From autism to zoom®: Spina bifida advocacy, care, education, and research in a changing word.

This article discusses spina bifida, a birth condition affecting the spine. Researchers found that children with spina bifida may have higher rates of autism. The study looked at over 31,000 children to find this connection. The authors also talk about how online platforms like Zoom are being used more in healthcare and research, and how medical conferences help share new information about spina bifida care.

This editorial discusses the evolving landscape of spina bifida research, care, and advocacy. The authors highlight that despite folic acid fortification mandates, neural tube defects still occur at rates of 39 per 100,000 live births in North America. They note emerging research showing increased autism spectrum disorder rates among individuals with spina bifida, based on a population-based birth cohort of 31,220 subjects. The paper emphasizes the role of telecommunication platforms like Zoom in modern clinical practice and research, and promotes the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine as a platform for disseminating spina bifida research globally, particularly in connection with the Spina Bifida World Congress.

The reported association between spina bifida and autism suggests clinicians should consider autism screening in spina bifida populations. However, without detailed methodology or results from the referenced research, clinical recommendations remain preliminary. Further research is needed to establish the strength and nature of this association.

This appears to be an editorial rather than an empirical study. The abstract lacks methodological details about the autism-spina bifida research mentioned. No statistical analyses, effect sizes, or confidence intervals are provided. The 31,220 subject cohort is referenced without detail about study design or findings.

Whereas legislation mandates for folic acid fortification have been implemented throughout many nations, divergent neural tube defects (NTDs) prevalence rates still remain among the world's populations. In North America, the prevalence estimate is 39 infants per 100,000 live births. Open spina bifida (SB), also known as myelomeningocele, remains the most complex congenital abnormality of the central nervous system compatible with long term survival; this recognized complexity gives rise to emerging comorbidities and interventions. For example, increasing autism spectrum disorder rates have been reported among individuals with SB utilizing a 31,220 subject population-based birth cohort.

Along with new clinical observations, telecommunication platforms such as Zoom® have evolved as clinical and investigational tools. Historically, society meetings, research conferences, and journals have provided opportunities for professional development and dissemination of up-to-date materials. The Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (JPRM) has arisen as an open-access global platform for the dissemination of SB-related inquiry. The journal has also highlighted the research presented at the Spina Bifida Association's previous Spina Bifida World Congresses.

At the last congress, which was held in 2017, twenty-three countries were represented; this number is expected to grow by the next convocation in 2023. This congress will provide an opportunity for health care professionals from around the globe to present a broad array of research topics and build collaborations. Concurrently, the JPRM will continue as an open-access platform for SB advocacy, care, education, and investigation, across our fast changing world for the international SB community well into the future.