Autism

[Buffy]

Sorry missed I missed the show Buffy ... is it still on the web?

An article and the video story I was referring to can be found here.

 

Linkably newsworthy,

Buffy

[Michaelangelica]

Thanks Buffy

The web seems to be geting excited by this but it is a relativly small study

Writing in the journal Clinical Endocrinology, Dr. James Mills of the NICHD and colleagues said they compared the height, weight, head circumference and levels of growth-related hormones to growth and maturation in 71 boys with autism to a group of 59 healthy boys.

 

The boys with autism had higher levels of two hormones that directly regulate growth -- insulin-like growth factor-1 and IGF-2. The boys also had higher levels of hormones that indirectly affect growth.

Study links autism with growth hormones, big heads - Yahoo! News

 

Interesting that the Times gives this editorial space

Editorial

Autism in the Vaccine Court

 

A federal vaccine court in Washington is confronting the contentious and highly emotional issue of whether early childhood vaccinations might have caused autism in thousands of children. Virtually every major scientific study and organization that has weighed in on the issue has seen no link. But many parents of afflicted children remain unconvinced. Their lawyers will try to prove that some 4,800 children were harmed by the mass vaccination campaigns that protect the nation’s youngsters from potentially devastating childhood illnesses.

[Michaelangelica]

Glutamaic System in autism

Recently there is evidence that the glutamate system is affected in autism. Patients with autism have higher blood levels of glutamate than unaffected individuals. Abnormalities of the glutamate system are seen in studies of brains of deceased autistic patients. Genetic studies have shown mutations of glutamate genes in autistic individuals.

 

 

. . .Amantadine, a weak inhibitor of the NMDA glutamate receptor, has been tested in autism. The study showed some improvement in irritability and hyperactivity; however, amantadine has a very weak affinity for this receptor and therefore very high doses would be required to get an adequate effect.

Participate in Research - :: Cure Autism Now ::

 

This is a study being done in NY.Number of Participants Needed:

60 at all sites

10 at Mount Sinai School of Medicine

 

Start Date of Recruiting: July 15, 2006

 

Closure Date: December 31, 2007

 

Time Commitment Length:

24 weeks

Participate in Research - :: Cure Autism Now ::

It will be interesting to see these results

 

The largest search for autism genes to date, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has implicated components of the brain's glutamate chemical messenger system and a previously overlooked site on chromosome 11. Based on 1,168 families with at least two affected members, the genome scan adds to evidence that tiny, rare variations in genes may heighten risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

. . .

Clues emerged adding to evidence that implicates components of the brain's glutamate neurotransmitter system in autism. Glutamate increases neuronal activity and plays an important role in wiring up the brain during early development. Since autism likely stems from faulty wiring, a genetic blueprint gone awry in this pivotal neurotransmitter system is a prime suspect. Some key genes associated with the glutamate system are located in chromosome regions previously associated with autism, note the researchers.

. . .

Previous studies have also linked abnormal glutamate functioning to disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis, which share some symptoms with autism. It's not unusual for individuals with either syndrome to be diagnosed with autism.

Among the new clues is stronger evidence for an association between autism and sites of genes for neurexins, molecules that build glutamate synapses – the connection machinery by which brain cells communicate.

A site on chromosome 11 most strongly linked to autism in this study harbors genes for proteins that shuttle glutamate across the synapse. Although detected previously, the linkage signal at this site was regarded as less important until now.

Largest-ever search for autism genes reveals new clues

 

 

See also Hypography threads on schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, 'MSG Chain Letter meme, and Clinical depression.

[HomoSapiens]

I have aspergers. I am lonely 16 years old person. Doesn't know i have friends and doesn't get a girlfriend because i have aspergers. :S

[Michaelangelica]

I have aspergers. I am lonely 16 years old person. Doesn't know i have friends and doesn't get a girlfriend because i have aspergers. :S

You have plenty of time to change and develop

Learning social skills is hard but not impossible

You might need the help of a therapist

 

Aspergers can also be a gift heping you to focus on one area of knowledge and become expert in it

My cousin (with 10 kids) says all males are aspergers. to some extent or another. I think she is right

 

Few 16 YOds have a girlfriend. Try a subscription to Playboy!:shrug:

[Michaelangelica]

A Few Amazing Brains: Geniuses with Savant Syndrome

11/28/2007

A Few Amazing Brains: Geniuses with Savant Syndrome,good,news,good news,positive,positive-news,good news media, inspiring stories,green news,health news,family news,heroes,pets,celebrities,Inspirational Story, Good News, Inspirational Message, Daily

Let me know if videos are good.

[Michaelangelica]

Autistic Children May Have Abnormal Functioning Of Mirror Neuron System

 

ScienceDaily (Nov. 29, 2007) — Using a novel imaging technique to study autistic children, researchers have found increased gray matter in the brain areas that govern social processing and learning by observation.

Autistic Children May Have Abnormal Functioning Of Mirror Neuron System

[Turtle]

Charlie Rose is doing some interviews with specialists on brain science & mental illness. Here's a link, but the video is not available yet as the show just aired.

Charlie Rose Science Series: From Potential of the Mind to Diseases of the Brain - Charlie Rose

 

At any rate, one of the Doctors said there is some new evidence that autism may result from sperm deformities that occur with aging. This bears on why autism is on the rise, because men are waiting longer to start families.

 

The entire show is an excellent primer on the current state of brain science. :beer::)

[Michaelangelica]

Thanks; that sounds like a great site.

 

There seem to be plenty of theories for causes and treatments.

One specialist said everything he tried worked to some extent, even Homoeopathy.

This is one of the latest theories

How Cell Phones May Cause Autism - Articles

How Cell Phones May Cause Autism

 

 

If you want, there is a course available on Autism SD

Virtual Symposium on Autism

From the 2006 U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress

 

Learn the latest developments in in treating autism, and earn CME credit—online.

 

Exploring Optimal Treatment Options in Childhood Autism identifies the behavioural symptoms of autism, outlines current diagnostic approaches to the autistic child, and explains how to integrate pharmacotherapy with behavioral therapy to achieve optimal outcomes in patients.

 

This user-friendly program includes audio and video presentations, and is accessible from any Web-connected computer.

[Turtle]

Thanks; that sounds like a great site.

 

There seem to be plenty of theories for causes and treatments.

One specialist said everything he tried worked to some extent, even Homoeopathy.

This is one of the latest theories

How Cell Phones May Cause Autism - Articles

 

If you want, there is a course available on Autism SD

 

No worries. I can't get the cell phone page to load just now, but any such explanation is only fitting for the time since that technology came about. Autism is not new, and laying any technology as its cause is fraught with logical peril. The panel on the program also give some insight into adult autism, which is currently out of the spotlight as it has shifted to the increasing occurance in children. You can watch the program and make your own assessment of the authority of the panel and how new their information is. :)

[Turtle]

Researchers have identified a gene significantly correlated to autism.

 

BBC NEWS | Health | Autism gene breakthrough hailed

...Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioural challenges.

 

Scientists have long suspected that errors in a person's genetic blueprint play a part in autism.

 

Genetic code, DNA, is packaged in cells in the form of chromosomes, which are made up of strings of genes.

 

Experts have now located a region of one chromosome - 11p - and a gene called neurexin 1.

[Michaelangelica]

Images offer autism insight

Sarah Price

January 6, 2008

 

BRAIN scans are delivering a new perspective on autism and Asperger syndrome, providing a greater understanding of what is behind the characteristic repetitive behaviour.

 

Professor Florence Levy, from the University of NSW's school of psychiatry, said the scans could help lead to better, more targeted treatment.

 

An estimated 120,000 Australians live with autism or Asperger syndrome.

Images offer autism insight - National - smh.com.au

 

 

:doh:

This lady is fascinating, functioning at a high level with autism

I had a bit of trouble downloading the audio, but there are many other references to her work if you google her name.

A Conversation with Temple Grandin

 

Listen Now [34 min 38 sec] add to playlist

 

Talk of the Nation, January 20, 2006 · Animal scientist Temple Grandin says autism helps her see things as animals do. Grandin talks about her work designing humane slaughter systems for animals, and her unique way of looking at the world.

 

Related NPR Stories

NPR : A Conversation with Temple Grandin

[InfiniteNow]

This lady is fascinating, functioning at a high level with autism

I had a bit of trouble downloading the audio, but there are many other references to her work if you google her name.

 

NPR : A Conversation with Temple Grandin

 

She is familiar to me. I read about her years ago. She designed gates that hold the cattle closely around the mid section. Much like wrapping an infant tightly around a baby will relax them, the tightness the cattle feel around the belly and rib arera soothes them, and makes the process of slaughter orders of magnitude less stressful. Something about being held tightly (but, not too tightly) is calming.

 

 

:doh: :eek:

[Michaelangelica]

yes Infinate Now she designs "humane killing systems"> one part of that is the cuddle. it's almost enough to make you vegetarian.

Funny I had to learn to think in words and not pictures.

 

Just after I posted that (10mins) I got this email from

Gimundo.com who run a "good news" service. (I often get tired of all the terrible things and the "Isn't it awful" brigade.)

Autistic Girl is "Miss Dolittle"

1/10/2008

 

Four-year-old Rose Willcocks is autistic. She won't look her parents in the eye, and is almost completely mute.

But one day, the family took a trip to a local farm in England as part of Rose's therapy – and to her parents' surprise, she suddenly transformed into a sparkling conversationalist.

 

Her conversation partner didn't have much of a response, though, aside from a "moo" and a yawn here and there. But what else would you expect from a cow?

"There was something about animals that made Rosie connect," her mother, Esme Willcocks, told The Daily Mail. "We could barely get her to make eye contact or moan or groan but here she was, chatting like an old friend to the cows and horses."

 

Her mother has since nicknamed the little girl "Miss Dolittle," after the famous fictional doctor who talked to animals. Rose is still silent when she's around members of her own species – but her family considers her animal interactions to be a major breakthrough. Later this year, they're planning a visit to the United States, where Rose will have the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

 

It's certain she'll have plenty to chat about with Flipper and his pals, but Rose's parents are hoping that her new speech skills will transfer to humans soon, too.

 

"If we can move her on just a fraction further then it will have all been worthwhile," said Esme.

[Michaelangelica]

The Age of Autism: The Amish anomaly By Dan Olmsted

Another qualifier: The Inions are converts to the Amish-Mennonite religion (Brent is an Asian-American). They simply might not know about any number of autistic Amish sheltered quietly with their families for decades.

 

It also is possible the isolated Amish gene pool might confer some kind of immunity to autism -- which might be a useful topic for research.

 

Whatever the case, Stacey-jean thinks the autistic Amish are nowhere to be found.

 

"It is so much more rare among our people," she said. "My husband just said last week that so far we've never met a family that lives a healthy lifestyle and does not vaccinate their children that has an autistic child. We haven't come across one yet."

[Michaelangelica]

It is too early to say vitamin D has a treatment effect in autism. However, a simple risk/benefit analysis suggests that autistic children should be diagnosed and aggressively treated for vitamin D deficiency. If readers want to learn more about vitamin D and autism, they can obtain the entire paper on the link below. Unfortunately, Elsevier charges $31.50 to download it. You can read a similar document for free on the website, where we first published the theory a year ago.

 

 

 

Cannell JJ. Autism and vitamin D. Med Hypotheses. 2008;70(4):750-9.

 

Vitamin D Newsletter May 2007 | Vitamin D and Autism

 

 

 

In summation, autistic children should be given enough vitamin D to get their 25(OH)D levels up to the mid to high range of normals, that is, 70 ng/ml (175 nmol/L in countries that use the metric system). In the absence of sun exposure, this usually requires long-term administration of about 1,000 IU/day per 20 pounds of body weight with a loading dose of 2,000 IU of vitamin D/day for every 20 pounds of body weight for the first two weeks. As individual variation in response is very high, they should have 25(OH)D blood tests every month until their level has stabilized around 70 ng/ml. They should stop all products containing preformed retinols (vitamin A), especially cod liver oil.

 

 

 

John Cannell, MD

 

The Vitamin D Council

[Michaelangelica]

Dogs trained to partner with autistic children

By Gail Knowles • CONTRIBUTING WRITER • June 11, 2008

 

 

Simpsonville resident Sandy Teska, an applied behavior therapist who works with autistic children, was attending a routine team meeting two years ago when she learned about a new program to help autistic children.

 

Teska, whose passion is helping children and their families dealing with this disease, was fascinated when she heard Julie Nye, training director of Dogs for Autism, talk about placing a service dog in the home of a local autistic child.

Dogs trained to partner with autistic children | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News