Latest Autism News
Two new
studies, one in individuals with Fragile X syndrome and the other a mouse model
study may offer some hope. It is far too
early to tell whether these findings are really relevant to the lives of many
kids with ASDs, but it worth taking a look. Berry-Kravis and
colleagues, tested arbaclofen, a drug that binds to the GABA-B receptors
in the brain, with 63 individuals, ages 6 to 39 diagnosed with Fragile X
syndrome. There is about a 25% overlap
between Fragile X and autism. Half were
randomly assigned to arabaclofen and half were given placebos. There was
significant improvement in social function in a subgroup of 27 patients with
more severe social impairment. There were a few side effects, including hives
(13%) and headaches (8%). Arabaclofen is
a close relative of the drug baclofen used for treating spastic muscular
disabilities. It is important to bear in mind that the
participants were diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, not autism, though
there is considerable overlap in some of the symptoms. In the other study on genetics and behavior of
a mouse model of some forms of autism by Baudouin and collegues. They found differences in Neuroligin-3
receptors in brain were associated with social behavioral differences in
mice. Neuroligin plays a role in forming
synapses in the brain. It is unknown whether the behavioral measures in mice
are actually correlated with social behavior in people. Mutations of Neuroligin are rare in humans
and at most would account for a tiny fraction of autism cases.
Baudouin, SJ et. Al. (2012) Shared
Synaptic Pathophysiology in Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Rodent Models of Autism.
Science. 2012 Sep 13. [Epub ahead of print]
Two other new studies summarized on my Autism Treatment website indicate frequency of gastrointestinal problems are no greater among kids with PDD-NOS than typical peers and that Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment produces no measurable improvements. www.travisithompson.net
Quick Tips
Quick fixes are nearly always illusory. There are no magical mystery cures. As with any other child, learning new skills and behavior changes among youngsters with autism comes gradually with loving patience and parenting consistency. The psychiatrist Carl Jung said it well, "If there is anything we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could be better changed in ourselves." Integration of Personality (1939). Put another way, changing a child's behavior almost always requires changing what we do as parents.
Random Thoughts
There is
a connection between musical interest and talent and autism spectrum disorders
as noted originally by Leo Kanner as well as in Oliver Sachs’s book, Musicophilia. September 25, 1932 Glenn
Gould was born in Toronto, CA, a pianist who became one of the best-known and
most celebrated classical pianists of the 20th century. He is alleged to rarely
practice, instead he claimed to “hear the music in his head,” from studying
sheet music. He hated performing. He was
prone to behavior most considered very odd, such as cancelling a performance at
the last minute and humming while performing, and wearing heavy clothing
including gloves during distinctively warm weather. He had numerous rigid,
unusual mannerisms and behavior patterns. Though not officially diagnosed, many
experts have considered Mr. Gould to having had Asperger disorder.
What
I’m Up To
I’m in the final planning stages for a nine day trip
to Paris in a few weeks to present workshops to the ÉCLAIR organization [Education Comportementale et Ludique vers une Autonomie et une Intégration
Réussie] Training inclusive, for parents and autism
professionals, which consists of parents and professionals providing
behavioral services to children with autism in France. I’ll also be meeting with another family
organization. One day-long workshop will
focus on Early Behavioral Intervention in
Autism, including alternatives and brain changes underlying treatment
effectiveness. Other presentations will
include Obsessive Compulsive Behavior in
Autism, and Freedom From Meltdowns.
Quote
of the Week
During this time of ferocious Republican attacks upon American
public education, it is worth remembering how important public education is to
children with autism, and that among the very first concerns of our ancestors
was public education. The first American schools in the thirteen original
colonies opened in the 17th century. Boston Latin School was founded in 1635
and is the first public school in the United States. Public education was
mandatory in the Massachusetts Bay Colony beginning 1638. Thomas Jefferson
wrote in a letter to Joseph C. Cabell, January 14, 1818 "A system of
general instruction, which shall reach every description of our citizens from
the richest to the poorest, as it was the earliest, so will it be the latest,
of all the public concerns in which I shall permit myself to take an interest.”
[Boyd, Julian P., Charles T. Cullen,
John Catanzariti, Barbara B. Oberg, et al, eds. The Papers of
Thomas Jefferson. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1950-.
33 vols.]
