Folinic acid as a treatment for autism in children: A within-subjects open-label study on safety and efficacy.

The folate cycle has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism due to its role in the glutathione oxidative stress pathway, amino acid and DNA methylation reactions, and neurotransmitter synthesis pathway. Previous research on folinic acid supplementation in autistic children has suggested potential benefits. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of oral folinic acid in improving communication and behaviour in autistic children.

Autologous umbilical cord blood infusion for the treatment of autism in young children: A within-subjects open label study on safety (assessed via caregiver report) and efficacy.

This study aimed to document the safety and efficacy of a single infusion of autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) in 20 autistic children aged 24-72 months. A pre-post treatment within-subjects open label design was used. At T = 0, 6, 12, and 18 months, participants underwent detailed and structured safety evaluations (via caregiver report), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (Vineland-3), Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale (SB-5), Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test, Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC), Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Behavior Inventory, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, Sensory Experience Questionnaire (SEQ-2.

2023 clinical practice guidelines on autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents in Singapore.

Introduction: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. There has been an exponential increase in autism-related research since 2010, when the first Singapore Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on autism was published. Understanding of autism has since evolved to adopt a lifespan approach beyond that of a childhood condition.

Consensus statement on Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for early childhood.

Introduction: Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development. Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours during this period forms the foundation for future well-being and offers the best protection against non-communicable diseases. Singapore studies have shown that many young children are not achieving the recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep.

A Direct Comparison of Three Screening Methods for Autism Spectrum Disorder in a High-Likelihood Sibling Population.

Targeted screening of children at increased likelihood of autism is recommended. However, autism screening tools are usually validated for use mainly in low-likelihood populations. This study compared the accuracy of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F), the ASDetect app, and the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance, Revised (SACS-R).

Ethnic Group Differences in the Timing of Autism Diagnosis, Intellectual Disability, and Educational Placement of Autistic Children in Singapore.

Aim: Given Singapore's distinct multicultural identity, this study examined the hypotheses that there may be ethnic group differences in diagnosis and outcomes in autistic children in Singapore.

Methods: Retrospective data were obtained from medical records of all children born between 2008 and 2011 who were diagnosed with clinical or confirmed autism. One-way ANOVAs and regression analyses were used to analyze data.

Recognition and management of bladder bowel dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with rigidities, anxiety or sensory preferences may establish a pattern of holding urine and stool, which places them at high risk of developing bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD). BBD, despite being common, is often unrecognised in children with ASD. With this case report of a 7-year-old girl with ASD presenting with acute retention of urine, we attempt to understand the underlying factors which may contribute to the association between BBD and ASD.

Congenital blindness and autism spectrum disorder (ASD): diagnostic challenges and intervention options.

The case of a 6-year-old boy with congenital blindness and features suggestive of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is reported. He presented to a developmental paediatrician with global developmental delay, worsening self-injurious behaviours and difficulties in social interaction, transitions and interactive play. He demonstrated poor response to his name, rigidity, repetitive behaviours and had a sensory profile suggestive of ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder: early identification and management in primary care.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Early detection and early intervention programmes improve functional outcomes. Family physicians should screen for ASD opportunistically when children attend clinics for acute issues and during scheduled well-child assessments.

The Relationship Among Screen Use, Sleep, and Emotional/Behavioral Difficulties in Preschool Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Objective: Despite evidence that excessive screen use may contribute to negative health, developmental, emotional, and behavioral outcomes, more children are engaging in increasing amounts of screen-related activities. For children with neurodevelopmental conditions, increased screen use could exacerbate emotional/behavioral difficulties (EBDs) by interfering with sleep quantity and quality.

Aims: This study examined the possible mediating role of sleep in the relationship between screen use and EBDs in preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) clinically referred to a child development center in Singapore.

Brief Report: Investigating the Implications of Applying the New DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Preschool Population in Singapore.

Diagnostic reports for 206 children who underwent an assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the DSM-IV-TR criteria, were re-evaluated using the DSM-5 criteria. Mean age of the children at time of diagnosis was 3 years 10 months. Of the 202 children diagnosed with ASD on the DSM-IV-TR, 184 (91.

The Utility of Developmental Checklists in Parent-held Health Records in Singapore.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate parents' perceptions of developmental checklists and the child development monitoring schedule in the Singapore health booklet.

Method: Parents of children aged 2 years 6 months to 3 years 11 months with or without developmental concerns (n = 450) completed a structured interview, and their child's health booklets were reviewed.

Results: Most parents reported reading and using the developmental checklists.