controversy, primarily because of potential for overuse and abuse of stimulant medications,” said Dr. Walid F. Gellad, the study's lead author. “We wanted to find out among those who receive ADHD medications, how many also receive billed psychotherapy services? The answer is few, but it actually depends on where you live.”


The study, "Geographic Variation in Receipt of Psychotherapy in Children Receiving Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications," is published in JAMA Pediatrics.

People with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia Find Jobs as Spies

GCHQ by UK Ministry of Defence

Britain's intelligence agency employs over 100 people with dyslexia and dyspraxia because of their ability to "process and analyze complex data in a reasoned and analytical manner." Britain’s Government Communication’s Headquarters (GCHQ) even has a support group for workers with dyslexia and dyspraxia. 

The chair of this group, Matt, told the Sunday Times, "My reading might be slower than some individuals and maybe my spelling is appalling, and my handwriting definitely is... but if you look at the positive side, my 3D spacial-perception awareness and creativity is in the top 1 percent of my peer group.” He explained that workers in this neuro diverse group have "spiky skills" profiles - poor skills in some areas but superior skills in other areas.   


Sources:

Mothers of children with autism less likely to have taken iron supplements during pregnancy

Type of Therapy Kids Receive for ADHD Depends on Where They Live

Dyslexic spies: GCHQ’s secret strategy to tackle terrorism and espionage