About.com: Autism
Vaccine Court Once Again Rejects Link to Autism
A second round of Vaccine Court cases were decided today, once again denying parents' claims that their children's autism was caused by vaccines. Last year, the Vaccine Court denied three cases which claimed that a combination of the MMR vaccine and thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) in other vaccines caused autism. Today's plaintiffs claimed that mercury in thimerosal was the only cause of their children's autism.
According to 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.
The special U.S. Court of Federal Claims ruled that vaccines could not have caused the autism of an Oregon boy, William Mead, ending his family's quest for reimbursement.
In essence, the Grand Masters of the Vaccine Court made it clear that they saw no credible evidence to support the claim that the defendants' regression and ensuing autism spectrum diagnoses were caused by vaccines.
- Autism and the Vaccine Court
- The Vaccine Court: a Primer
- Introduction to the Vaccine/Autism Controversy
Vaccine Court Once Again Rejects Link to Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 16:55:02.
Autism and Toilet Teaching: Can You Help?
A mom writes:
I have a "BIG" or at least to me it is a big question regarding my daughter with Autism. She is 4 and I am still trying to get her potty trained. This year she is finally realizing that she does not like being wet so she takes her own pull up off. I am just not sure what to do next. (She will be starting Kindergarten this fall (Full-Day) and need her to understand. (I have tried the chart thing but had to take her in the bathroom every time, did the every 2 hours (made her frustrated most of the time). Any help or ways to find an article would be appreciated.
I do have an article on the subject of toilet teaching, and there are parent suggestions there as well. But I have to tell you, it's really idiosyncratic. My son didn't potty train till he was 4 1/2 - just wasn't interested, I thought. Then one day he stood up in the tub and started to pee, and I lifted him out of the tub and onto the toilet where he finished going. From that day to FULL toilet teaching was THREE WEEKS. No idea why... just luck of the draw, and readiness I guess!
If there's any topic that parents know a lot about, it's toilet teaching. So please share your tips and hints. You can add them here on the blog, or add your thoughts to the permanent Reader Answer article associated with my step by step guide.
Autism and Toilet Teaching: Can You Help? originally appeared on About.com Autism on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 09:34:39.
Diagnosis Asperger Syndrome: Have You Seen "Parenthood" on NBC?
It's rare that I feel guilty about NOT watching TV. But as the media buzz about NBC's Parenthood increases, I realize I really SHOULD have Tivo'd the last few episodes. Apparently, the series has absolutely nailed the experience of having a child diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.
So in the category of "better late than never," I'm planning on watching Parenthood this weekend. Meanwhile, though, you can add your thoughts about the series to this blog... or check out the blogs and reviews that other About.com guides have offered.
And if you're among the many who just discovered Asperger syndrome through the series and want to know more, I invite you to explore some of these articles on the ups and downs of Asperger syndrome in both kids and adults:
- Is It Asperger Syndrome?
People with Asperger's Syndrome may have a tough time with social cues and small talk. They may also be very intelligent, and highly successful in their own areas of interest. Could you or someone you love be diagnosable with Asperger's Syndrome? - What Are the Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger Syndrome?
What are the diagnostic criteria for Asperger syndrome? Here are the specific criteria as laid out in the official DSM-IV-TR diagnostic manual. - How to Explain Your Child's Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome is invisible, at least some of the time. At other times, though, symptoms rise to the surface. When should parents tell their children that they have Asperger syndrome? When and how should parents explain Asperger syndrome to other adults? - Adults and Asperger Syndrome
Asperger Syndrome, a very high functioning form of autism, may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Could you or an adult in your life have Asperger Syndrome? How can you find out? What should you do next?
Diagnosis Asperger Syndrome: Have You Seen "Parenthood" on NBC? originally appeared on About.com Autism on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 07:45:24.
Supreme Court to Decide Whether Vaccine Manufacturers May be Sued
According to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case which will decide whether families may sue pharmaceutical companies for damage caused by vaccines.
The justices on Monday agreed to hear an appeal from parents in Pittsburgh who want to sue Wyeth over the serious side effects their daughter, six months old at the time, allegedly suffered as a result of the company's diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled against Robalee and Russell Bruesewitz [the plaintiffs], saying a 1986 federal law bars their claims.
That law set up a special vaccine court to handle disputes as part of its aim of insuring a stable vaccine supply by shielding companies from most lawsuits.
Wyeth, now owned by Pfizer, Inc., prevailed at the appeals court but also joined in asking the court to hear the case, saying it presents an important and recurring legal issue that should be resolved.
USA Today describes the case as follows: "According to the lawsuit, Hannah Bruesewitz was a healthy infant until she received the vaccine in April 1992. Within hours of getting the DPT shot, the third in a series of five, the baby suffered a series of debilitating seizures. Now a teenager, Hannah suffers from residual seizure disorder, the suit says."
While this specific case does not relate directly to autism, the autism community will clearly be deeply interested in the process and outcomes.
Supreme Court to Decide Whether Vaccine Manufacturers May be Sued originally appeared on About.com Autism on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 07:29:03.
Autism Speaks Appoints Autistic Self-Advocate to Board
At long last, I am thrilled to report that Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism-related non-profit, has appointed an adult with an autism spectrum diagnosis to its Scientific Advisory and Scientific Treatment Boards. That adult is the well-known author and speaker John Elder Robison, whose autobiography "Look Me in the Eye" has helped raise awareness of and understanding of autism around the world.
Robison is not, himself, a scientist; however, according to the press release, "Robison serves as an adjunct professor in the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. He has also served on the public review board for the National Institutes of Mental Health, and is currently involved in TMS autism research at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center."
Also in the press release was an impressive statement from Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., chief science officer at Autism Speaks:
It is essential that our grant funding reflects the needs and perspectives of the community we serve, namely, people with autism spectrum disorders. We are very pleased to welcome John to our scientific review boards. His insight and skills will prove invaluable.
In my opinion, this move is long overdue - and I hope it's just the beginning of a movement on the part of Autism Speaks to allow those with autism to... speak. While any appointment to Autism Speaks' board will probably meet with criticism from one or another element of the autism community, I personally am delighted to read of John's new position.
Congratulations to John Elder Robison for his new position, and to Autism Speaks for appointing him.
Autism Speaks Appoints Autistic Self-Advocate to Board originally appeared on About.com Autism on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 13:35:47.
Are Siblings of Autistic Children at Higher Risk of Developmental Issues?
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Oregon took a look at older siblings of children on the autism spectrum, and found a slightly greater likelihood of developmental issues. The difference, however, was not statistically significant, which seems to beg the question "what precisely does this study show us?"
The researchers seemed equally puzzled by the usefulness of their findings, stating in today's Newswise: "We know there are risk factors, but we don't know if they result from having a child with autism, or if there are genetic predispositions as part of the broader autism picture," McIntyre said. "Are these difficulties the result of child-rearing challenges, or are they negatively impacted because of shared genetic risks?"
What do we really know so far about this issue?
We do know that autistic traits seem to run in families. We do know that parenting a child with autism can be difficult and stressful, and that the hard work and stress can take a toll on parents' time, energy, patience, relationships and bank accounts. We do know that being the sibling of a child with autism can be tough, as children with autism may take the lion's share of parents' time and energy - and living with an autistic sibling can be stressful, embarrassing, and even - at times - physically challenging.
It seems to be a no-brainer that parents and siblings of children with autism (particular autism in its more severe forms) are under unusual stress. In some cases, parents and siblings are able to rise to the challenge and actually grow stronger with the stress. In more cases, though, parents and siblings suffer from the strain, presenting with issues ranging from poor health and exhaustion to depression to hyperactivity.
In fact, say the researcher on this particular project:
Mothers of autistic children...need assistance for day-to-day child-rearing activities to give them some time to be individuals. As part of her research and clinical work at UO's nationally recognized Child and Family Center, she is looking at interventions that support parents and help kids with their daily living skills and behavior management.
- When Does the Sibling Without Autism Need Help?
- Knowing Joseph: A Children's Novel from the Sibling's Point of View
- Helping Mothers of Children with Autism Cope with Depression
- Getting Past Blame and Worry to Help Your Child with Autism
Are Siblings of Autistic Children at Higher Risk of Developmental Issues? originally appeared on About.com Autism on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 10:23:50.
Announcing New Resources on Autism and Higher Education
I'm in the process of building a new section on autism and higher education, including resources on preparing a teen with autism for the college experience; selecting a college; autism-friendly colleges; and more. Of course, this section will be of greatest interest to anyone with teens on the spectrum who are at a place where college might be an option.
If you have additional resources to share, please add to the list through the linked "User Answer" forms, here on the blog, or by email. Specifically, I'm looking for information about:
- Determining if your teen is "college material"
- Making the most of public school programs for "transition"
- Online or distance college prep programs
- Residential or day college prep programs to prepare teens for college/independent living
- Autism friendly colleges, universities and junior colleges
- Tips for managing campus life (room mates, professors who just don't "get it," taking advantage of disability services on campus, etc.)
- Scholarships specifically intended for students on the autism spectrum
Here are the articles I've created so far; I look forward to your help in making this section more robust!
What Is Transition Planning for the Teen with Autism?
What is transition planning for the teen with autism? It's the process that allows your child with autism to move smoothly from school to the "real world." And it's mandated by law.
Going Through College with Autism: Hints and Tips
What does it take for a teen with autism to succeed in college? Maureen Johnson, Ph.D., an adult with an autism spectrum diagnosis, offers hints and tips from her own experience.
Help Your Teen with Autism Prepare for College
Your child with autism may be intellectually ready for college, but chances are he'll need help and support on campus. Here are some important steps to take as you prepare for, select, and get started at college.
Programs to Prepare Teens with Autism for College
Even after years of school, social skills coaching and therapy, few young people with autism are ready to set out for full time residential college with no extra preparation or support. Fortunately, a few farsighted organizations have identified this problem, and stepped up to address it. Up next: Autism-Friendly Colleges and Universities and Scholarships for Students on the Autism Spectrum. Stay tuned!Announcing New Resources on Autism and Higher Education originally appeared on About.com Autism on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 07:15:42.
UK's New Strategy for Adults with Autism
The UK has issued a document entitled the Adult Autism Strategy, a wholistic approach to identifying, diagnosing and serving the needs of adults on the autism spectrum throughout the country. This is really the first time that anyone has presented a national strategy for serving adults with autism - and the approach is ambitious. It builds on the earlier Autism Act, which included positive language but few concrete recommendations. According to the introduction:
This national autism strategy - the first ever created in England - is the next major landmark in this process. It represents a shared approach towards a common goal: a society that not only accepts and understands autism, but also provides real opportunities for adults with autism to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.
The strategy is built on a fundamental recognition: too many people with autism are missing out on the chance of the quality of life that others enjoy. This is a denial of their potential, their personal aspirations, their hopes for the future. It places a heavy burden on their families, and, as many have pointed out, a heavy burden on the UK economy too.
Included in the document are recommended steps for ensuring access to diagnosis and medical care, training for and access to employment, opportunities and support for independent living, and support for local services and programs.
Like so much else in today's world, the Strategy, while outstanding in concept, comes with almost no money attached. What that means, of course, is that action may be a long time coming. The National Autism Society of the UK has written a fairly extensive description of "what the Strategy means to you;" among other things it explains that the Strategy covers only England (and not the other nations of the UK). In addition, they note, "It might take a long time before you see a difference in the help that your local council or health service offers you."
UK's New Strategy for Adults with Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 07:42:22.
Youngest Infants May Help Pinpoint Progress of Autism
A recent study looking at six-month-old infants may shed new light on our understanding of how autism spectrum disorders develop. The study looked at "at risk" infants, selected on the basis of having a sibling on the autism spectrum. According to an article in MedPageToday:
At six months, children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrated behavior similar to other children, gazing at faces, sharing smiles, and vocalizing with similar frequency, researchers reported online in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
However, autistic children displayed fewer of these behaviors as as they got older, and from six months to 18 months the loss of social communication and skills typically became clear.
While doctors typically caught early signs of autism, the declines were more subtle than previously suggested and most parents (83%) did not report regression in the social behaviors and skills.
"These findings lead us to two major conclusions," Sally Ozonoff, PhD, of University of California Davis Health System in Sacramento, and colleagues wrote.
"First, the behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder appear to emerge over time, beginning in the second half of the first year of life and continuing to develop for several years.
"Second, our most widely used and recommended practice for gathering information about symptom onset, parent-provided developmental history, does not provide a valid assessment of the slow decline in social communication that can be observed prospectively."
The article goes on to explain that researchers had, for many years, assumed that children with autism either exhibit symptoms very early on, or regressed in a dramatic fashion. A third subtype, described most recently, included children who developed normally and then "stalled" in their development. This new study, however, suggests that in fact many children may experience a slow regression which may not be obvious even to parents.
On a personal note, I found this study to be quite illuminating. I've often looked back at photos and attempted to piece together the process by which our son "became" autistic. It's never been obvious: there was no sudden loss of language or skills, yet somehow, between the ages of 18 months and three years, our son was no longer developing typically. By age three, he was well behind his peers both socially and linguistically.
While this study doesn't really answer our question about our son, it does suggest that neither we nor our pediatrician were aware of subtle changes that may have occurred over the course of months. Perhaps, with more finely-tuned developmental tests, this type of subtle change will become more easily recognizable. With early recognition, of course, comes early intervention - and the possibility of a quicker and/or more effective response.
Youngest Infants May Help Pinpoint Progress of Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 15:05:09.
How Do You Describe the Autism Spectrum?
The idea of a spectrum disorder is just now beginning to be understood by the general public. In general, people get the idea that a person can be a little diabetic or very diabetic. A little arthritic or very arthritic. A little depressed or profoundly depressed. But in all these cases, the symptoms are very similar; the differences relate more to the degree of the symptoms, and not to the symptoms themselves.
When it comes to autism, though, what does it mean to be "a little autistic" or "very autistic?"
I often find myself describing Asperger syndrome as "mildly autistic," just for simplicity's sake... but in fact the description isn't really appropriate. A person with Asperger syndrome may be high functioning (that is, verbal, bright, and capable of doing a great many things) - but that same person may have overwhelming anxiety, sensory issues or other symptoms that make ordinary activities painful or difficult in the extreme. Meanwhile, a person with a PDD-NOS or "moderately autistic" diagnosis may be lower functioning (less verbal, less academically successful, etc.) - yet find it relatively easy to manage day to day engagement in the world.
As I talk with community leaders about including people on the autism spectrum in classes, camps, and other programs, they very reasonably want to know what kinds of accomodations are appropriate. And I really do want to help. But the more I explain, the more confusing the explanation becomes.
Q: "Do people with autism need quiet, uncluttered space?"
A: "Sometimes."
Q: "Do people with autism need visuals to help them understand concepts?"
A: "Sometimes."
Q: "Do people with autism generally want to be part of a group or team?"
A: "Sometimes."
How do YOU describe the autism spectrum? Or do you just describe your child or yourself without worrying too much about the "A Word?"
Share your thoughts and suggestions!
How Do You Describe the Autism Spectrum? originally appeared on About.com Autism on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 10:50:23.
Pediatricians Take a Hard Line on Vaccines and Autism
According to a story in the Associated Press:
One in four U.S. parents believes some vaccines cause autism in healthy children, but even many of those worried about vaccine risks think their children should be vaccinated.
This finding is based on a survey conducted last year by researchers at the University of Michigan; the article points out that this was long before the Lancet's retraction of Andrew Wakefield's influential 1998 study which appeared to link the MMR vaccine with autism.
Interestingly (at least to me), the article also goes on to cite a group of pediatricians who take a hard line on the subject of vaccines and parents who choose not to vaccinate:
A statement from a group practice near Philadelphia outlines its doctors' adamant support for government recommended vaccines and their belief that "vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities."
"Furthermore, by not vaccinating your child you are taking selfish advantage of thousands of other who do vaccinate their children ... We feel such an attitude to be self-centered and unacceptable," the statement says...
"We call it the manifesto," said Dr. Bradley Dyer of All Star Pediatrics in Lionville, Pa.
While I am not among those who believe vaccines are responsible for an autism epidemic, I do worry when mainstream pediatricians issue "manifestos" for parents or use terms like "selfish" and "unacceptable" to describe parents' concerns (even if those concerns are founded in media reports and not in science).
Surely pediatricians intend nothing but the best for their patients. That being so, I understand their frustrations when they feel their recommendations are not heard. But how can manifestos and name calling from community leaders lead to anything but more of the same from those who disagree?
Pediatricians Take a Hard Line on Vaccines and Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 10:39:15.
Are You an Autism "Veteran," or New to Autism?
This week, Autism Speaks - America's largest autism-oriented non-profit - announced its five-year anniversary and asked:
We want to hear from you - how has autism changed since 2005? What progress has been made in research, legislation and awareness? How has the autism community changed?This question intrigued me; indeed, I have plenty of responses to offer, since my son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in 2000, and I've been the About.com Guide to Autism since 2006. Over that period of time I've seen controversies rage, new leaders rise and fall, and the "invention" of the Green Vaccine and Neurodiversity movements. So far, I can certainly say it has never been boring!
But then it occurred to me that by asking "how have things changed?," we may be setting aside the reality that, every day, many new families are being confronted with the possibility or reality that their child (or they themselves) may be diagnosable on the autism spectrum. These folks (and you may be among them) are diving into a complex world of controversies and uncertainties - and it's up to us, the "autism veterans," to welcome them and make them feel that they've joined a real community of support.
So... please join me in welcoming anyone new to the world of autism. Before you dive in too deep, or get too overwhelmed with all the research, therapies and IEPs, take a few minutes to breathe. Join the Autism at About.com Forum and ask questions. And check out some of these articles written specifically for you!
- Tips for Parents New to Autism
- What If...? Getting Past Blame and Worry to Help Your Autistic Child
- Before You Drive Yourself Crazy Over an Autism Diagnosis
- Terrific Traits of Autistic People
Join the Autism at About.com Community on Facebook!
Are You an Autism "Veteran," or New to Autism? originally appeared on About.com Autism on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 12:13:12.
Healthy Debate and the Autism Community
If there's one thing people in the autism community can agree on, it's the fact that we disagree. We disagree on almost everything - from causes, treatments and the desirability of a cure to appropriate education, employment and housing. We even disagree on what autism is, what it should be, and who's really autistic at all!
Of course, I am often in the thick of the controversies. And I have to say that I am not averse to a good debate. Is it appropriate for kids with autism to be included in the general classroom or provided with a specialized education? How far should houses of worship go to include people with autism in their services? These are important issues that dig deep into our shared and distinct cultures and ethics, and even touch on the question "what does it mean to be a member of society?"
On the other hand, it's not unusual for controversy and debate related to autism to descend into squabbling and name calling... and I've even heard of instances in which physical violence has been threatened. Differences in opinion over causes and treatments of autism can lead to real and sustained anger.
To what degree is debate and controversy in the autism community healthy? To what degree is it harmful? Some blogs moderate comments for content, posting only those that agree with the blogger's perspective - which certainly keeps the conversation civil and focused, if one-sided.
Share your thoughts on this perplexing question.
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Join the conversation at the Autism at About.com Facebook community!Healthy Debate and the Autism Community originally appeared on About.com Autism on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 07:39:36.
My Comment to the APA Regarding Proposed Changes to the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Since 2006, I have been the About.com Guide to Autism, a medically reviewed, HonCode rated part of the New York Times Company.
Since 2006, I have seen tremendous strides made in autism-related research. Across the board, researchers refer to "autisms" - and describe increasingly distinct behavioral, emotional and physical sets of symptoms related to autism. Yet despite these advances, physicians, clinicians and parents are unable to pinpoint a gold standard set of therapies, medications or educational approaches likely to be effective in any given case.
It is my strong opinion that distinguishing among "autisms" is critically important - not only from a social or service-based perspective, but from a medical perspective as well. In order to better understand autism, we need to parse out distinct subtypes - not bury them in a catchall category which, like PDD-NOS, means very little.
I would ask that the committee consider the possibility that "autisms" are quite distinct from each other in etiology, symptomology and prognosis. As a result, each "autism" deserves targeted research and treatment. By cutting diagnoses such as Asperger syndrome from the DSM and creating a single "autism spectrum" category, the committee is cutting off opportunities for discovery, treatment, and - potentially - cure.
Sincerely,
Lisa Jo Rudy
www.autism.about.com
My Comment to the APA Regarding Proposed Changes to the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders originally appeared on About.com Autism on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 09:07:00.
Should the Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis Disappear? Make Your Opinion Known
Dan Coulter of Coulter Video is a well-known member of the autism community. He and his wife, Julie, create of a wide range of multimedia resources for families and individuals on the autism spectrum. Today, he has published a thoughtful piece on why he feels the Asperger syndrome diagnosis should NOT be cut from the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic and statistical manual (the DSM) in favor of a much broader "autism spectrum disorder" category.
Says Coulter:
For one thing, removing the diagnosis would have an impact far beyond how a health professional treats a patient. The diagnosis can help determine whether or not individuals receive services -- and whether they receive the right services. For example, a broad diagnosis can encourage a school district to use a blanket approach for autistic children at very different levels of development. More specific diagnostic categories can help ensure we give each child the support he or she needs, such as intense social skills training, or speech therapy, or accommodations in a classroom.
Coulter goes on to describe Asperger syndrome as a successful "brand" which is now understood and accepted in schools, workplaces and beyond. By distinguishing Asperger syndrome (or possible Aspergers and some form of "high functioning autism") from a general "autism spectrum" category, he feels, it's possible to open doors: "Being able to disclose "Asperger Syndrome" and use it to dispel misleading autism stereotypes was an important factor in helping these employees be accepted and respected by supervisors and coworkers."
While I agree with Coulter that a catch-all "Autism Spectrum Disorders" category does not adequately express the reality or serve the needs of the autism community, my reasons are different from his.
I believe that we are at or near the place where we can usefully distinguish among radically different groups of people who happen to have social or communications challenges at various levels. And I believe such distinctions could help dramatically in the process of developing and implementing research studies, treatment approaches, educational methods and much more.
On the other hand, I'm not sure that Asperger syndrome should be maintained in the medical literature because it's become a useful "brand" that's moderately well understood by the general public.
Coulter recommends that we share our opinions with the American Psychiatric Association, which you can do for free at their website. I quite agree! Make your opinion known.
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Should the Asperger Syndrome Diagnosis Disappear? Make Your Opinion Known originally appeared on About.com Autism on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 08:54:47.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for Autism
Today's Age of Autism blog features an article by John Robison Elder, an adult with autism and the author of the book Look Me in the Eye. John is involved with a team of scientists at Harvard Medical School who are looking into a potential treatment for autism called TMS (Transcrancial Magnetic Stimulation). According to John's blog:
TMS has been the lever that allowed me to roll the boulder of autistic social disability out of my path. Today, thanks to Alvaro and his team, my world is brighter, more colorful, and more alive than anything I knew before. And best of all, I am fully engaged. I'm no longer an outsider. I have gone from feeling like a social outcast to feeling like I can talk to anyone, most any time. It's a magical thing.
TMS is not an "out there" treatment. In fact, it's an approach that is based in some pretty solid research. Several years ago, I began reading about TMS research undertaken by Dr. Manuel Casanova at the University of Kentucky. Since then, new trials have held out the possibility that TMS could be an effective treatment for improving social/communications skills among people on the autism spectrum.
Of course, there's a long way to go before TMS is verified, reviewed and - in an ideal world - approved as a treatment for autism. Meanwhile, though, it's intriguing to read the insights of an adult with autism who is actually involved in research.
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 19:51:44.
Share Your Plans for Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness month is in April, and already the autism world is abuzz with plans for events, fundraisers, walks, concerts, and more. If you're planning an event and want to spread the word, you can do so on this site by posting in the Forum's Awareness/Fundraising folder.
- Other good venues for sharing information include:
- The Schafer Autism Calendar
- The Autism Speaks Forum
- Via autism-related Facebook Pages (including mine)
- In the calendar section of your local newspaper
- Through autism-related listserves at Yahoo (assuming you're already a member)
Good luck with your plans!
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Share Your Plans for Autism Awareness Month originally appeared on About.com Autism on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 19:03:37.
Asperger Syndrome and Romance: Your Advice Requested
If romance were easy, we'd never need Match.com... never see another romantic comedy... and end the soap opera forever. In fact, very few people in the world find it easy to find, attract and keep a romantic partner.
The movie "Adam" seems to suggest that a man with Asperger syndrome can attract a gorgeous neighbor simply by being kind and guileless... (and of course it doesn't hurt to be handsome as well). But even in the movies the relationship ends -- in large part because the partner with an autism spectrum disorder has a tough time distinguishing a romantic partner from a coach.
Today, I received this email from an adult with Aspergers who wonders whether romance is out of the question for him. Here's his question:
I am a 22 y/o male living w/ AS and I honestly don't know if it is a legitimate thing for me to blame it on my utter failures w/ women. Any time I've been attracted to a girl, I've either never had the courage to approach them w/ my feelings, or have been shut down or discarded. Through many years, I fear that I have built up a bitterness toward women in general, and find most of them to be unapproachable, undependable and ultimately not worth the suffering. Is this just a defensive mechanism that will someday pass, or have I scarred myself indefinitely? What are your thoughts?
So... what are your thoughts? If you were this person, how would you begin to rebuild your confidence - and, more importantly, what are your suggestions relative to starting, building and nurturing a real romantic relationship?
Asperger Syndrome and Romance: Your Advice Requested originally appeared on About.com Autism on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 16:15:43.
Oxytocin as a Treatment for Autism
For quite a while, researchers have been interested in the possible impact of Oxytocin (the "love hormone") on individuals with autism. Some studies have noted a lower level of the hormone in people on the autism spectrum, and new evidence suggests that an inhaled version really does make a positive - if short term - different in social functioning. According to an article in Medical Page today:
"Under oxytocin, patients respond more strongly to others and exhibit more appropriate social behavior and affect, suggesting a therapeutic potential of oxytocin through its action on a core dimension," the researchers asserted.
This particular placebo-based study involved only a small group individuals with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism (along with a control group of neurologically typical subjects). Participants took part in a video game which required accurate assessment of how cooperative a group of characters might be. Without oxytocin, autistic players performed poorly - but with oxytocin they were able to perform at the same level as their typically developing peers.
An additional plus: ordinarily, people with autism tend to look more at the mouth than the eyes when engaging with other people. With oxytocin, eye gaze improved -
Participants also looked at photos of faces on a computer and were asked to identify either the gender or whether the face was looking into the camera or away to one side. The focus of participants' gaze was recorded.
Mean time spent looking at the faces, as opposed to elsewhere, was about 20% to 30% greater following oxytocin treatment both in the gender identification and the facial-direction tasks (P<0.05).
Moreover, when participants were looking at the faces versus elsewhere, their attention was more focused on the subjects' eyes after oxytocin treatment by about 30% in the gender identification task and by 45% in the facial-direction task (P=0.06 for both tasks combined).
All of this is obviously very hopeful and positive news. Angela Sirigu, one of the researchers involved with the study, is absolutely delighted with the possibilities inherent in her findings. In fact, she's cited in the Washington Post as saying: "It's possible it can become a cure, if it's given early when the problems are detected in the little kids. We can change the way these patients interact with people from childhood."
As yet, however, oxytocin is not legally available to treat autism, and research is in a fairly early stage. In addition, it seems that the nasal spray treatment has only a short-term impact, and has shown significant outcomes only in people with "higher functioning" forms of autism.
Given the excitement about the outcomes of this study, however, along with the financially lucrative possibilities inherent in an effective "autism drug," it does seem likely that research will pick up the pace!
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Oxytocin as a Treatment for Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 07:10:34.
Designing a Specialty Hotel Room for Kids with Autism
The Clinton Inn in Tenafly New Jersey has created a special "Alpine Suite" with autistic kids in mind. According to a brief article in Gadling.com:
The Alpine Suite in the Clinton Inn Hotel is complete with furniture with rounded corners, décor that cannot be moved and an alarm on the door to alert grownups if a child tries to leave. Other added touches include plastic glasses instead of glassware, a flat-panel television set affixed to the wall, and safety latches on all the cabinets and drawers throughout the suite.
All these safety features are terrific, and would be terrific for people with many different needs. In fact, some commenters noted that the room would be ideal for seniors with Alzheimers, or even for very young children in general.
It intrigued me, though, that the room was really set up not so much for autism per se but for individuals with behavioral issues. In fact, the "usual" accommodations for autism (special care to avoid noise, florescent lights, etc.) are not part of the package.
What's your feeling about the Clinton Inn's accommodations? Would they fit your needs?
If you could design the ideal room for a child or adult with autism, what accommodations would you put in place?
Designing a Specialty Hotel Room for Kids with Autism originally appeared on About.com Autism on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 07:24:09.
