MedWorm: Autism

Health headlines: Eczema, triplets and growing pains

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:00:05 +0100

Other stories we’ve been reading: Another court case rules that vaccines don’t cause autism. Eczema drugs need tougher warnings. Deep brain stimulation reduces epileptic seizures. [Read one patient’s story of how brain stimulation is keeping her epileptic seizures at bay.] Kids do outgrow their growing pains. More strides are seen in pediatric orthopedic surgery. Naughty children are more likely to report chronic pain as adults. Babies are born to dance. There’s a rise in triplet births, but the death rates are high. The First Lady tells food makers to hurry up on making healthy food. PepsiCo pledges not to sell sugary beverages in school. Kraft plans to cut sodium levels in food products. [Read Thrive’s stories on childhood obesity and healthful eating.] MTV launches an online �...

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First Person: Asperger’s is a label worth keeping

L.A. Times - Health — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:04:24 +0100

Plans by the American Psychiatric Assn. to drop it in favor of a more generic autism diagnosis ignores the differences between the condition and its more problematic counterpart. If current plans hold, my 16-year-old son will turn autistic about the time he's old enough to vote. To my mind — and to his — his newfound autism won't be a big deal. He'll still be the same smart, spacey, aggravating person he's always been, someone who can make a deep philosophical comment while wearing his shirt backward and inside out, someone who can navigate video game universes but get lost in his own neighborhood. His particular brand of off-center goofiness will simply have a new label. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

Health warning as mumps cases soar 300% in wake of MMR scare

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:20:27 +0100

Since 1998 the vaccine has been shunned by many parents who feared it was linked to incidences of autism in young children following a report by Dr Andrew Wakefield. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Effort to Map Human Microbiome Will Generate Useful New Clinical Lab Tests for Pathologists

Dark Daily — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:49:34 +0100

Human Microbiome Project is expected to trigger many new molecular diagnostic assays Meet the human microbiome, considered by some medical researchers to be the newest biomedical frontier. A major effort to map the human microbiome is expected to identify a significant number of new biomarkers that will be useful in both clinical pathology diagnostic tests and [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Mo. Senate OKs Autism Coverage Requirement

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:30:02 +0100

Bill Would Require $55,000 Annually for Treatment, Moves On To Missouri House (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Mo. Senate OKs Autism Coverage Requirement

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:30:02 +0100

Bill Would Require $55,000 Annually for Treatment, Moves On To Missouri House (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

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An outsider's take on autism

Nature Network London - Upcoming Events — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:22:02 +0100

Venue: University College London Start date: Fri, 21 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 End date: Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:00 +0100 (Source: Nature Network London - Upcoming Events)

Stand Up For Autism On World Autism Awareness Day, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The UK Autism Foundation is 'Standing Up For Autism' on the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April 2010. UKAF is urging world leaders not only to stand up for autism but also to provide better public services in education, health, specialist speech therapy and respite care for parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in every nation. There are 60 million people with autism around the world. UKAF has also welcomed the new autism strategy for adults in Britain. The charity also backed the Autism Bill of 2009... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Stand Up For Autism On World Autism Awareness Day, UK

Autism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Stimulus Overselectivity Four Decades Later: A Review of the Literature and Its Implications for Current Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ploog BO This review of several topics related to "stimulus overselectivity" (Lovaas et al., J Abnormal Psychol 77:211-222, 1971) has three main purposes: (1) To outline the factors that may contribute to overselectivity; (2) to link the behavior-analytical notion of overselectivity to current nonbehavior-analytical research and theory; and (3) to suggest remedial strategies based on the behavior-analytical approach. While it is clear that overselectivity is not specific to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and also that not all persons with ASD exhibit overselectivity, it is prevalent in ASD and has critical implications for symptoms, treatment, research, and theory. Weak Central Coherence and Enhanced Perceptual Functioning theories are briefly considered. The research areas ad...

Synapse Pathology in Psychiatric and Neurologic Disease

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:51:57 +0100

Abstract Inhibitory and excitatory synapses play a fundamental role in information processing in the brain. Excitatory synapses usually are situated on dendritic spines, small membrane protrusions that harbor glutamate receptors and postsynaptic density components and help transmit electrical signals. In recent years, it has become evident that spine morphology is intimately linked to synapse function—smaller spines have smaller synapses and support reduced synaptic transmission. The relationship between synaptic signaling, spine shape, and brain function is never more apparent than when the brain becomes dysfunctional. Many psychiatric and neurologic disorders, ranging from mental retardation and autism to Alzheimer’s disease and addiction, are accompanied by alterati...

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What is a meaningful result? Disclosing the results of genomic research in autism to research participants

European Journal of Human Genetics — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

What is a meaningful result? Disclosing the results of genomic research in autism to research participants European Journal of Human Genetics advance online publication, March 17, 2010. doi:10.1038/ejhg.2010.34 Authors: Fiona Alice Miller, Robin Zoe Hayeems & Jessica Peace Bytautas (Source: European Journal of Human Genetics)

Decontextualised Minds: Adolescents with Autism are Less Susceptible to the Conjunction Fallacy than Typically Developing Adolescents.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Morsanyi K, Handley SJ, Evans JS The conjunction fallacy has been cited as a classic example of the automatic contextualisation of problems. In two experiments we compared the performance of autistic and typically developing adolescents on a set of conjunction fallacy tasks. Participants with autism were less susceptible to the conjunction fallacy. Experiment 2 also demonstrated that the difference between the groups did not result from increased sensitivity to the conjunction rule, or from impaired processing of social materials amongst the autistic participants. Although adolescents with autism showed less bias in their reasoning they were not more logical than the control group in a normative sense. The findings are discussed in the light of accounts which emphasise differe...

New Gene Test Better at Detecting Autism Than Standard Genetic Testing

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:13:32 +0100

Chromosomal microarray analysis is more effective at identifying genetic abnormalities in ASD than other genetic tests and should be considered first-tier in initial evaluation of ASD. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

NDP want to know if HST will apply to therapy costs

CTV Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:14:01 +0100

The NDP are warning Ontario parents that the new harmonized sales tax may be applied to a crucial but costly therapy for autistic kids. (Source: CTV Health)

Health Buzz: Heart Disease Plus ED Equals Trouble for Men

U.S. News - Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +0100

Autism genetic test won’t answer most parents’ questions; is a knee replacement right for you? (Source: U.S. News - Health)

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Anti-vaccine autism campaigners lose court battle

New Scientist - Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:17:00 +0100

US parents who say that vaccines triggered autism in their children now face yet another setback (Source: New Scientist - Health)

Thiomersal does not cause autism, US court finds

BMJ Online First — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:59:35 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Globe article on the cost of care at Children’s

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:43:46 +0100

A Boston Globe article this morning brought the cost of care here at Children’s Hospital Boston into question, saying, among other things, that “Children’s charges the highest fees for both outpatient and inpatient care.” It’s based on data by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC) that we don’t feel accurately reflects the care that we provide. While the writer, Liz Kowalczyk, did say that because about 30 percent of our patients are on Medicaid, we have to “make up the lost revenue from private insurers,” I don’t think she went far enough in explaining why our costs tend to be higher than other hospitals in the state. First and most important, Children’s is the only freestanding children’s hospital on the Globe’s list, so comparing the care we deliver to that of hospi...

Pediatrics Study By Autism Consortium Shows CMA Finds More Genetic Abnormalities Than Current Tests

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Autism Consortium, an innovative research, clinical and family collaboration dedicated to catalyzing research and enhancing clinical care for families with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), announced today that the results of its comparison study of genetic testing methods for autism spectrum disorders is available from the journal Pediatrics through early online release in their eFirst pages and will appear in the journal's April issue... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pediatrics Study By Autism Consortium Shows CMA Finds More Genetic Abnormalities Than Current Tests

Genetics News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Autism Consortium, an innovative research, clinical and family collaboration dedicated to catalyzing research and enhancing clinical care for families with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), announced today that the results of its comparison study of genetic testing methods for autism spectrum disorders is available from the journal Pediatrics through early online release in... (Source: Genetics News From Medical News Today)

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Gene Test More Effective At Detecting Autism

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Genetic factors increase the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the specific genetic cause for an individual patient can be elusive. Genetic testing is crucial to identifying a cause for ASD in many children who do not have an easily recognizable genetic syndrome. Current guidelines exist for two types of genetic testing - G-banded karyotype and fragile X DNA testing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gene Test More Effective At Detecting Autism

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Siblings of Kids With Autism May Be Prone to Hyperactivity

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Siblings of Kids With Autism May Be Prone to HyperactivityCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/15/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/16/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Newer Genetic Test for Autism More Effective

MedicineNet Kids Health General — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Newer Genetic Test for Autism More EffectiveCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/15/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/16/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Kids Health General)

Siblings of Kids With Autism May Be Prone to Hyperactivity

MedicineNet Kids Health General — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Siblings of Kids With Autism May Be Prone to HyperactivityCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/15/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/16/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Kids Health General)

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Siblings of Kids With Autism May Be Prone to Hyperactivity

MedicineNet Depression General — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Siblings of Kids With Autism May Be Prone to HyperactivityCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/15/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/16/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

RCT of a Manualized Social Treatment for High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lopata C, Thomeer ML, Volker MA, Toomey JA, Nida RE, Lee GK, Smerbeck AM, Rodgers JD This RCT examined the efficacy of a manualized social intervention for children with HFASDs. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment or wait-list conditions. Treatment included instruction and therapeutic activities targeting social skills, face-emotion recognition, interest expansion, and interpretation of non-literal language. A response-cost program was applied to reduce problem behaviors and foster skills acquisition. Significant treatment effects were found for five of seven primary outcome measures (parent ratings and direct child measures). Secondary measures based on staff ratings (treatment group only) corroborated gains reported by parents. High levels of parent, child and s...

New Genetic Autism Test Beats Older Tests

WebMD Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:02:45 +0100

A new genetic test for autism, known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), finds more genetic abnormalities than two older tests, a study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)

Autism Genetic Test Doesn’t Answer Most Parents’ Questions

U.S. News - Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0100

For about 90 percent of autistic kids, the genetic cause is unknown. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

US Court Rules Again Against Vaccine-Autism Claims

Medscape Pediatrics Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:56:36 +0100

Vaccines that contain a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal cannot cause autism on their own, a special U.S. court ruled on Friday, dealing one more blow to parents seeking to blame vaccines for their children's illness. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Pediatrics Headlines)

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A better genetic test for autism

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:21:24 +0100

Very high-resolution microarrays such as this one, capable of spotting very small missing or extra pieces of DNA, have only become available within the past few years. Image courtesy of Agilent Technologies. The cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, is still a big mystery. While there’s clearly a genetic component, only 15 percent of people with autism have a known genetic cause. But researchers believe that a much larger percentage of autism can be chalked up to genetics. Now, Children’s Hospital Boston and Autism Consortium researchers have shown that a new genetic test, which samples the whole genome, may work three times better than standard tests. Families expecting a child who have a family member wi...

Siblings of Kids with Autism May Be Prone to Hyperactivity

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0100

But it shouldn't affect mental health overall, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

U.S. court rules again against vaccine-autism claims

Reuters: Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:39:24 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vaccines that contain a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal cannot cause autism on their own, a special U.S. court ruled on Friday, dealing one more blow to parents seeking to blame vaccines for their children's illness. (Source: Reuters: Health)

New Genetic Test May Help Better Detect Autism

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:04:17 +0100

A large study from Children's Hospital Boston finds that a new genetic test that samples the entire genome, is three times more effective in detecting genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs, than standard tests. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Newer Genetic Test for Autism More Effective

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Study finds chromosomal microarray analysis detects more abnormalities Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Autism, Genetic Testing (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Child vaccine rates hinge on educating parents

American Medical News - PROFESSION — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Many parents consider vaccines beneficial, but about one in five believes some vaccines cause autism, a new study says. (Source: American Medical News - PROFESSION)

PARENTING: Court rules vaccines don't cause autism

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:15:00 +0100

Vaccines that contain the mercury-based preservative called thimerosal cannot cause autism on their own, a special U.S. court ruled Friday. The special U.S. Court of Federal Claims ruled that vaccines could not have caused the autism of an Oregon boy.... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Statement From The Department Of Health & Human Services Regarding The Decisions Of The U.S. Court Of Federal Claims In The Omnibus Autism Proceeding

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

As these latest cases illustrated, there's no doubt that autism and autism spectrum disorders place a heavy burden on many families. We know that autism and related disorders are conditions that present many special challenges to all families touched by these disorders. That is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides services to families with family members with autism spectrum disorder and continues to support research to better understand risk factors and causes of autism spectrum disorders and develop more effective methods of treatment... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Statement From The Department Of Health & Human Services Regarding The Decisions Of The U.S. Court Of Federal Claims In The Omnibus Autism Proceeding

Autism News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Dispatch: Vaccine Court, Cancer "Epidemic," Car Crashes

Health Facts and Fears — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Three cases were chosen from a pool of over 5,300 parents who had filed claims with the & ldquo;vaccines court,& rdquo; a branch of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, seeking damages because they believed their children had developed autism as a result of vaccinations. (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

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Autism Consortium study in Pediatrics shows CMA finds more genetic abnormalities than current tests

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(Autism Consortium) The Autism Consortium published the results of its comparison study of genetic testing methods for autism spectrum disorders in the journal Pediatrics today. The study revealed that chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) had the highest detection rate among clinically available genetic tests for patients with autism spectrum disorders and should be part of the initial diagnostic evaluation of all patients with ASDs unless a genetic diagnosis has already been made. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

A better genetic test for autism

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(Children's Hospital Boston) A large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Better genetic test for autism? Chromosomal microarray analysis picks up more abnormalities than current tests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

A large study from Children's Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Genetic Test Detects More Abnormalities in Autism

Modern Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Although current testing guidelines for autism spectrum disorders recommend G-banded karyotype and fragile X testing, chromosomal microarray detects more genetic abnormalities and should be considered for diagnostic use, according to a study published online March 15 in Pediatrics. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Autism, Metaphor and Relevance Theory

Mind and Language — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The pattern of impairments exhibited by some individuals on the autism spectrum appears to challenge the relevance-theoretic account of metaphor (Carston, 1996, 2002; Sperber and Wilson, 2002; Sperber and Wilson, 2008). A subset of people on the autism spectrum have near-normal syntactic, phonological, and semantic abilities while having severe difficulties with the interpretation of metaphor, irony, conversational implicature, and other pragmatic phenomena. However, Relevance Theory treats metaphor as importantly unlike phenomena such as conversational implicature or irony and like instances of ordinary literal speech. In this paper, I show how Relevance Theory can account for the prima facie incongruity between its treatment of metaphor and the case of individuals with autism. (Source: M...

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Video: Court Hinders Autism, Vaccine Link

Health News: CBSNews.com — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:57:07 +0100

There has been another setback for people who believe that vaccines may cause children's autism. As Elaine Quijano reports, will the latest court rulings put an end to this debate? (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Vaccine Court Again Rejects MMR-Autism Theory

MedPage Today Product Alert — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:43:13 +0100

Special masters in the federal "vaccine court" have reiterated that there is no evidence supporting a causal link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. (Source: MedPage Today Product Alert)

Federal Vaccine Court Rules Against Autism Families

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Autism and mercury advocacy organization SafeMinds regrets today's ruling by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against three families who argued that vaccines which contained the mercury-based preservative thimerosal contributed to their child's autism. The denial of reasonable compensation to families was based on inadequate vaccine safety science and poorly designed and highly controversial epidemiology studies supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Federal Vaccine Court Rules Against Autism Families

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

'Vaccines court' rejects mercury-autism link in 3 test cases

Los Angeles Times - Science — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The finding supports a broad scientific consensus that the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal does not cause autism, and will likely disappoint parents who are convinced otherwise. The federal "vaccines court" ruled Friday in three separate cases that the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal does not cause autism, a finding that supports the broad scientific consensus on the matter but that greatly disappointed parents who are convinced that their child's illness was caused by vaccines. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

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I don't want kids – I just want to have fun

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Carole Jahme shines the cold light of evolutionary psychology on readers' problems. This week: promiscuity and nostalgiaCasanova complexFrom a male, aged 42Dear Carole, I wonder what, evolutionarily speaking, is going on with men such as myself who have a long history of promiscuity but are reluctant to reproduce. I am 42 and I still don't want children. The idea of marriage or a long-term partner with children repulses me still, though sex is still very much on my agenda. I usually seek women who have already had children so that I don't feel pressure to reproduce. I accept the central premise of all your posts, but what's going on with me?Carole replies:If a male willingly reproduces he usually does so intending to do his best to support his child and the mother of his child. From your d...

Court: Autism not linked to MMR vaccines

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:21:41 +0100

WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- A special U.S. "vaccine court" ruled Friday there is no evidence supporting a causal link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism, officials said. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Epidemiology and Management of Insomnia in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Pediatric Drugs — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:06:28 +0100

(Source: Pediatric Drugs)

Epidemiology and management of insomnia in children with autistic spectrum disorders.

Paediatric Drugs — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:40:21 +0100

Authors: Miano S, Ferri R Insomnia is the predominant sleep concern in children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and its nature is most likely multifactorial, with neurochemical (abnormalities in serotonergic transmission or melatonin levels), psychiatric (anxiety), and behavioral (poor sleep habits) etiological factors involved. Children with ASD experience sleep problems similar to those of typically developing children, although the prevalence is markedly higher, occurring in 44-83% of school-aged children with ASD. Caregivers usually report that insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder, described as disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep, restless sleep, bedtime resistance, co-sleeping, alterations of sleep hygiene, and early awakenings in the morning. Many actigra...

Mercury-Autism Link Not Found Because of Government Policy

Disabled World — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:50:31 +0100

Special Masters Protect Vaccine Program and Deny Justice to Vaccine-Injured Children - Mercury-Autism Link Not Found Because of Government Policy, not Science (Source: Disabled World)

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Court: Vaccine Doesn't Cause Autism

Health News: CBSNews.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:30:02 +0100

Court Expresses Sympathy for Parents, but Said Additive Thimerosal Doesn't Cause Illness (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

U.S. court rules again against vaccine-autism claims

Reuters: Health — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:51:55 +0100

Court Says Thimerosal Did Not Cause Autism

WDSU.com - Health — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:21:11 +0100

The vaccine additive thimerosal is not to blame for autism, a special federal court ruled Friday in a long-running battle by parents convinced there us a connection. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Court: Thimerosal Did Not Cause Autism

WDSU.com - Health — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:40:50 +0100

A federal court has ruled that the vaccine additive thimerosal does not cause autism. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Court: Thimerosal in vaccine didn't cause autism

USATODAY.com Health — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:05:57 +0100

A federal court has ruled that the vaccine additive thimerosal does not cause autism. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

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Court rules again against vaccine-autism claims

Reuters: Health — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:58:59 +0100

Vaccine court finds no link to autism

CNN.com - Health — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:04:50 +0100

A special court ruled Friday that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that vaccines caused autism in three cases. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Autism Employment Campaigners U.K. Victory

Disabled World — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:11 +0100

Autism Employment Campaigners Claim Victory From Government, UK - The Government announced Jobcentre Plus staff are to receive autism training in the adult autism strategy published on 3rd March. (Source: Disabled World)

Genes or Environment? In my case, I know the answer!

Psychology Today Personality Center — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:10:06 +0100

When people discover that I am a Reader (Associate Professor) of Sociology at a school of social science they often ask me (or wonder to themselves, if they are more polite) how come I am doing what I am doing now? In other words, how did someone who started out in sociology (notorious for its bio-phobia and society-explains-everything dogma) end up proposing one of the most provocatively genetically-determinist theories: one about how, to quote the sub-title of my book, genes set the balance between autism and schizophrenia? One of the most startling discoveries of modern longitudinal twin studies to which I have alluded before in these postings is that identical twins’ psychometrics—and IQ particularly—converge as they age. Indeed, a recent study of 11,000 twin pairs found t...

Autism

eMedicineHealth.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

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DSM 5 Will Expand the 'Epidemic' of ADD

Psychology Today Work Center — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:13:56 +0100

Our country is in the midst of a fifteen year "epidemic" of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). There are six potential causes for the skyrocketting rates of ADD- but only five have been real contributors. The most obvious explanation is by far the least likely - that the prevalence of attention deficit problems in the general population has actually increased in the last 15 years. Human nature is remarkably constant and slow to change, while diagnostic fads come and go with great rapidity. We don't have more attention deficit than ever before-we just label more attentional problems as mental disorder.The "epidemic" can be traced to a complex interaction among five other contributors: 1-wording changes in DSM4(published in 1994); 2- heavy drug company marketing to doctors and advertising to ...

"CRASH"ing with the worm: Insights into L1CAM functions and mechanisms

Developmental Dynamics — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The L1 family of cell adhesion molecules (L1CAMs) in vertebrates has long been studied for its roles in nervous system development and function. Members of this family have been associated with distinct neurological disorders that include CRASH, autism, 3p syndrome, and schizophrenia. The conservation of L1CAMs in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans allows the opportunity to take advantage of these simple model organisms and their accessible genetic manipulations to dissect L1CAM functions and mechanisms of action. This review summarizes the discoveries of L1CAMs made in C. elegans, showcasing this simple model organism as a powerful system to uncover L1CAM mechanisms and roles in healthy and diseased states. Developmental Dynamics, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Developmental D...

Explaining and Selecting Treatments for Autism: Parental Explanatory Models in Taiwan.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shyu YI, Tsai JL, Tsai WC Parental explanatory models about autism influence the type of therapy a child receives, the child's well-being, and the parents' own psychological adaptation. This qualitative study explored explanatory models used by parents of children with autism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 parents of children with autism from a medical center in Taiwan. Despite high educational background, most of these parents attributed their child's autism to both biomedical and supernatural etiologies without apparent conflicts. These parents chose a wide variety of treatment strategies, including biomedical and alternative treatments, which often created time/energy pressures and financial burden, and were influenced by parents' cause attribution. Parents' il...

Effects of prenatal infection on brain development and behavior: a review of findings from animal models.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Boksa P Epidemiological studies with human populations indicate associations between maternal infection during pregnancy and increased risk in offspring for central nervous system (CNS) disorders including schizophrenia, autism and cerebral palsy. Since 2000, a large number of studies have used rodent models of systemic prenatal infection or prenatal immune activation to characterize changes in brain function and behavior caused by the prenatal insult. This review provides a comprehensive summary of these findings, and examines consistencies and trends across studies in an effort to provide a perspective on our current state of understanding from this body of work. Results from these animal modeling studies clearly indicate that prenatal immune activation can cause both acute ...

Libel tourism is a public health risk | Brooke Magnanti

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:35:42 +0100

British libel law is being used by corporations from around the world to suppress legitimate reporting of bad scienceLast year, I had mumps. I blame the libel laws.The recent case of Simon Singh being sued by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is one example of the out-of-control libel laws in this country, and how they can stop people telling good information from bad. This week is Libel Reform Week and there is no shortage of cases bringing the health risks of such lawsuits to light.Public discussion – journalism included – involves freely debating topics in the public interest. It is similar to what scientists do in peer-reviewed journals. But because most people don't read those, we depend on trusted sources such as Singh to bring the facts and arguments to us.Libel laws ha...

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Autism Employment Campaigners Claim Victory From Government, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Government announced Jobcentre Plus staff are to receive autism training in the adult autism strategy published on 3rd March. The National Autistic Society (NAS) celebrated the move, in response to their Don't write me off campaign, along with a raft of new measures to tackle the routine isolation, ignorance and inequality routinely experienced by people with autism in England... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Autism Employment Campaigners Claim Victory From Government, UK

Autism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Mercury induces inflammatory mediator release from human mast cells

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Mercury is known to be neurotoxic, but its effects on the immune system are less well known. Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions, but also in innate and acquired immunity, as well as in inflammation. Many patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have "allergic" symptoms; moreover, the prevalence of ASD in patients with mastocytosis, characterized by numerous hyperactive mast cells in most tissues, is 10-fold higher than the general population suggesting mast cell involvement. We, therefore, investigated the effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on human mast cell activation. Methods: Human leukemic cultured LAD2 mast cells and normal human umbilical cord blood-derived cultured mast cells (hCBMCs) were stimulated by HgCl2 (0.1-10 microM) for either 10 min for beta-h...

Folding anomalies of neuroligin3 caused by a mutation In the alpha?beta-hydrolase fold domain.

Chemico-Biological Interactions — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: De Jaco A, Dubi N, Comoletti D, Taylor P Proteins of the alpha/beta-hydrolase fold family share a common structural fold, but perform a diverse set of functions. We have been studying natural mutations occurring in association with congenital disorders in the alpha?beta-hydrolase fold domain of neuroligin (NLGN), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Starting from the autism-related R451C mutation in the alpha?beta-hydrolase fold domain of NLGN3, we had previously shown that the Arg to Cys substitution is responsible for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of the mutant protein and that a similar trafficking defect is observed when the mutation is inserted at the homologous positions in AChE and BChE. Herein we show further characterization of the R451C m...

The Neurochemical Basis of Autism

Springer Biomedical Sciences titles — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:46:40 +0100

From Molecules to MinicolumnsThe recent perceived rise in autism worldwide has spurned a dramatic increase in autism research, but few studies have focused on determining the neurochemical basis of the disorder. The Neurochemical Basis of Autism: From Molecules to Minicolumns is a uniquely vital and interdisciplinary text that presents the latest findings and newest ideas regarding the physiological, neuropathological, ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)

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Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT) To Launch New Brain Research Effort With Acquisition Of Elekta MEG Technology

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at MIT are eagerly anticipating the summer delivery of Elekta Neuromag®, a system that uses magnetoencephalography or MEG to explore brain function. MEG can detect the very weak magnetic fields arising from electrical activity in the brain, and allows researchers to monitor the timing of brain activity with millisecond precision. MIT researchers will use MEG to study normal cognition in children and adults, as well as the neural basis of autism, depression, schizophrenia and other brain disorders... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Loss of enzyme reduces neural activity in Angelman syndrome

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by mental retardation and a high frequency of autism. Researchers have now found that the gene mutation underlying AS appears to affect the ability of neurons to communicate and to properly develop during the first few years of life, a time when brain activity is "rewired" by external stimuli. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Emotional Shifts in “Parenthood”

Psychology Today Personality Center — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:26:03 +0100

Last week marked the premiere of NBC's highly anticipated family drama "Parenthood," featuring Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham and Six Feet Under's Peter Krause. At first glance this show is a more melodramatic version of "Modern Family," and strives for an equal ratio of laughs and tears. From grandfather to grandson, each member of this extended, quirky family feeds the often dysfunctional, ultimately loving family dynamic. Most shows that sprout from sit-com land quickly fall to the middle of the pack, becoming a little too boring and forgettable. I predict that this show will stay afloat with success...because of the presence of emotional shifts.What are emotional shifts? Most of us spend most of our time living on auto-pilot, re-enacting maladaptive patterns, remaining unaware of problem...

Emotional Shifts in TV"s Latest Hit Drama

Psychology Today Personality Center — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:26:03 +0100

Levels of phosphodiesterase 4A and 4B are altered by chronic treatment with psychotropic medications in rat frontal cortex

Synapse — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Our laboratory has recently demonstrated altered expression of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4A and 4B in subjects with autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, suggesting disrupted cAMP signaling in these diagnostic groups. In the current study, we measured expression of PDEs in rat frontal cortex (FC) following chronic treatment with clozapine, fluoxetine, haloperidol, lithium, olanzapine, valproic acid (VPA), or sterile saline for 21 days. Western blotting experiments showed decreased expression of PDE4A subtypes in FC following treatment with clozapine, haloperidol, lithium, and VPA. PDE4B subtypes were similarly reduced in FC following treatment with clozapine, fluoxetine, and lithium. We also measured levels of nine PDE subtypes via qRT-PCR in FC and found significant upregulation of P...

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A Novel Intervention to Address Fears in Children with Asperger Syndrome: A Pilot Study of the Cognitive Behaviour Drama (CBD) Model

Behaviour Change — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article introduces a new intervention model designed to address phobic avoidances in children with Asperger syndrome, incorporating principles and techniques from cognitive and behaviour therapy into the art form of drama. This paper presents a single case study that outlines the application of the model in the treatment of a long-term fear of hand-driers in an 11-year-old boy, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, for whom all other forms of therapy including variants of systematic desensitisation and traditional cognitive behaviour therapy had been found to be ineffective. The results of this study offer preliminary descriptive evidence of the efficacy of the model and durability of outcomes. (Source: Behaviour Change)

Measuring Pragmatic Language in Speakers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparing the CCC-2 and the TOPL.

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In these children with ASD, who displayed age-appropriate levels of structural language skills, the CCC-2 identified pragmatic language impairment better than the TOPL. Clinically, this can be useful in documenting the presence of language dysfunction when traditional standardized language assessments would not reveal communication problems. PMID: 20220047 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology)

Visuospatial Short-Term Memory Explains Deficits in Tower Task Planning in High-Functioning Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Child Neuropsychology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zinke K, Fries E, Altgassen M, Kirschbaum C, Dettenborn L, Kliegel M Previous findings on planning abilities in individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFA) are inconsistent. Exploring possible reasons for these mixed findings, the current study investigated the involvement of memory in planning performance in 15 children with HFA and 17 typically developing controls. In addition to planning abilities (measured with the Tower of London), short-term memory and delayed recall for verbal as well as visuospatial material were assessed. Findings suggest that particularly reduced efficiency in visuospatial short-term memory is associated with Tower task planning deficits in children with HFA. PMID: 20221933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Child N...

Improving Motivation for Academics in Children with Autism.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Koegel LK, Singh AK, Koegel RL Many children with autism show very little interest in academic assignments and exhibit disruptive behavior when assignments are presented. Research indicates that incorporating specific motivational variables such as choice, interspersal of maintenance tasks, and natural reinforcers during intervention leads to improvements in core symptoms of autism and may possibly be effective in academic areas. Using a multiple baseline across children and behaviors design with four pre- and elementary school children with autism, we assessed whether the above variables could be incorporated into academic tasks to improve performance and interest. Results indicated that the intervention decreased the children's latency to begin academic tasks, improved their...

Vitamin D shows promise but research still lagging

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0100

As far as Dr. Joseph Mercola is concerned, vitamin D is the magic bullet we've all been looking for. A lack of this wonder nutrient, the controversial natural health advocate said, can set the stage for no fewer than 33 disorders, including autism,... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

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Controlled Study Finds Possible Early Warning Signs For Autism Spectrum Disorders Within Families

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

A new study suggests a trend toward developing hyperactivity among typically developing elementary-school-aged siblings of autistic preschoolers and supports the notion that mothers of young, autistic children experience more depression and stress than mothers with typically developing children... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Controlled Study Finds Possible Early Warning Signs For Autism Spectrum Disorders Within Families

Autism News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Autism Walk Expects 15,000 People

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Thousands will unite for autism at the 8th annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, Saturday, April 24, 2010. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this fundraising effort generates vital funds for autism research, awareness and family services. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder, with 1% of the population affected... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Autism Walk Expects 15,000 People

Autism News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Vital Signs: One in Four Parents Link Autism to Vaccines, Study Finds

NYT > Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:39 +0100

Most reported vaccinating their children, but more than half said they were concerned about adverse effects. (Source: NYT > Health)

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Conceptual and methodological challenges for neuroimaging studies of autistic spectrum disorders

Behavioral and Brain Functions — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a set of complex developmental disabilities de-fined by impairment in social interaction and communication, as well as by restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. Neuroimaging studies have substantially advanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie the core symptoms of ASDs. Nevertheless, a number of chal-lenges still remain in the application of neuroimaging techniques to the study of ASDs. We re-view three major conceptual and methodological challenges that complicate the interpretation of findings from neuroimaging studies in ASDS, and that future imaging studies should address through improved designs. These include: (1) identification and implementation of tasks that more specifically target the neural processes of intere...

Autism's Impact on Older Siblings

Disabled World — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:37:42 +0100

A possible early glimpse of autism's impact on older siblings - Controlled study finds a possible early warning signs for autism spectrum disorders within families... (Source: Disabled World)

Vital Signs: Childhood: 1 in 4 Parents Link Autism to Vaccines

NYT > Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:24:21 +0100

Most reported vaccinating their children, but more than half said they were concerned about adverse effects. (Source: NYT > Health)

58. Possible prenatal causes for clinical expression of autism

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:11 +0100

Autism is severe developmental disorder with onset around age of three years. Main characteristics of autistic children are problems with social interaction, emotional correspondence and difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication. One of the most intriguing questions is the possible reasons causing the expression of autism. Aim of this study was to evaluate the possible prenatal causes for clinical expression of autism. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Autism Speaks Los Angeles: Autism Walk Expects 15,000 People

Market Wire - Pharmaceuticals and Biotech — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0100

LOS ANGELES, CA (MARKET WIRE) Thousands will unite for autism at the 8th annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, Saturday, April 24, 2010. (Source: Market Wire - Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)

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Sleep deprivation affects how we interpret emotional cues

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:25:50 +0100

In this study, 20 people were deprived of sleep for 30 hours and then asked to look at photographs of faces, each displaying a different emotional state – happy, sad and angry – at various levels of intensity. Then they were allowed to sleep and retested 24 hours later. The responses from both days were compared, as well as to those of another group of 17 people who served as controls, undergoing the same testing two days in a row without sleep deprivation. The researchers found that there was a significant weakening in the ability of those who had been tested while sleep deprived to distinguish between angry and happy facial expressions in the moderate intensity range. This difference disappeared after recovery sleep and was greater in women than in men. What is the signifi...

Autism Symposium to separate fact from fiction

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Skepticism about the safety of vaccinations among parents has proven hard to shake, deeply embedded in fear that they cause autism. One in four parents believes some vaccines cause autism. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

A possible early glimpse of autism's impact on older siblings

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Oregon) A new study suggests a trend toward developing hyperactivity among typically developing elementary-school-aged siblings of autistic preschoolers and supports the notion that mothers of young, autistic children experience more depression and stress than mothers with typically developing children. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Conditional reasoning in autism: Activation and integration of knowledge and belief.

Developmental Psychology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

This study explored whether adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N = 26) were less influenced by background knowledge than typically developing adolescents (N = 38) when engaged in conditional reasoning. Participants were presented with pretested valid and invalid conditional inferences with varying available counterexamples. The group with ASD showed significantly less influence of prior knowledge on valid inferences (p = .01) and invalid inferences (p = .01) compared with the typical group. In a secondary probability judgment task, no significant group differences were found in probabilistic judgments of the believability of the premises. Further experiments found that results could not be explained by differences between the groups in the ability to generate counterexamples o...

Individual differences in executive function and central coherence predict developmental changes in theory of mind in autism.

Developmental Psychology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the longitudinal relationships among these 3 aspects of cognition in autism were investigated. Thirty-seven cognitively able children with an autism spectrum condition were assessed on tests targeting ToM (false-belief prediction), EF (planning ability, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control), and CC (local processing) at intake and again 3 years later. Time 1 EF and CC skills were longitudinally predictive of change in children’s ToM test performance, independent of age, language, nonverbal intelligence, and early ToM skills. Predictive relations in the opposite direction were not significant, and there were no developmental links between EF and CC. Rather than showing problems in ToM, EF and CC as co-occurring and independent atypicalities in autism, these finding...

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This week on Thrive: March 1 – 5

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:00:45 +0100

Here’s a quick look at what Thrive was up to last week. Do you know how dangerous drowsy driving is for your teen? Teen brains really are different. Parents consider hastening death for terminally ill children. Do small changes in our diet really add up? Children’s Facebook page is named one of the best hospital pages. A Children’s critical care nurse tells her story about caring for Haitian earthquake victims on the USNS Comfort. Do you know how to recognize the early signs of autism? Learn why it’s important for young boys and girls to see female characters on screen. Children’s hearing needs to be protected beginning at a very young age. (Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston)

Federal Legislation to End Abusive Restraint and Seclusion in Schools

Disabled World — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:41:28 +0100

National Autism Association Applauds Congress for Passing Federal Legislation to End Abusive Restraint and Seclusion in Schools... (Source: Disabled World)

Health headlines: Binge drinking, Wii workout games and CPR

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:00:37 +0100

Other stories we’ve been reading: Read one father’s story on how he became an advocate for safer teen driving. Check out these safe driving tips for your teen. [Read about the dangers of drowsy driving.] Advertising guilt doesn’t curb binge drinking. Teen alcohol and marijuana use is on the rise. [A recent teen drug survey predicted this.] Young people who smoke marijuana for long periods of time are more likely to risk psychosis. Despite studies proving otherwise, some parents still believe that vaccines cause autism. Gene therapy is closer to restoring eyesight to blind patients. [Read about how a novel surgery saves one baby’s vision.] A blood test can help sort out milk allergies. [Watch Brett go through a milk exposure desensitization trial.] Screening athletes could prevent s...

Neurologists On Capitol Hill To Push For Health Care Reform

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

What: More than 100 neurologists from 40 states will be in Washington, DC, March 8-9, 2010, for "Neurology on the Hill," an event hosted by the American Academy of Neurology to educate lawmakers about the need for health care reform changes that consider neurologists and the patients they treat, including people with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, concussion and autism... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Loss Of Enzyme Reduces Neural Activity In Angelman Syndrome

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Angelman Syndrome is a rare but serious genetic disorder that causes a constellation of developmental problems in affected children, including mental retardation, lack of speech, and in some cases, autism. Over a decade ago, researchers found that AS was caused by mutation in a single gene, but no one had been able to explain how this defect resulted in the debilitating neurological symptoms of the disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Loss Of Enzyme Reduces Neural Activity In Angelman Syndrome

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Spatial Contrast Sensitivity in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Koh HC, Milne E, Dobkins K Adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically developing (TD) controls underwent a rigorous psychophysical assessment that measured contrast sensitivity to seven spatial frequencies (0.5-20 cycles/degree). A contrast sensitivity function (CSF) was then fitted for each participant, from which four measures were obtained: visual acuity, peak spatial frequency, peak contrast sensitivity, and contrast sensitivity at a low spatial frequency. There were no group differences on any of the four CSF measures, indicating no differential spatial frequency processing in ASD. Although it has been suggested that detail-oriented visual perception in individuals with ASD may be a result of differential sensitivities to low versus high spatial freque...

Brief Report: Acamprosate in Fragile X Syndrome.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report on the first trial of acamprosate, a drug with putative mGluR5 antagonism, in three adults with FXS and autism. Medical records describing open-label treatment with acamprosate in 3 patients with FXS and a comorbid diagnosis of autistic disorder were reviewed. In all three patients, acamprosate was associated with improved linguistic communication. Three patients received acamprosate over a mean 21.3 weeks of treatment. All patients showed global clinical benefit as rated with the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale. Marked communication improvement was unexpected and has potential implications for the treatment of FXS, as well as idiopathic autism. PMID: 20213249 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)

[News Focus] Psychiatry: Anything But Child's Play

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:02:10 +0100

An alternative to juvenile bipolar disorder and a reorganization of autism-related disorders are among the controversial changes proposed for the fifth editionof psychiatrists' bible, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.Author: Greg Miller (Source: Science: Current Issue)

March eFactor

Environmental Factor - NIEHS Newsletter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:00:12 +0100

Discussion Mason Receives 2010 Bruker Award Superfund Researcher Elected to National Academies Birnbaum Revisits TSCA in Senate Testimony Hearing Sparks Call for Environmental Justice in Alaska Jung Joins NIEHS as Chief of Staff Fellows Participate in Biotech Career Workshop Shepard Edits EJ Issue on Climate Change Superfund Video Offers Plain Talk on Arsenic NIEHS and NTP Gear Up for a Productive Year at SOT Ancient Fires — Modern Dilemma Epidemiology Shines at Advisory Council Meeting NIEHS Welcomes Four New Principal Investigators Researcher Underscores Importance of Intracellular Communication Estrogen Receptors and Tumor Development Researchers Confirm Link Between Maternal Age and Autism Mining the Genome with Deep Sequencing Superfund Research Prompts Review o...

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Medical Journal Retracts Report Linking Autism, Vaccine [Professional News]

Psychiatr News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:01:06 +0100

(Source: Psychiatr News)

Neurologists On Capitol Hill To Push For Health Care Reform

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

What More than 100 neurologists from 40 states will be in Washington, DC, March 8-9, 2010, for "Neurology on the Hill," an event hosted by the American Academy of Neurology to educate lawmakers about the need for health care reform changes that consider neurologists and the patients they treat, including people with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, concussion and autism... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Angelman Syndrome Protein Ube3A Regulates Synapse Development by Ubiquitinating Arc

Cell — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:00:45 +0100

Paul L. Greer, Rikinari Hanayama, Brenda L. Bloodgood, Alan R. Mardinly, David M. Lipton, Steven W. Flavell, Tae-Kyung Kim, Eric C. Griffith, Zachary Waldon, Rene Maehr, Hidde L. Ploegh, Shoaib Chowdhury, Paul F. Worley, Judith Steen, Michael E. Greenberg. Angelman Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disorder caused by mutation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Ube3A, a gene whose mutation has also recently been associated with autism spectrum d.... (Source: Cell)

Digestive Enzyme Supplementation for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Munasinghe SA, Oliff C, Finn J, Wray JA To examine the effects of a digestive enzyme supplement in improving expressive language, behaviour and other symptoms in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial using crossover design over 6 months for 43 children, aged 3-8 years. Outcome measurement tools included monthly Global Behaviour Rating Scales, Additional Rating Scales of other symptoms by parents and therapists, and monthly completion of the Rescorla Language Development Survey. Compared with placebo, treatment with enzyme was not associated with clinically significant improvement in behaviour, food variety, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep quality, engagement with therapist, or the Language Development Survey Vocabulary or Se...

Promoting Social Skill Development in Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Feasibility and Efficacy Study.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Koenig K, White SW, Pachler M, Lau M, Lewis M, Klin A, Scahill L A randomized controlled design was employed to evaluate a social skills intervention for children with pervasive developmental disorders. Aims included evaluating the acceptability of the program and gathering preliminary evidence on efficacy. Forty-four children, ages 8-11 years, were randomly assigned to treatment or wait list. Treatment consisted of a 16-week group intervention designed to teach appropriate social behavior. Between group comparisons showed that children in treatment were rated as improved on the primary outcome measure, (unblinded parent report), but not on the secondary outcome measure, a parent questionnaire. Parents reported a high level of satisfaction with the intervention. The study supp...

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Recognizing autism: early behavioral signs?

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:24 +0100

It’s the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States—and in the majority of cases, no one knows what causes it. According to the CDC, the prevalence is now one in 110 kids—an astounding 57 percent increase since 2002. Despite the lack of concrete answers about autism, which is now seen as a spectrum of neurological disorders, characterized by deficits in social interaction, impaired language, and/or repetitive or restricted behavior, there is a consensus among clinicians that treatment should begin as early in life as possible. (Many experts suggest that there’s a crucial window of plasticity in the child’s developing brain when interventions are most effective.) That’s why getting a diagnosis as early as possible is important. While children with ...

Impact Factor: Can a Scientific Retraction Change Public Opinion?

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0100

When science revises its stance, the field itself follows established protocol to adapt, but public opinion can be slow to catch up. Rather than wiping the slate clean, last month's retraction of a key paper proposing a link between childhood vaccines and autism seem only to have widened the societal divide on the issue. And the rising rate of retractions--roughly ninefold between 1990 and 2008--suggest that there could be more cases in which public opinion carries on long after science has reversed course. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Impact Factor: Can a Scientific Retraction Change Public Opinion?

Scientific American Topic - Medical Technology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0100

Government Announces Landmark Strategy To Transform Adult Autism Support, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The National Autistic Society (NAS) welcomed a raft of new measures in the landmark adult autism strategy published today aimed at tackling the isolation, ignorance and inequality routinely experienced by the over 300,000 adults with autism in England. Announced by Care Services Minister, Phil Hope, the three year strategy Fulfilling and rewarding lives comes in response to NAS research revealing at least 1 in 3 adults with autism are experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of support... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Government Announces Landmark Strategy To Transform Adult Autism Support, UK

Autism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

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Loss of enzyme reduces neural activity in Angelman syndrome

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Harvard Medical School) Angelman syndrome (AS) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by mental retardation and a high frequency of autism. Researchers have now found that the gene mutation underlying AS appears to affect the ability of neurons to communicate and to properly develop during the first few years of life, a time when brain activity is "rewired" by external stimuli. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Paper round: Thursday

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Cervical cancer examinations, McDonalds and Weight Watchers join forces, and moreRelated items from OnMedicaStart radiotherapy quickly after breast cancer surgeryFirst strategy for adults with autism launched Single handed GPs earn the mostVirgin enters GP healthcare businessMagnetic stimulation device treats migraine (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Characterizing Community-Based Mental Health Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Disruptive Behavior Problems.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study describes the characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with disruptive behavior problems served in community-based mental health clinics, characterizes psychotherapy process and outcome, and examines differences between children with ASD and a non-ASD comparison group. Results indicate that children with ASD served in this setting are high functioning and diagnostically complex. Certain research-based behavioral and cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic strategies were observed frequently, while parent training strategies and active teaching strategies were observed less frequently. The intensity or thoroughness with which strategies were pursued was relatively low. Outcome analyses indicate improvement in child symptoms and family functioning. Treatment...

Vision in developmental disorders: Is there a dorsal stream deficit?

Brain Research Bulletin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Grinter EJ, Maybery MT, Badcock DR The main aim of this review is to evaluate the proposal that several developmental disorders affecting vision share an impairment of the dorsal visual stream. First, the current definitions and common measurement approaches used to assess differences in both local and global functioning within the visual system are considered. Next, studies assessing local and global processing in the dorsal and ventral visual pathways are reviewed for five developmental conditions for which early to mid level visual abilities have been assessed: developmental dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, developmental dyspraxia, Williams syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. The reviewed evidence is broadly consistent with the idea that the dorsal visual stream is affecte...

Vaccination: An option not to be ignored

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:31:25 +0100

Outbreaks of measles are seemingly on the rise, mainly because of lower vaccination rates, which are in part due to the unfounded fear that the vaccine causes autism. (Source: Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine)

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Autistic Teen Jumps from Ambulance - JEMS.com

JEMS Latest News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:19:19 +0100

Teen's mother says she did everything in her power to get her autistic son the help he needed. ... (Source: JEMS Latest News)

Parents Often Miss Subtle Autism Signs (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Neurology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:43:06 +0100

The symptoms of autism tend to emerge in children after 6 months of age, with a loss of social and communications skills that is more common and more subtle than previously thought, according to a new study that questions previous assumptions about the progression of the condition. (Source: MedPage Today Neurology)

“Paranoia Strikes Deep”*: MMR Vaccine and Autism

Psychiatric Times — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

On February 12, 2009, the US Court of Federal Claims issued a trio of long-awaited decisions in its Omnibus Autism Proceeding. The 3 were representative cases chosen from more than 5500 pending MMR/autism cases by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. Each presented the theory that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in combination with thimerosal, a mercury-based ingredient contained in some diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), diphtheria-tetanus–acellular pertussis (DTaP), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines, causes autism. In nearly 700 combined pages that reviewed the scientific and epidemiological evidence, all 3 opinions determined that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a link between these vaccines and autism. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Autism strategy aims to help more adults into work

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:57:00 +0100

Adults with autism who wish to live independently are set to benefit from the launch of the first national strategy to help them live fulfilling and rewarding lives. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Autism strategy aims to help more adults into work

HSJ — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:20:00 +0100

Adults with autism who wish to live independently are set to benefit from the launch of the first national strategy to help them live fulfilling and rewarding lives. (Source: HSJ)

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Asuragen And The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Publish Results Of A Study Evaluating A Novel Fragile X PCR Assay

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Asuragen, Inc. announced the results of a collaborative study with scientists at the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California Davis evaluating a new PCR technology that reproducibly reports mutations associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). The study, titled "A novel FMR1 Method for the Routine Detection of Low Abundance Expanded Alleles and Full Mutations in Fragile X Syndrome," was published in Clinical Chemistry, a leading journal for original, peer-reviewed research that advances clinical laboratory practices... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Asuragen And The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Publish Results Of A Study Evaluating A Novel Fragile X PCR Assay

Autism News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The neuropathology of autism: defects of neurogenesis and neuronal migration, and dysplastic changes

Acta Neuropathologica — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:50:22 +0100

Abstract Autism is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations including qualitative impairments in social interactions and communication, and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Abnormal acceleration of brain growth in early childhood, signs of slower growth of neurons, and minicolumn developmental abnormalities suggest multiregional alterations. The aim of this study was to detect the patterns of focal qualitative developmental defects and to identify brain regions that are prone to developmental alterations in autism. Formalin-fixed brain hemispheres of 13 autistic (4–60 years of age) and 14 age-matched control subjects were embedded in celloidin and cut into 200-μm-thick coronal sections, which were stained with cresyl violet and u...

Neuroscientist Steers Research Into Neurological Disorders

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists at the Queensland Brain Institute have uncovered a vital clue into how the brain is wired, which could eventually steer research into nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease and cognitive disorders including autism. It's long been known that growing nerve fibres, also known as axons, must make connections in the brain for it to function properly. "During the brain's development, billions of nerve cells send out nerve fibres which have to find the appropriate targets to form the right connections," lead researcher Professor Geoffrey Goodhill explained... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Neuroscientist Steers Research Into Neurological Disorders

Parkinson's Disease News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

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Help for 'excluded' autism adults

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:11:16 +0100

Plans are published by ministers to tackle the "social exclusion" of adults with autism in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

More help for adults with autism

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:11:16 +0100

Plans are published by ministers to tackle the "social exclusion" of adults with autism in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

What is Sensory Processing Disorder and How Is It Related to Autism?

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:46:42 +0100

Earlier this week, there was an article in The Boston Globe about sensory processing disorder. It stated that a group of researchers, families, and occupational therapists is aggressively lobbying to get sensory processing disorder included in the next Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is currently being drafted.Many readers may wonder, what is a sensory processing disorder?Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological disorder that causes difficulties with processing information from the five senses: vision, auditory, touch, olfaction, and taste, as well as from the sense of movement (vestibular system), and/or the positional sense (proprioception). For those with SPD, sensory information is sensed, but perceived abnormally. Unlike blindness or deafn...

Watchdog pulls advert pushing autism cure

Scotsman.com News - Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A NEWSPAPER advert which promoted a cure for autism breached UK guidelines. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

First strategy for adults with autism launched

OnMedica Latest News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Clear framework set for support from all mainstream public servicesRelated items from OnMedicaScheme to help depressed patients is rolled out nationwideAutism consultation is launched by government Mental Health Act reforms become activeMental health remains 'Cinderella specialty'Cabinet reshuffle 'not best' for the health service (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Strategy for adults with autism in England

NeLM - News — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News The Department of Health has launched a strategy for adults with autism in England. The autism strategy sets a clear framework for all public services to work together in helping adults with autism to live independent lives and find work. (Source: NeLM - News)

Autism and animal insight

Nature — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wes Jamison & Clive Wynne “I'm not like other people,” declares actress Claire Danes as animal-behaviour expert Temple Grandin in director Mick Jackson's latest film. Unable to speak until age four, Grandin was diagnosed as autistic. Yet she earned a PhD, became an associate professor of animal science at Colorado (Source: Nature)

Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Flemish Day-Care Centres with the Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dereu M, Warreyn P, Raymaekers R, Meirsschaut M, Pattyn G, Schietecatte I, Roeyers H A new screening instrument for ASD was developed that can be filled out by child care workers: the Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders (CESDD). The predictive validity of the CESDD was evaluated in a population of 6,808 children between 3 and 39 months attending day-care centres in Flanders. The CESDD had a sensitivity of .80 and a specificity of .94. Based on the screening procedure used in this study, 41 children were diagnosed with ASD or got a working diagnosis of ASD. Thus, including child care workers' report on signs of ASD in screening procedures can help to identify cases of ASD at a young age. PMID: 20198413 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of...

Brief Report: Animacy and Word Order in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study tested whether highly verbal adults with ASD would show sensitivity to animacy in a picture description task. Results showed that individuals with ASD were as sensitive to animacy as controls, and overwhelmingly placed animate entities as the grammatical subject. One stimulus proved an exception, where only individuals with ASD placed an inanimate entity (a clock) in subject position in preference to an animate one (a boy), which coincides with previous observations that individuals with autism find clocks highly salient. This study provides converging evidence of the role of conceptual salience in word order choices, and furthermore shows animate entities to be highly salient for individuals with ASD, at least as it pertains to these word order choices. PMID: 20195740 [PubM...

County-Level Variation in the Prevalence of Medicaid-Enrolled Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined how county-level resources are associated with the identification of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Medicaid. Medicaid claims from 2004 were combined with county-level data. There were 61,891 children diagnosed with ASD in the Medicaid system in 2004. Counties with lower per-student education expenditures, more students, a greater proportion of students in special education, higher per capita number of pediatricians and pediatric specialists, and a greater proportion of Medicaid enrollees and white residents had higher Medicaid prevalence. Within states, counties differ in how they implement Medicaid policies. The results suggest the substitution of education and Medicaid-reimbursed services. Our findings highlight the need for geographically targeted ...

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Though unproven, 1 in 4 parents believe vaccines cause autism

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:39:06 +0100

One in four U.S. parents believe some vaccines cause autism in healthy children, but even many of those worried about vaccine ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Promoting social behavior with oxytocin in high-functioning autism spectrum disorders [Neuroscience]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:42:15 +0100

Social adaptation requires specific cognitive and emotional competences. Individuals with high-functioning autism or with Asperger syndrome cannot understand or engage... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Genetics of autism and mental retardation: A spoonful from the sea!

Indian Journal of Human Genetics — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:06:47 +0100

Ghosh Kanjaksha, Gorakshakar AjitIndian Journal of Human Genetics 2009 15(3):85-87 (Source: Indian Journal of Human Genetics)

Genetic studies in children with intellectual disability and autistic spectrum of disorders

Indian Journal of Human Genetics — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:06:47 +0100

Balasubramanian Bhanumathi, Bhatt Chetna V, Goyel Neelam AIndian Journal of Human Genetics 2009 15(3):103-107Autism is one of the five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by &quot;severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.&quot; ASD is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interaction and restricted, repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior. The five disorders under PDD are autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett's disorder and PDD-not otherwise specified. ASD can often be reliably detected by the age of 3 years and, in...