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A new study found a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium, but experts caution that this association does not show a direct link between the two. About 1 in 36 children in the US is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) each year, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Christensen, 4/3)

By cross-checking lithium levels in Danish public waterworks with the country’s extensive civil data on pregnancy and psychiatric disorders, the researchers found that as lithium concentrations increased, so too did autism diagnosis. ... The country was also an ideal test case because its consumption of bottled water ranks among the lowest in Europe — meaning Danes predominantly rely on tap water, according to the authors. (Udasin, 4/3)

DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3,000 babies, can cause multiple health problems, including autism and schizophrenia. Virginia Tech Professor Anthony-Samuel LaMantia has identified a key factor in the genetic blueprint that leads to this disorder and a narrow window through which intervention may be possible. With a $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, LaMantia will study the possibility of utilizing this opportunity to help individuals with DiGeorge syndrome. (Banik, 4/4)

April is here, and so is Autism Acceptance Month! This month, which includes World Autism Day (April 2 of every year), is a time for uplifting autistic voices and sharing in the community's joy. But for Samantha Edwards, an autistic content creator and neurodivergent life coach, the month also signifies an influx of harmful myths about autistic people. "April is a wonderful month to crack down on that and listen to autistic voices and their stories and listen to their struggles," she says. "Acceptance, at the end of the day, is going to promote more inclusivity." (Mulroy, 4/4)

“Sesame Street” is ramping up its focus on autism with a collection of new resources and additional efforts at its theme parks. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the venerable television show, unveiled videos, a storybook and printable activity guides this week featuring Julia, a 4-year-old Muppet with autism. ... n addition to the online materials, Sesame Workshop said that it will offer free educational storybooks as well as meet-and-greets with Julia and her friends at Sesame Place theme parks, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Orlando in honor of Autism Acceptance Month in April. (Heasley, 4/4)

The different-colored batting gloves Aledmys Díaz is wearing early this season — one red and one blue — reflect a commitment to a cause that is deeply personal for the new Oakland Athletics infielder. For Díaz, whose 6-year-old son Nathan was diagnosed with autism, the gloves are both a symbol of support and a means to send out a positive message about inclusion. (Kawahara, 4/2)

The Detroit Pistons teamed up with the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and Mimi’s Mission to kick off a month-long training session to firefighters an increase awareness on how to interact and support people with autism during emergency calls. (Kelley, 4/3)