Kennedy Krieger Publishes Major National Research and Guidance on Pediatric Autism

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BALTIMORE, April 1, 2024 — Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute are sharing their expertise on autism spectrum disorder in a medical journal reaching thousands of pediatric professionals worldwide. The journal, Pediatric Clinics, provides the latest clinical information on health and related issues for children and adolescents.

The newly released volume is titled "Pediatric Management of Autism." This issue features five original articles written by 10 faculty members from the Institute. Each contribution investigates crucial aspects of caring for children with autism, offering actionable insights.

Dr. Paul Lipkin, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician and professor of pediatrics in the Center for Development and Learning at Kennedy Krieger Institute, is one of the guest editors of this issue. He is thrilled to play a role in educating clinicians worldwide about the latest and much-needed information on the care needs of children with autism.

“Up to now, limited information has been available to pediatric clinicians and researchers for the longer-term care for autism spectrum disorder throughout childhood,” Dr. Lipkin said. “This addresses a significant gap in resources for those providing critical care to children and youth with autism and pediatricians globally.”

The articles Kennedy Krieger researcher contributed to are the following:

• Profound Autism: An Imperative Diagnosis
• Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home and in School
• Psychopharmacology Management in Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Mental Health Crises in Autistic Children: A Framework for Prevention and Intervention in Primary Care
• Mortality and Autism: Suicide and Elopement

Each article contributed by Kennedy Krieger faculty provides in-depth reviews on autism spectrum disorder, offering actionable insights. Dr. Lipkin says while many pediatricians now have adopted screening and early identification of autism spectrum disorder into their practices, Kennedy Krieger has been leading the charge for ongoing care of children beyond screening.

“Our care for patients at Kennedy Krieger has always been interdisciplinary and multifaceted,” Dr. Lipkin said. “When a child arrives to our Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™) or one of our other programs that service children with autism, they receive highly tailored treatment from a team of neurologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and more.”

One of the contributors to the volume includes Dr. Mary L. O'Connor Leppert, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Much of her research in this journal involves the evaluation of teaching strategies and early identification of autism spectrum disorder.

“School can be a challenging environment due to factors like academic, communication and social demands, new rules, social expectations, and more,” Dr. Leppert said. “This then translates to behaviors at home. Parents and educators overall need support in better curriculum development as well as training on identifying autism spectrum disorder in early childhood.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Lipkin and Dr. Leppert are continuing their work by teaching physicians-in-training and future medical specialists how to evaluate and treat complex-care patients. They say the journal will be a roadmap for the path ahead.

“We anticipate pediatric clinicians using the journal as a reference tool for the next five to 10 years,” Dr. Leppert said. “It’s exciting knowing our institute is really championing innovation and educating the pediatric community about caring for children with autism.”

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About Kennedy Krieger Institute: 
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known nonprofit organization located in the greater Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region, transforms the lives of more than 27,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies; home and community services; school-based programs; training and education for professionals; and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders and injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop while at the same time pioneering new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit KennedyKrieger.org for more information about Kennedy Krieger.   

MEDIA CONTACT:
Taylor Gleason
GleasonTa@kennedykrieger.org
804-318-6992 (cell)