Autism Archives

More women, young adults being diagnosed with autism

October 30, 2024

A large analysis of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses over more than 10 years finds significant increases in young adults, women, and children in some racial or ethnic groups.

No link found between prenatal cannabis use and early childhood disorders

October 18, 2024

New analyses of maternal cannabis use during early pregnancy find no evidence of increased risk of early developmental delays up to age 5 or of autism spectrum disorder.

Asthma, obesity during pregnancy linked to autism in children

October 20, 2023

Mothers with asthma or obesity during pregnancy had higher rates of children diagnosed with autism, according to a new Kaiser Permanente analysis.

5 Questions for . . . Jennifer Ames

August 24, 2023

Autism investigator Jennifer Ames thought she’d go to medical school, but a research assistant job shifted her trajectory into research.

Autism-related traits more likely in children of mothers with prenatal depression

August 1, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of parents and their children in communities across the country finds a greater likelihood of autism-related traits in children of mothers who experienced depression while they were pregnant.

Study finds little evidence of link between autistic traits and PFAS environmental chemicals

January 12, 2023

A Kaiser Permanente analysis of prenatal exposure to the persistent environmental chemicals known as PFAS found suggestive evidence of an association with autism-related traits in children for just 1 of 8 PFAS chemicals studied.

Autistic people join autism project – as research partners

April 19, 2022

A group of Kaiser Permanente investigators is inviting their study subjects — autistic people — to participate as research partners, providing their own unique perspective on being autistic. Their initial focus is on gender, sexuality, and reproductive health in autism, but once trained, the advisers could help shape any future research project.

Study finds no link between autism and common antidepressant when used in pregnancy

June 8, 2021

Mothers with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety were more likely to have a child with autism than mothers without such conditions, new research led by Kaiser Permanente investigators finds. But the analysis found no association between use of common antidepressants by pregnant women and likelihood of autism in their children.

Lisa Croen named a fellow of the International Society for Autism Research

May 7, 2021

Lisa A. Croen, PhD, director of the Kaiser Permanente Autism Research Program, was named a fellow of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) during the society’s annual meeting May 7.

Gender, sexuality in autism a largely unexplored area of research

April 27, 2021

The Autism Research Program at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research is pursuing a new project to identify gaps in knowledge about gender, sexuality, and reproductive health among autistic people. Our KP Research Radio podcast explores the issue.

Clinicians need to build bridges to transition care for young adults with autism

July 15, 2020

Young people with autism use more health care services and need assistance transitioning from pediatric to adult medical care, according to 2 new studies by researchers with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.

The New Faces of Health Care Research

January 22, 2019

Seven early-career researchers began their post-doctoral appointments this past year and represent not only diverse communities but diverse research interests as well. This is Part 1 of our new class profile.

Caring for Adults with Autism

April 27, 2018

April is Autism Awareness Month; a new body of Kaiser Permanente research highlights the needs of people with autism transitioning from pediatric to adult health care.

5 Questions for . . . Lisa Croen

April 19, 2018

Kaiser Permanente autism researcher answers 5 questions about what motivated her to move into this research field and the challenges in better understanding these disorders.

Children With Autism and Their Younger Siblings Less Likely to Be Fully Vaccinated

March 26, 2018

Children with autism and their younger siblings are significantly less likely to be fully vaccinated than the general population, according to new research published in JAMA Pediatrics.

New Autism Family Genetics Study Launches

April 1, 2015

A new Kaiser Permanente study will gather genetic material from 5,000 member families in order to undertake urgently needed research...

Autism registry is first Division project funded by new national mental health research network

April 28, 2011

A registry to advance research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will be the first Division of Research project supported by...

Blue Sky: Kaiser Permanente holds first symposium exploring future of autism research