Autism Biology, Comorbidity, Mortality and Better use of Existing Research
Karolinska Institutet , the Medical University of Stockholm, viewed from garden next door It is sometimes disappointing how the level of understanding of Autism, even among supposed experts, is so very low. As readers of this blog are aware there is already a vast wealth of research in autism, highlighting many biological differences and comorbid medical conditions. Not surprisingly this is reflected in life expectancy. Autistica, a UK Autism charity, is trying to raise $15 million to fund five years of research into why there is premature death in autism. This would be a complete waste of money, since the answers already exist in the literature if this “Autism Research” charity employed people who actually could/did read the research. This subject dates back to a Swedish study from last year that is languishing behind a pay wall, so no open access to it. The rather skimpy abstract: Premature mortality in autism spectrum disorder. The rather underwhelming press re...