 |
|
New National Institute of Mental Health research program launches autism trials
September 08, 2006The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched three major clinical studies on autism at its research program on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. These studies are the first products of a new, integrated focus on autism generated in response to reported increases in autism prevalence and valid opportunities for progress. Initial studies will define the characteristics of different subtypes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and explore possible new treatments.
One study will define differences-both biological and behavioral-in autistic children with diverse developmental histories. Increasingly, scientists are considering the likelihood of "autisms," that is, multiple disorders that comprise autism. These studies seek to better define the subtypes within autism. Children with regressive autism appear to develop normal language and social skills but then lose these with the onset of autism before age 3. Non-regressive autism, the more common form of the disorder, begins early in life, possibly before birth, with evidence of subtle deficits throughout development. Children with these two forms of autism will be compared with those who have other developmental disorders, including various forms of developmental delay, as well as children with typical development. In addition, researchers will study a subset of the children in this study to investigate environmental factors that may trigger symptoms of autism.
In another study, NIMH researchers will examine the use of the antibiotic minocycline to measure its usefulness in treating regressive autism. Past research suggests that autism may be linked with changes in the immune response that cause inflammation in the brain. Minocycline has known anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to be helpful in other brain disorders such as Huntington's disease.
The third study seeks to address the widespread but unproven theory that autism may be treated successfully by chelation therapy, which seeks to remove heavy metals from the blood. Chelation is more commonly used to treat lead toxicity, but currently, many families seek the treatment to try to remove mercury and other metals from their autistic children's blood. This practice is based on the belief that many cases of autism were caused by exposure to thimerosol, a mercury-based preservative previously used in childhood vaccines.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, since 2001, all vaccines recommended for children 6 years of age and younger have contained either no thimerosal or only trace amounts, with the exception of inactivated flu vaccine, which is manufactured in formulations both containing and free of thimerosal. Thimerosal-free influenza vaccine licensed for use in children six to 23 months of age is available in limited supply. Additionally, new pediatric vaccines that have received licensure do not contain thimerosal.
Regardless, many families continue to turn to chelation as a therapy for autism. NIMH will conduct a controlled study to test the efficacy and safety of chelation for children with autism spectrum disorders. However, the chelation also can remove essential mineral nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and zinc.
"Because chelation therapy is not specific for mercury alone, it is important to conduct a systematic, controlled trial to determine whether or not chelation therapy is beneficial or potentially harmful to children with autism," says Susan Swedo, M.D., who leads the branch on pediatric behavioral research in the NIMH Division of Intramural Research Programs, where the autism studies are being conducted.
Autism is a mental disorder that arises in early childhood and is characterized by delays in development of social and communication skills, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Autism has a variety of presentations, and may represent several different diseases. It is part of a larger group of disorders, often referred to as autism spectrum disorders or ASDs, that also includes Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. Developing better screening or diagnostic tools and finding effective treatments depend on gaining more information about these various disorders and subtypes, which currently are reported to affect 2-6 out of every 1000 children.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
The third study seeks to address the widespread but unproven theory that autism may be treated successfully by chelation therapy, which seeks to remove heavy metals from the blood. Chelation is more commonly used to treat lead toxicity, but currently, many families seek the treatment to try to remove mercury and other metals from their autistic children's blood. This practice is based on the belief that many cases of autism were caused by exposure to thimerosol, a mercury-based preservative previously used in childhood vaccines.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, since 2001, all vaccines recommended for children 6 years of age and younger have contained either no thimerosal or only trace amounts, with the exception of inactivated flu vaccine, which is manufactured in formulations both containing and free of thimerosal. Thimerosal-free influenza vaccine licensed for use in children six to 23 months of age is available in limited supply. Additionally, new pediatric vaccines that have received licensure do not contain thimerosal.
Regardless, many families continue to turn to chelation as a therapy for autism. NIMH will conduct a controlled study to test the efficacy and safety of chelation for children with autism spectrum disorders. However, the chelation also can remove essential mineral nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and zinc.
"Because chelation therapy is not specific for mercury alone, it is important to conduct a systematic, controlled trial to determine whether or not chelation therapy is beneficial or potentially harmful to children with autism," says Susan Swedo, M.D., who leads the branch on pediatric behavioral research in the NIMH Division of Intramural Research Programs, where the autism studies are being conducted.
Autism is a mental disorder that arises in early childhood and is characterized by delays in development of social and communication skills, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Autism has a variety of presentations, and may represent several different diseases. It is part of a larger group of disorders, often referred to as autism spectrum disorders or ASDs, that also includes Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. Developing better screening or diagnostic tools and finding effective treatments depend on gaining more information about these various disorders and subtypes, which currently are reported to affect 2-6 out of every 1000 children.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
Autism Current Events and Autism News RSSAutism Consortium symposium draws record number of researchers, advocates, parents for autism update
The Autism Consortium, an innovative collaboration of researchers, clinicians, funders and families dedicated to catalyzing research and enhancing clinical care for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), held its fourth annual symposium on October 28th, 2009, at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Sights and sounds of emotion trigger big brain responses
Researchers at the University of York have identified a part of the brain that responds to both facial and vocal expressions of emotion.
Clinical tests begin on medication to correct Fragile X defect
NIH-supported scientists at Seaside Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass., are beginning a clinical trial of a potential medication designed to correct a central neurochemical defect underlying Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability.
Lessons from flu seasons past
Pregnant women who catch the flu are at serious risk for flu-related complications, including death, and that risk far outweighs the risk of possible side effects from injectable vaccines containing killed virus, according to an extensive review of published research and data from previous flu seasons.
Sex-based prenatal brain differences found
Prenatal sex-based biological differences extend to genetic expression in cerebral cortices. The differences in question are probably associated with later divergences in how our brains develop.
Testicular tumors may explain why some diseases are more common in children of older fathers
A rare form of testicular tumour has provided scientists with new insights into how genetic changes (mutations) arise in our children.
CSHL-led team discovers rare mutation dramatically increasing schizophrenia risk
An international team of researchers led by geneticist Jonathan Sebat, Ph.D., of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), has identified a mutation on human chromosome 16 that substantially increases risk for schizophrenia.
Women outperform men when identifying emotion
Women are better than men at distinguishing between emotions, especially fear and disgust, according to a new study published in the online version of the journal Neuropsychologia.
Study finds mercury levels in children with autism and those developing typically are the same
In a large population-based study published online today, researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for a number of factors, typically developing children and children with autism have similar levels of mercury in their blood streams. Mercury is a heavy metal found in other studies to adversely affect the developing nervous system.
Scientists demonstrate link between genetic defect and brain changes in schizophrenia
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have found that the 22q11 gene deletion - a mutation that confers the highest known genetic risk for schizophrenia - is associated with changes in the development of the brain that ultimately affect how its circuit elements are assembled.
More Autism Current Events and Autism News Articles
 |
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm (Author) Every parent, teacher, social worker, therapist, and physician should have this succinct and informative book in his/her back pocket. Framed with both humor and compassion, the book defines the top ten characteristics that illuminate the minds and hearts of children with autism. Ellen’s personal experiences as a parent, an autism columnist, and a contributor to numerous parenting magazines coalesce to create a guide for all who come in contact with a child on the autism spectrum. Don’t buy just one of this book — buy one for everyone who interacts with your child! Give the gift of understanding. |
 |
Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs by Chantal Sicile-Kira (Author), Temple Grandin (Foreword) Winner of the 2005 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award Based on the author's personal and professional experiences, this comprehensive and accessible source covers all aspects of autism conditions, including Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. |
 |
Choiceworks Visual Support System by Bee Visual LLC Choiceworks is a learning tool that uses a combination of 3 structured boards, visual images and built in choice making opportunities to effectively help children complete daily routines (morning, day & night), understand & control their feelings and improve their waiting skills (taking turns, not interrupting). The included companion books help teach your child about their daily schedule, dealing with transitions and managing their feelings. "The ChoiceworksTM Visual Support System provides exactly the kind of communication support that enables children to follow routines, make choices and demonstrate appropriate behavior. This system is a fabulous tool to help children participate more effectively with greater independence." Linda Hodgdon, M. ED, CCC-SLP Author of Visual Strategies... |
 |
1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Veronica Zysk (Author), Ellen Notbohm (Author) Parents and professionals can now bypass countless hours spent seeking answers to the mystifying day-to-day challenges of autism. In a snappy, can-do format, this insightful book offers page after page of try-it-now solutions that have worked for thousands of children grappling with social, sensory, behavioral, and self-care issues, plus many more. |
 |
Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin (Author) Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is a gifted animal scientist who has designed one third of all the livestock-handling facilities in the United States. She also lectures widely on autism—because Temple Grandin is autistic, a woman who thinks, feels, and experiences the world in ways that are incomprehensible to the rest of us. In this unprecedented book, Grandin delivers a report from the country of autism. Writing from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person, she tells us how that country is experienced by its inhabitants and how she managed to breach its boundaries to function in the outside world. What emerges in Thinking in Pictures is the document of an extraordinary human being, one who, in gracefully and lucidly bridging the gulf between her condition and our... |
 |
Phonics Word Master by Zizzle Phonics Word Master is designed to teach your child the fundamental building blocks of reading: letter names, letter sounds, and beginning spelling, using the Hooked on Phonics curriculum. Fun music and engaging animations entertain and the Skill Builder Review Button shows off what your child just learned! Features: LCD screen for visual reinforcementFull alphabet keypadSkill Builder Review ButtonSeven interactive modesIdentify Letter NamesFind Letter NamesIdentify Letter SoundsFind Letter SoundsSpell a wordSound out a wordAlphabet Learning SongRequires 3 "AA" batteries, included.Measures 10.3" W x 8"HM/ul> |
 |
Autism: The Musical Starring: Elaine Hall, Rosanne Katon, Kristen Stills, Stephen Stills Directed By: Tricia Regan Autism: The Musical follows the extraordinary and innovative acting coach Elaine Hall, five autistic children, and their parents as they improbably, heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Through trial and error, tears and laughter, these incredible families learn to communicate their feelings in song and performance, finding solace and joy in the act of creating. A veritable feast of astounding breakthroughs and heartbreaking hardship, this spellbinding film offers a full-throated celebration of kids living with this increasingly prevalent disorder. Director Tricia Regan vividly captures the individual personalities and problems of each child, from precocious Henry who talks a mile-a-minute about dinosaurs to Neal, a sensitive and articulate boy who... |
 |
Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm (Author), Veronica Zysk (Contributor) Ellen Notbohm's first book, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, was a shot heard throughout the worldwide autism community, branded by readers as "required reading for all social service workers, teachers and relatives of children with autism." Now, for the teacher in all of us comes Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew. The unique perspective of a child's voice is back to help us understand the thinking patterns that guide their actions, shape an environment conducive to their learning style, and communicate with them in meaningful ways. Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew affirms that autism imposes no inherent upper limits on achievement, that both teacher and child "can do it." It's the game plan every educator, parent, or family member... |
 |
Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally (Author), David Harrington (Illustrator) Children with autism struggle to make friends and navigate social situations. However, one child can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism by offering compassion, understanding and friendship. Since We re Friends is about two boys. One has autism, the other does not. The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work. It will help children see that their peers with autism can make a fun, genuine contribution to friendship. From the publisher: |
 |
The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism by Ellen Sabin (Author), Ellen Sabin (Illustrator) The Autism Acceptance Book is an interactive, educational, and character-building book that introduces children to the challenges faced by people with autism while also supporting their personal journey toward appreciating and respecting people's differences. This book offers educational information, conversation-starters, and engaging exercises that invite children to "walk in someone else's shoes" as they learn to treat others the same ways they would like to be treated themselves. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |