Here’s a great communication tool for learners with autism. Pyramid Educational Consultants, the pioneers behind the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), recently launched PECSTalk™, an innovative communication app designed for learners with autism and other complex communication needs. Available now for Android tablet users, PECSTalk™ merges decades of proven strategies with modern technology, offering an intuitive, user-friendly experience; redefining how non-speaking individuals communicate.

The cool factor of this tool lies in its simplicity and versatility. With fewer steps required to build and speak a message, users experience less frustration and more successful communication. The app’s streamlined interface mirrors a traditional PECS Communication Book, yet it supports a much broader vocabulary, thanks to its Speech-Generating Device (SGD) capabilities.

Customization is at the core of the tool. Users can access the extensive Pics for PECS® image library, choose from 14 languages, and tailor voice outputs, creating a truly personalized communication experience. The app also allows caregivers and educators to back up data, transfer information, and share books across devices, making it easier to support learners in various environments.

Whether making requests, asking questions, or expressing feelings, PECSTalk™ empowers non-speaking individuals to fully participate in their world. A free version with limited functionality is available, making this essential tool accessible to more learners. Learn more. 

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Researchers have identified a link between brain overgrowth and the severity of social and communication symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing MRI scans and conducting experiments with brain organoids, the study found that children with the most severe ASD symptoms had significantly larger brains. This enlargement is associated with altered activity of the enzyme Ndel1, which plays a crucial role in neuron development. The findings open new avenues for understanding ASD and its varying symptom severity.

A new machine learning model, AutMedAI, can predict autism in children under two with nearly 80% accuracy, offering a promising tool for early detection and intervention. The model analyzes 28 parameters available before 24 months, such as age of first smile and eating difficulties, to identify children likely to have autism. Early diagnosis is crucial for optimal development, and further validation of the model is underway.

New research indicates that 20% of children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism are also likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with this rate increasing to 36% when there are multiple siblings with ASD. The study highlights that gender, race, and maternal education significantly affect the likelihood of autism recurrence in families. It also emphasizes the need for extra developmental monitoring and early intervention for families with autistic children. This research underscores the importance of addressing disparities in healthcare access and support for all families affected by autism.

A new study has found higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic chemical, in pregnant mothers who later gave birth to sons with autism. The research suggests that BPA disrupts hormone-controlled fetal brain development, particularly in males, by suppressing the aromatase enzyme.

New research highlights a significant link between neurodivergence and chronic fatigue, suggesting that increased inflammation from childhood stress may contribute. The study emphasizes the need for better screening and support for neurodivergent children to reduce chronic fatigue risks. Findings advocate for a comprehensive approach to identify contributing factors and improve quality of life. Enhanced support systems for neurodivergent children could mitigate these risks.

A recent study suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Researchers found that higher levels of certain metabolites were linked to increased ASD symptoms in children at six years old.

A new experimental cancer drug could ease cognitive difficulties for those with Rett syndrome, a rare autism-linked disorder, by enhancing brain cell functions. The drug, ADH-503, improves the activity of microglia, which are crucial for maintaining neural networks.

A new study suggests that a healthy prenatal diet may lower the risk of autism and social communication difficulties in children, according to researchers who analyzed data from two large cohort studies in Norway and the UK.