MedWorm: Autism

Potential biomarkers in psychiatry: focus on the cholesterol system

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMeasuring biomarkers to identify and assess illness is a strategy growing in popularity and relevance. Although already in clinical use for treating and predicting cancer, no biological measurement is used clinically for any psychiatric disorder. Biomarkers could predict the course of a medical problem, and aid in determining how and when to treat. Several studies have indicated that of candidate psychiatric biomarkers detected using proteomic techniques, cholesterol and associated proteins, specifically apolipoproteins (Apos), may be of interest. Cholesterol is necessary for brain development and its synthesis continues at a lower rate in the adult brain. Apos are the protein component of lipoproteins responsible for lipid transport. There is extensive evidence that the levels of ...

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Older parents more likely to have an autistic child: study

Reuters: Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:24:32 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children born to a parent over age 35 are at greater risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder -- but the risk is the same whether just one or both parents are older, according to a new study of Danish families. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Older Parents More Likely to Have an Autistic Child

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:24:26 +0100

Children born to a parent over age 35 are at greater risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder -- but the risk is the same whether just one or both parents are older, according to a new study of Danish families.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Page: Autism (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Hyperconnectivity In Brain's Hearing Center Caused By Gene Mutation In Autism

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) might help explain how a gene mutation found in some autistic individuals leads to difficulties in processing auditory cues and paying spatial attention to sound. The study has found that when a suspected autism gene called PTEN is deleted from auditory cortical neurons - the main workhorses of the brain's sound-processing center - the signals that these neurons receive from local as well as long-distance sources are strengthened beyond normal levels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Britain's First Adult Autism Survey Reveals Previously 'Invisible' Group With Autism

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

New research on autism in adults has shown that adults with a more severe learning disability have a greater likelihood of having autism. This group, mostly living in private households, was previously 'invisible' in estimates of autism. Dr Terry Brugha, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Leicester, led research on behalf of the University for the report Estimating the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Conditions in Adults: Extending the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, which has today been published by the NHS Information Centre... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A toothbrush impalement injury of the floor of mouth in autism child

Dental Traumatology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of a toothbrush impalement injury of the floor of the mouth in a child with autism. A 5‐year‐old boy with autism presented with an accidentally impaled toothbrush in the oral cavity. He was taken to the operation room and examined under general anesthesia. The handle of the toothbrush was cut off using rib scissors for mask ventilation, and intra‐oral intubation was performed. The toothbrush was located approximately 2.5 cm into the floor of the mouth. The toothbrush was removed uneventfully. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was instituted during hospitalization, and discharge from the hospital occurred 4 days after the operation. (Source: Dental Traumatology)

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Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(NIH/National Institute of Mental Health) Scientists have tracked the activity, across the lifespan, of an environmentally responsive regulatory mechanism that turns genes on and off in the brain's executive hub. Genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism are among those in which regulatory activity peaks during an environmentally-sensitive critical period in development. The mechanism, called DNA methylation, abruptly switches from off to on within the human brain's prefrontal cortex during this pivotal transition from fetal to postnatal life. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Deprivation, ethnicity and the prevalence of intellectual and developmental disabilities

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Children whose development is already compromised (and especially children with less severe intellectual disabilities) are at increased risk of exposure to social conditions that are themselves inimical to healthy development. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Developmental Maturation of Dynamic Causal Control Signals in Higher-Order Cognition: A Neurocognitive Network Model

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

by Kaustubh Supekar, Vinod Menon Cognitive skills undergo protracted developmental changes resulting in proficiencies that are a hallmark of human cognition. One skill that develops over time is the ability to problem solve, which in turn relies on cognitive control and attention abilities. Here we use a novel multimodal neurocognitive network-based approach combining task-related fMRI, resting-state fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the maturation of control processes underlying problem solving skills in 7–9 year-old children. Our analysis focused on two key neurocognitive networks implicated in a wide range of cognitive tasks including control: the insula-cingulate salience network, anchored in anterior insula (AI), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior...

One in 100 adults has autism with the condition much more likely to affect men

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:25:01 +0100

Experts say the disorder and similar conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome are far more widespread than previously thought. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Investigating low adaptive behaviour and presence of the triad of impairments characteristic of autistic spectrum disorder as indicators of risk for challenging behaviour among adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This study has shown that it is necessary to control for intercorrelation between potential risk factors for challenging behaviour and to explore how interaction between them might moderate associations. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

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Urban–rural differences in the nature and prevalence of mental ill‐health in adults with intellectual disabilities

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We found these results surprising and at odds with the majority of studies carried out in the general population and propose several reasons for the differences found. We believe that the results and further studies in this area will help inform health service provision for those with ID who live in different geographical areas. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Co-occurring Conditions and Change in Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorders

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Mixed prevalence rates of co-occurring psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions have been reported in children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD diagnoses remain fairly stable within a continuum, but some do not meet criteria for an ASD diagnosis years after initial diagnosis. Co-occurring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions may explain, in part, why the diagnosis of an ASD may change with age. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

A National Profile of Childhood Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample, children with seizures were at increased risk for mental health, developmental, and physical comorbidities, increasing needs for care coordination and specialized services. Children with reported prior but not current seizures need further study to establish reasons for their higher than expected levels of reported functional limitations. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Co-occurring Conditions and Change in Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorders

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the presence of co-occurring psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions are associated with a change in ASD diagnosis. Questions remain as to whether changes in diagnosis of an ASD are due to true etiologic differences or shifts in diagnostic determination. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Sexual health in individuals with IDD & Autism (Jacquelyn Selbst Medical Student)

Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded)

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New study estimates autism prevalence among adults with learning disability

NHS Networks — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The report combines data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) 2007 with findings from a new study based on a sample of people with learning disabilities living in private households and communal care establishments. It aims to estimate the prevalence of autism in England, furthering previous research that suggests people with learning disabilities are more likely to have autism; and address the fact that the APMS did not include people with severe learning disabilities. (Source: NHS Networks)

British adults with autism 'invisible'

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:58:59 +0100

LEICESTER, England, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- British adults with a severe learning disability have elevated risk of autism and often live in private homes "invisible" in autism estimates, researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Op-Ed Contributor: I Had Asperger Syndrome. Briefly.

NYT Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:40:46 +0100

Asperger syndrome was the wrong diagnosis for me. I was really just an awkward teenager. (Source: NYT Health)

Op-Ed Contributor: Asperger’s History of Over-Diagnosis

NYT Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:30:43 +0100

People with social disabilities are not necessarily autistic, and giving them diagnoses on the autism spectrum often does a real disservice. (Source: NYT Health)

University of Leicester researchers lead on new autism study published today

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Leicester) Britain's first adult autism survey reveals previously 'invisible' group with autism. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Early Sign of Autism in the Brain

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – One in every 110 people are diagnosed with autism. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Gene mutation in autism found to cause hyperconnectivity in brain's hearing center

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory might help explain how a gene mutation found in some autistic individuals leads to difficulties in processing auditory cues and paying spatial attention to sound. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Disorder-specific functional abnormalities during sustained attention in youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and with Autism

Molecular Psychiatry — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: A Christakou, C M Murphy, K Chantiluke, A I Cubillo, A B Smith, V Giampietro, E Daly, C Ecker, D Robertson, D G Murphy & K Rubia (Source: Molecular Psychiatry)

Homeobox gene distal-less is required for neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in the Drosophila olfactory system [Developmental Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Vertebrate Dlx genes have been implicated in the differentiation of multiple neuronal subtypes, including cortical GABAergic interneurons, and mutations in Dlx genes have been linked to clinical conditions such as epilepsy and autism. Here we show that the single Drosophila Dlx homolog, distal-less, is required both to specify chemosensory neurons and to regulate the morphologies of their axons and dendrites. We establish that distal-less is necessary for development of the mushroom body, a brain region that processes olfactory information. These are important examples of distal-less function in an invertebrate nervous system and demonstrate that the Drosophila larval olfactory system is a powerful model in which to understand distal-less functions during neurogenesis. (Source: Proceedings...

Ca2+ signaling amplification by oligomerization of L-type Cav1.2 channels [Physiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Ca2+ influx via L-type Cav1.2 channels is essential for multiple physiological processes, including gene expression, excitability, and contraction. Amplification of the Ca2+ signals produced by the opening of these channels is a hallmark of many intracellular signaling cascades, including excitation-contraction coupling in heart. Using optogenetic approaches, we discovered that Cav1.2 channels form clusters of varied sizes in ventricular myocytes. Physical interaction between these channels via their C-tails renders them capable of coordinating their gating, thereby amplifying Ca2+ influx and excitation-contraction coupling. Light-induced fusion of WT Cav1.2 channels with Cav1.2 channels carrying a gain-of-function mutation that causes arrhythmias and autism in humans with Timothy syndrome...

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Redefining Autism: Will New DSM-5 Criteria for ASD Exclude Some People?

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0100

People have been arguing about autism for a long time--about what causes it , how to treat it and whether it qualifies as a mental disorder. The controversial idea that childhood vaccines trigger autism also persists, despite the fact that study after study has failed to find any evidence of such a link. Now, psychiatrists and members of the autistic community are embroiled in a more legitimate kerfuffle that centers on the definition of autism and how clinicians diagnose the disorder. The debate is not pointless semantics. In many cases, the type and number of symptoms clinicians look for when diagnosing autism determines how easy or difficult it is for autistic people to access medical, social and educational services. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

By the Numbers: Autism Is Not a Math Problem

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0100

At a meeting of the Icelandic Medical Association last week, Yale University child psychologist Fred Volkmar gave a presentation on how the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is changing the definition of autism. In his talk, Volkmar came to a startling conclusion: more than half of the people who meet the existing criteria for autism would not meet the APA’s new definition of autism and, therefore, may not receive state educational and medical services. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Parents provide clues to autism

Telegraph Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:30:17 +0100

Are scientists more likely to have children with this condition? A leading researcher, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, is determined to find out - with your help. Neil Tweedie reports. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Mental Health Weekly — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractCalif. Advocates Bask in Court Successes to Retain Mental Health ServicesWith Virginia Hospital Bed Decline, Can Community Services Keep up?California Court Rules Insurer Must Provide Residential Treatment CoverageAPA Proposes Change to Autism Criteria for DSM‐5 InclusionMental Health Counselors Provide Multiple ServicesLetter to the EditorBriefly NotedState NewsNames in the NewsComing up (Source: Mental Health Weekly)

Teaching NeuroImages: Distinct neuroimaging features of fucosidosis

Neurology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Abnormal repetitive behaviours: shared phenomenology and pathophysiology

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We can use available information from clinical and animal models to make more precise hypotheses regarding the particular pathophysiology driving SIB. The results of testing such hypotheses should generate pharmacological strategies that may prove efficacious in reducing SIB. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Evolved, Mutated Gene Module Linked To Syndromic Autism

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A team led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports that newly discovered mutations in an evolved assembly of genes cause Joubert syndrome, a form of syndromic autism. The findings are published in the online issue of Science Express. Joubert syndrome is a rare, recessive brain condition characterized by malformation or underdevelopment of the cerebellum and brainstem. The disease is due specifically to alterations in cellular primary cilia - antenna-like structures found on most cells... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Family History Of Psychiatric Disorders May Shape Intellectual Interests

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A hallmark of the individual is the cultivation of personal interests, but for some people, their intellectual pursuits might actually be genetically predetermined. Survey results published by Princeton University researchers in the journal PLoS ONE suggest that a family history of psychiatric conditions such as autism and depression could influence the subjects a person finds engaging. Although preliminary, the findings provide a new look at the oft-studied link between psychiatric conditions and aptitude in the arts or sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Talking Things Through in Your Head May Help AutismTalking Things Through in Your Head May Help Autism

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:30:25 +0100

Teaching children with autism to "talk things through" in their heads may help them solve tricky day-to-day tasks and could increase the chances of them living independent lives when they grow up. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Study Finds Early Signs of Autism in Baby BrainsStudy Finds Early Signs of Autism in Baby Brains

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:13:49 +0100

Children who develop autism already show signs of different brain responses in their first year of life. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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Sign Of Autism Can Be Seen In Infants

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0100

A recent study that took place at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, and was published in the January edition of Current Biology, states that detecting autism symptoms in babies as young as 6 months old can help to determine how the autism will develop later in the child's life. The researches found that babies show signs of autism in their first year of life. When the babies are looked at, or when someone looks away from them, their brain responds differently compared to other babies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

[Book Review] The Pursuit of Love

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

Combining historical and ethnographic perspectives, Silverman explores the various ways in which researchers, practitioners, and activists have interpreted and responded to autism.Author: Beth Ann Malow (Source: Science: Current Issue)

DSM-5 Proposed Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder Designed to Provide More Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:17:00 +0100

Source: American Psychiatric Association - - PDF Related MedlinePlus Page: Autism (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Altered mTOR signaling and enhanced CYFIP2 expression levels in subjects with Fragile X syndrome

Genes, Brain and Behavior — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:35 +0100

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism. The protein (FMRP) encoded by the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), is an RNA‐binding protein linked to translational control. Recently, in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, dysregulated translation initiation signaling was observed. To investigate whether an altered signaling was also a feature of subjects with FXS compared to typical developing controls, we isolated total RNA and translational control proteins from lymphocytes of subjects from both groups (38 FXS and 14 TD). Although we did not observe any difference in the expression level of mRNAs for translational initiation control proteins isolated from participant with FXS, we found increased phosphorylation of the mammal...

Infant Brain Yields Autism Clues (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Neurology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:54:51 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Infants' brain responses to people looking at or away from them may someday help identify those at risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Neurology)

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Autism signs 'can be detected in 6-month-old babies' by measuring brain activity

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:07:33 +0100

Scientists from Birkbeck College, London, say the test could help identify infants most at risk of developing the disorder later in life. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Autism detected in brains of six-month-old infants

NHS News Feed — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:53:00 +0100

Conclusion This small study highlights a potential method of identifying children who are likely to develop autism at 6-11 months, much earlier than the current method of diagnosis. The authors suggest this could potentially pave the way for more selective targeting of early intervention efforts and procedures to these children, increasing their life chances. While this study provides intriguing results it is important to bear in mind some practical limitations. For instance, while the average differences between the brain function of the infants that went on to develop autism compared to those that did not were significantly different, individual values from the two groups did overlap. This means that there is probably no useful clinical cut-off value to predict autism. Similarly, the res...

An Earlier Sign Of Autism In The Brain

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

In their first year of life, babies who will go on to develop autism already show different brain responses when someone looks at or away from them. Although the researchers are careful to say that the study, reported online in the Cell Press journal Current Biology, is only a first step toward earlier diagnosis, the findings do suggest that direct brain measures might help to predict the future development of autism symptoms in infants as young as six months... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Adolescents With Autism Spend Free Time Using Solitary, Screen-Based Media

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) tend to be fascinated by screen-based technology. A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that adolescents with autism spend the majority of their free time using non-social media, including television and video-games... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Autism can be detected in babies, say scientists

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:42:03 +0100

Researchers used sensors placed on babies' scalps to measure the brain's response when the infants were shown facesSigns of autism can be detected in six-month-old babies by measuring their brain activity, research has shown.Scientists say the test could help identify infants most at risk of developing the disorder later in life.Autism, a lifelong developmental disability that impairs a person's ability to connect socially and communicate, is not officially diagnosed until after the age of two, but many experts believe children affected would benefit if therapy could be started at a younger age.An estimated 600,000 children and adults in the UK suffer from the condition, which covers a range of symptoms of varying severity.The research focused on six- to 10-month-old babies believed to be ...

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Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Overview for Pediatricians