New autism link: Women abused as children more likely to have child with the disorder - Health & wellness - The Boston Globe

New autism link: Women abused as children more likely to have child with the disorder - Health & wellness - The Boston Globe: In a study published in JAMA Psychiatry last Wednesday, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health examined medical records from 50,000 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II and found that those who experienced the most physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children were 60 percent more likely to have a child with autism

Fatty acids in ADHD: plasma profiles in a placebo-controlled study of Omega 3/6 fatty acids in children and adolescents - Springer

Fatty acids in ADHD: plasma profiles in a placebo-controlled study of Omega 3/6 fatty acids in children and adolescents - Springer: Omega 3/6 supplementation had a clear impact on fatty acid composition of plasma phosphatidyl choline in active versus placebo group, and the fatty acid changes appear to be associated with treatment response. The most pronounced and long-lasting changes for treatment responders compared to non-responders were in the n-6/n-3 ratio.

No evidence yet to support omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for autism - Williams - 2012 - Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - Wiley Online Library

No evidence yet to support omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for autism - Williams - 2012 - Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - Wiley Online Library: No evidence yet to support omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for autism

Katrina Williams1,
Katrina Williams1,
Catherine Marraffa2

ScienceDirect.com - Research in Developmental Disabilities - Vitamin D and autism: Clinical review

ScienceDirect.com - Research in Developmental Disabilities - Vitamin D and autism: Clinical review: Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency – either during pregnancy or early childhood – may be an environmental trigger for ASD in individuals genetically predisposed for the broad phenotype of autism. On the basis of the results of the present review, we argue for the recognition of this possibly important role of vitamin D in ASD, and for urgent research in the field.

Brief Report: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Trial - Springer

Brief Report: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Trial - Springer: We sought to determine whether HBOT leads to parental reported behavioral changes and alterations in cytokines in children with ASD. Ten children completed 80 sessions of HBOT and all improved by 2 points on the clinician-rated CGI-I scale (much improved) as well as several parent-completed measures of behavior. The lack of a control group limits the ability to determine if improvements were related to HBOT. Enrolled children did not exhibit abnormal cytokine levels at baseline and no significant changes in mean cytokine levels were observed. Although this study was limited by the small sample size and by the variable nature of cytokines, we found no evidence that HBOT affects cytokine levels or that cytokine levels were associated with behavioral changes.

A Primer of Hyperbaric Therapy for Parents - Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)

A Primer of Hyperbaric Therapy for Parents - Talk About Curing Autism (TACA): We know how Hyperbaric therapy works – it works by reviving the little mitochondria and actually causes mitochondrial biogenesis, so that if you need more mitochondria in your neurons more of them will form. It is interesting to note that the reason the ketogenic diet helps patients with certain types of neurological problems is that ketone bodies help support mitochondrial function. My opinion is that hyperbaric therapy is the most effective way to do this. It is that simple – this is not rocket science, but it is non-invasive brain repair.

BBC News - Grandparents 'may relay autism risk to grandchildren'

BBC News - Grandparents 'may relay autism risk to grandchildren': The risk of developing autism may be passed on through - and not just to - future generations, researchers say.
The international study suggests older fathers are more likely to have grandchildren with autism than their younger counterparts.
The mechanism is unclear but it is thought they may transmit "silent mutations" to their grandchildren.

Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of chil... [Diving Hyperb Med. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI

Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of chil... [Diving Hyperb Med. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI: CONCLUSIONS:

Children with autism who received 20 sessions of either HBOT or a sham air exposure had significant improvements in overall behaviour but there were no significant differences in improvement between groups. The inconsistent changes on CGI sub-scores between parents and clinicians are difficult to interpret, but no overall clinically significant benefit from HBOT could be shown. Both interventions were safe and well tolerated with minimal side effect from middle ear barotraumas.

Melatonin for Sleep in Children with Autism: A Controlled Trial Examining Dose, Tolerability, and Outcomes - Springer

Melatonin for Sleep in Children with Autism: A Controlled Trial Examining Dose, Tolerability, and Outcomes - Springer: Supplemental melatonin has shown promise in treating sleep onset insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Twenty-four children, free of psychotropic medications, completed an open-label dose-escalation study to assess dose–response, tolerability, safety, feasibility of collecting actigraphy data, and ability of outcome measures to detect change during a 14-week intervention. Supplemental melatonin improved sleep latency, as measured by actigraphy, in most children at 1 or 3 mg dosages. It was effective in week 1 of treatment, maintained effects over several months, was well tolerated and safe, and showed improvement in sleep, behavior, and parenting stress. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on supplemental melatonin for insomnia in ASD and inform planning for a large randomized trial in this population.

Treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism spectrum disorders - Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry - Volume 2, Number 4 / 2012 - IOS Press

Treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism spectrum disorders - Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry - Volume 2, Number 4 / 2012 - IOS Press: Mitochondrial disease (MD) and dysfunction are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and most likely affect a substantial number of children with ASD. The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the body's cells which supports and is supported by many metabolic systems, so mitochondrial dysfunction can have widespread consequences on cellular metabolism, especially in high energy cells like the brain, gastrointestinal tract and immune system, and especially during critical periods of high energy demand like childhood.

Downregulation of the Expression of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Complex Genes in Autism Brains - Anitha - 2012 - Brain Pathology - Wiley Online Library

Downregulation of the Expression of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Complex Genes in Autism Brains - Anitha - 2012 - Brain Pathology - Wiley Online Library: We report new candidate genes involved in abnormal brain bioenergetics in autism, supporting the hypothesis that mitochondria, critical for neurodevelopment, may play a role in autism.

Calcium and Vitamin D Intake of Boys Who Have Autism

Calcium and Vitamin D Intake of Boys Who Have Autism: Objective. To determine the calcium and vitamin D intake of boys with autism ages 7 to 12 years and to compare these intakes with the dietary reference intake (DRI). Design. This study is a cross-sectional design using data obtained from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire that assesses daily calcium and vitamin D intake. Subjects. Subjects were recruited through the Autism Society of America. Forty-seven parents or caretakers of eligible subjects were included

ScienceDirect.com - Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas - Gold nanoparticles and lipoic acid as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for autism, a hypothesis

ScienceDirect.com - Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas - Gold nanoparticles and lipoic acid as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for autism, a hypothesis: This article reviews evidence about the possible role of gold nanoparticles and lipoic acid (LA) as anti-inflammatory agents. It mentions some evidence about the possible role of oxidative stress. Then, the role of gold nanoparticles and LA for the management of autism is discussed.

According to the above-mentioned evidence, it is hypothesised that gold nanoparticles and LA may reduce neuro-inflammation in autism.

Treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism spectrum disorders - Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry - Volume 2, Number 4 / 2012 - IOS Press

Treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism spectrum disorders - Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry - Volume 2, Number 4 / 2012 - IOS Press: We discuss supportive measures which aim at preventing further damage from occurring due to malfunctioning mitochondria, treatment with high dose vitamins that can support metabolism in light of dysfunctional mitochondria, dietary changes that can be useful in mitochondrial disease, and secondary organ systems to investigate due to mitochondrial dysfunction. We also discuss several treatments that have been reported to be of benefit in children with ASD which are also treatments that are standard of care for MD. This review provides a guide for appropriate treatments for children with ASD/MD and children with ASD that have mitochondrial dysfunction.

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is not a synucleinopathy - Li - 2013 - Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology - Wiley Online Library

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is not a synucleinopathy - Li - 2013 - Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology - Wiley Online Library: Mutations in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2) are responsible for the most common type of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA), known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). Historically, NBIA is considered a synucleinopathy with numerous reports of NBIA cases with Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites and some cases reporting additional abnormal tau accumulation. However, clinicopathological correlations in genetically proven PKAN cases are rare

Brief Report: Oxytocin Enhances Paternal Sensitivity to a Child with Autism: A Double-Blind Within-Subject Experiment with Intranasally Administered Oxytocin - Springer##

Brief Report: Oxytocin Enhances Paternal Sensitivity to a Child with Autism: A Double-Blind Within-Subject Experiment with Intranasally Administered Oxytocin - Springer##: Oxytocin seems associated with parenting style, and experimental work showed positive effects of intranasally administered oxytocin on parenting style of fathers. Here, the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject experiment with intranasal oxytocin administration to fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is presented. Fathers with their typically developing toddler (n = 18), and fathers of toddlers diagnosed with ASD (n = 14), were observed in two play sessions of 15 min each with an intervening period of 1 week. In all fathers oxytocin elevated the quality of paternal sensitive play: fathers stimulated their child in a more optimal way, and they showed less hostility which suggests the positive effects of oxytocin on paternal sensitive play irrespective of clinical status of their child.

Examining Autism Spectrum Disorders by Biomarkers: Example From the Oxytocin and Serotonin Systems

Examining Autism Spectrum Disorders by Biomarkers: Example From the Oxytocin and Serotonin Systems: Results

In humans, OT and 5-HT were negatively correlated with each other (p < .05) and this relationship was most prominent in children less than 11 years old. Paralleling human findings, mice lacking Oxtr showed increased whole-blood 5-HT levels (p = .05), with this effect driven exclusively by mice less than 4 months old (p < .01).

Conclusions

Identifying relationships between identified ASD biomarkers may be a useful approach to connect otherwise disparate findings that span multiple systems in this heterogeneous disorder. Using neurochemical biomarkers to perform parallel studies in animal and human populations within a developmental context is a plausible approach to probe the root causes of ASD and to identify potential interventions.

AAN: Anxiety Drug May Help in Autism

AAN: Anxiety Drug May Help in Autism: The hypertension and anxiety treatment propranolol improved general social functioning in young adults with autism spectrum disorder, a small double-blinded, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled study showed.

Baylor College of Medicine study to assess role of carnitine in autism - Baylor College of Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine study to assess role of carnitine in autism - Baylor College of Medicine: Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are seeking boys aged 9 months to 30 months who might be showing signs of autism or boys of the same age who have an older brother with the disorder to take part in a study to determine if a supplement called carnitine can prevent a form of autism.

A common X-linked inborn error of carnitine biosynthesis may be a risk factor for nondysmorphic autism

A common X-linked inborn error of carnitine biosynthesis may be a risk factor for nondysmorphic autism: These data suggest that dysregulation of carnitine metabolism may be important in nondysmorphic autism; that abnormalities of carnitine intake, loss, transport, or synthesis may be important in a larger fraction of nondysmorphic autism cases; and that the carnitine pathway may provide a novel target for therapy or prevention of autism.

Celecoxib as adjunctive treatment to risperidone in children with autistic disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - Springer###

Celecoxib as adjunctive treatment to risperidone in children with autistic disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - Springer###: Significant time × treatment interaction was observed for Irritability (F (1.658, 63.021) = 13.580, P < 0.001), Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (F (1.948, 74.032) = 16.811, P < 0.001), and Stereotypic Behavior (F(1.742, 66.198) = 12.104, P < 0.001), but not for Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (F (2.564, 97.424) = 1.469, P = 0.232), and Inappropriate Speech subscales (F (1.607, 61.075) = 0.173, P = 0.794). By week 10, patients in the celecoxib group showed significantly greater improvement in the Irritability (P < 0.001), Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (P < 0.001), and Stereotypic Behavior (P < 0.00) but not in Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (P = 0.202) and Inappropriate Speech (P = 0.802) subscales than the placebo group. Complete response was achieved by four (20 %) patients in the placebo group and 11 (55 %) patients in the celecoxib group (χ 2 (1) = 5.227, P = 0.022). Frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Combination of risperidone and celecoxib was superior to risperidone alone in treating irritability, social withdrawal, and stereotypy of children with autism

Celecoxib as adjunctive treatment ... [Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013] - PubMed - NCBI

Celecoxib as adjunctive treatment ... [Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013] - PubMed - NCBI: RESULTS:

Significant time × treatment interaction was observed for Irritability (F (1.658, 63.021) = 13.580, P < 0.001), Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (F (1.948, 74.032) = 16.811, P < 0.001), and Stereotypic Behavior (F(1.742, 66.198) = 12.104, P < 0.001), but not for Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (F (2.564, 97.424) = 1.469, P = 0.232), and Inappropriate Speech subscales (F (1.607, 61.075) = 0.173, P = 0.794). By week 10, patients in the celecoxib group showed significantly greater improvement in the Irritability (P < 0.001), Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (P < 0.001), and Stereotypic Behavior (P < 0.00) but not in Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (P = 0.202) and Inappropriate Speech (P = 0.802) subscales than the placebo group. Complete response was achieved by four (20 %) patients in the placebo group and 11 (55 %) patients in the celecoxib group (χ (2) (1) = 5.227, P = 0.022). Frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combination of risperidone and celecoxib was superior to risperidone alone in treating irritability, social withdrawal, and stereotypy of children with autism.

Immune system gene dysregulation in autism and schizophrenia - Michel - 2012 - Developmental Neurobiology - Wiley Online Library

Immune system gene dysregulation in autism and schizophrenia - Michel - 2012 - Developmental Neurobiology - Wiley Online Library: Gene*environment interactions play critical roles in the emergence of autism and schizophrenia pathophysiology. In both disorders, recent genetic association studies have provided evidence for disease-linked variation in immune system genes and postmortem gene expression studies have shown extensive chronic immune abnormalities in brains of diseased subjects. Furthermore, peripheral biomarker studies revealed that both innate and adaptive immune systems are dysregulated. In both disorders symptoms of the disease correlate with the immune system dysfunction; yet, in autism this process appears to be chronic and sustained, while in schizophrenia it is exacerbated during acute episodes. Furthermore, since immune abnormalities endure into adulthood and anti-inflammatory agents appear to be beneficial, it is likely that these immune changes actively contribute to disease symptoms

A Review of Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders

A Review of Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Given the severe and chronic problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the limitations of available treatments, there exists a large public health need for additional interventions. As more parents are inquiring about complementary and alternative treatments (CATs), both parents and practitioners require up-to-date information about them and whether and how to integrate them into treatment. After presenting data on CAT usage patterns for ASD, we review 13 ingestible (i.e., orally administered) and 6 noningestible (i.e., externally administered) CATs for ASD. For each CAT we briefly describe its definition; rationale for use; current research support, limitations, and future directions; safety issues; and whether we currently recommend, not recommend, or find it acceptable for the treatment of ASD. We conclude this paper with recommendations for future research and ten clinical recommendations for practitioners.

Autism spectrum disorders: a pediatric overview and update : Current Opinion in Pediatrics

Autism spectrum disorders: a pediatric overview and update : Current Opinion in Pediatrics: Although there have been considerable advances in identifying a genetic cause in many more cases, the cause remains elusive in most cases. Recent studies of concordant twins suggest there is a stronger environmental component than previously believed. Research suggests earlier diagnosis may be feasible in some cases, and a new treatment approach has been shown to be effective in very young children. Although there have not been any large-scale advances in the medical treatment, some isolated successes have been reported and other promising therapies are now being investigated.

Higher Levels of Toxic Metals in Blood, Urine of Children with Autism | Psych Central News

Higher Levels of Toxic Metals in Blood, Urine of Children with Autism | Psych Central News: Children with autism tend to have higher levels of several toxic metals in their blood and urine compared to typically developing children, according to a recent study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research.

A proposed link between aging, autism, and oxidation

A proposed link between aging, autism, and oxidation: "Oxidation inexorably moves us along toward an oxidized state," said pharmaceutical sciences professor Richard Deth. "You have to deal with it progressively."

One option is to slow down the synthesis of new proteins, a process that requires energy. Indeed, as we age, we produce fewer new proteins, which explains why our capacity for learning and healing suffer as we grow old.

Toilet Training - November 1, 2008 - American Family Physician

Toilet Training - November 1, 2008 - American Family Physician: Mastering toilet training is a milestone in child development. Training occurs when new physical abilities, vocabulary, and self-esteem are rapidly developing.1 Children must integrate parental and societal expectations with their own evolving needs for independence and self-actualization. All healthy children are eventually toilet trained; most parents and day care providers are involved to some degree.

ScienceDirect.com - Research in Developmental Disabilities - Investigation of a reinforcement-based toilet training procedure for children with autism

ScienceDirect.com - Research in Developmental Disabilities - Investigation of a reinforcement-based toilet training procedure for children with autism: Independent toileting is an important developmental skill which individuals with developmental disabilities often find a challenge to master. Effective toilet training interventions have been designed which rely on a combination of basic operant principles of positive reinforcement and punishment. In the present study, the effectiveness of a reinforcement-based toilet training intervention was investigated with three children with a diagnosis of autism. Procedures included a combination of positive reinforcement, graduated guidance, scheduled practice trials and forward prompting. Results indicated that all procedures were implemented in response to urination accidents. A three participants reduced urination accidents to zero and learned to spontaneously request use of the bathroom within 7–11 days of training. Gains were maintained over 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Findings suggest that the proposed procedure is an effective and rapid method of toilet training, which can be implemented within a structured school setting with generalization to the home environment.

Toilet Training for Children with Autism: The Effects of Video Modeling - Springer

Toilet Training for Children with Autism: The Effects of Video Modeling - Springer: This study assessed the effectiveness of an animated toilet training video for teaching daytime urinary control to five young boys with autism across several settings. A between and across groups multiple baseline design was used following a 2-week baseline-monitoring period. Children in the treatment condition received video modeling plus operant conditioning strategies, whereas children in the control condition received only operant conditioning strategies. Frequency of in-toilet urinations was found to be greater for children who watched the toileting video than for children who did not. Gains were maintained for three participants at a 6-week follow-up with generalization to a new setting for two participants. Results indicate that, for young children with autism who are resistant to toilet training, acquisition of urinary control may be facilitated by use of an animated toileting video in conjunction with operant conditioning strategies.

ScienceDirect.com - Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Toilet training individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities: A critical review

ScienceDirect.com - Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Toilet training individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities: A critical review: The following article reviews the current literature addressing toilet training individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The review addresses programs typical to toilet training the developmental disability population, most of which are modeled after the original Foxx and Azrin [Azrin, N. H., & Foxx, R. M. (1971). A rapid method of toilet training the institutionalized retarded. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 4, 89–99; Foxx, R. M., & Azrin, N. H. (1973). Toilet training persons with developmental disabilities: A rapid program for day and nighttime independent toileting. Harrisburg, PA: Help Services Press] rapid toilet training methods. Components of such programs are isolated and described in their contribution to toilet training models. Studies are then reviewed and compared for participant and study characteristics. Individual studies validating toilet training programs are then discussed in light of their program components and efficacy. Shortcomings to currently available programs are highlighted and future areas of study are suggested.

A parent training model for toilet training children with autism - Kroeger - 2010 - Journal of Intellectual Disability Research - Wiley Online Library

A parent training model for toilet training children with autism - Kroeger - 2010 - Journal of Intellectual Disability Research - Wiley Online Library: Background Azrin & Foxx pioneered an intensive toilet training protocol for individuals with intellectual disability living in a residential setting. Since the development of the Rapid Toilet Training (RTT) protocol, many have replicated the efficacy, most notably in educational and outpatient treatment settings, but often training over longer periods of time. This study presents data from a parent training model that replicates Azrin and Foxx's results and training time.

Teaching a child with challenging behaviour to use the toilet: a clinical case study - Brown - 2011 - British Journal of Learning Disabilities - Wiley Online Library

Teaching a child with challenging behaviour to use the toilet: a clinical case study - Brown - 2011 - British Journal of Learning Disabilities - Wiley Online Library: Learning to use the toilet is an important developmental step for a child’s independence, health and dignity. It can be particularly difficult to teach continence skills to disabled children with aggressive or challenging behaviour. This study showed how Azrin & Foxx's (1971) basic toilet training procedure could be modified to teach a 13-year-old child with learning disabilities with aggressive behaviour to use the toilet in school. Urinary continence was achieved within 2 weeks and maintained at 6-week follow-up. Long-term data showed continence was maintained at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up. The programme was subsequently successfully transferred into the home. There is a strong evidence base for effective continence programmes, and the challenge now is how to disseminate their findings and ensure they are systematically used.