High levels of a male sex hormone in foetuses are linked to a higher chance of developing autistic traits in childhood, scientists say. The findings come from an eight-year study relating the development of 253 children to levels of testosterone they were exposed to in the womb.

The scientists said it was unclear whether the hormone was causing the traits or was a by-product of them.

The research was presented at the BA Festival of Science in York. [continue reading…]

Difficulty in school isn’t always a sign of a learning disorder, it may just be a sign that a child’s eyes aren’t working properly.As an infant, Raea Gragg was withdrawn and could not make eye contact. By preschool she needed to smell and squeeze every object she saw.

“She touched faces and would bring everything to mouth,” said her mother, Kara Gragg, of Lafayette, Calif. “She would go up to people, sniff them and touch their cheeks.”

Specialists conducted a battery of tests. The possible diagnoses mounted: autism spectrum disorder, neurofibromatosis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder.  Link to read this New York Times Article [continue reading…]