April 2014: Autism Awareness Month: What Have We Learned In The Last Year?

What Have We Learned In The Last Year?

There's been a lot of important and significant news affecting individuals with Autism in the past year.  Let's take a few moments to review some of these developments:

• Last February, a new APP became available for parents of children with Autism. The APP---"My Socius"---was designed to be a digital tutor for parents. The APP is available by calling 402.423.2444. Cost: $24.99.
• iSTAR program at the University of Utah developed a unique program teaching students with Autism how to use computers in 3-D modeling.
• The Journal of the American Medical Association reported women who took folic acid four weeks before conception and through eight weeks of their pregnancy were 40% less likely to have a child with Autism.

• A new study out of the University of Queensland in Australia found that children with Autism increase their positive social behavior around animals.
• ABC News reported many individuals with Autism were finding jobs in information technology. One reason: those with Autism are able to spot patterns well according to AutonomyWorks. 
• Researchers at the University of Toronto reported they were studying the link between Autism and gastrointestinal problems.
• In early February, USA Today reported Royal Caribbean announced it will be the first Autism friendly cruiseline.
• Yoga and other uses of calming techniques have proven to be invaluable in calming individuals with Autism prone to exhibiting behavior problems.

• The New England Journal of Medicine reported  Autism may start in the womb. Brain tissue taken from children who died exhibited patches of disorganization in the cortex. This research appears to support earlier research by UCLA.
• And just this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported rates of Autism climbed by 30% between 2008 and 2010. It is believed Autism now affects 1 of every 68 eight-year olds, up from 1 in 88 two years ago. 

For Your Bookshelf (Books Recommended Since Last Year)

What You Should Know About The Myths Of Autism

Autism Myths

It's unfortunate there are countless myths about autism. For example, people with autism are aggressive is one common myth. Another myth supposes people with autism are all geniuses. Let's put some of these myths to rest now:

• People with autism are aggressive. While there are some individuals with autism who exhibit aggressive behaviors, most do not. Like most people, individuals with autism may get angry on occasion because of some type of discomfort. They may also feel frustrated because of their inability to communicate.
• Individuals with autism are a danger to society, to themselves and others. Again, like the general population, there are some people with autism who exhibit such behaviors. Most do not. There is absolutely no reason to fear an individual with autism. In fact, it's rare that people with autism react violently.
• People with autism are all alike. Nothing could be further from the truth. While some behaviors can be generalized, e.g. difficulty in social communication, they are as different as anyone else. 
• Autism is a mental health disorder. What we now know about autism is that it's a biological disorder that affects the development of the individuals brain and its development.
• Autism is the fault of the parents. I have only one word for that claim: absurd. As far as we now know, autism has nothing to do with how the child was raised. Genetics overrides that foolish belief. In fact, environmental factors have little to do with autism.  For example, identical twin studies show if one twin has autism, the other twin has a 90% chance of having autism as well.
• Autism can be cured. As of this writing, there is no known cure for autism.

For Your Bookshelf:

Some Of The Best Autism Blogs For 2013; Staggering Cost Of Autism For Families; Noise: What Is It Good For?

Autism Is Not A Tragedy. Being Judged Is...Author Unknown

Some Outstanding Autism Blogs For 2013

While there are many good blogs on autism (allow me to add---like this one), we are also fortunate to be rich in the availability of diverse blogs targeting autism.

The following is a list of some of the best blogs on the subject of autism:

• John Elder Robison
• Autism From A Father's Point Of View
• Fighting Monsters With Rubber Swords
• The Third Glance
• Just Stimming
• Asperkids
• Hope Saves The Day
• Big Daddy Autism
• Mostly True Stuff
• Autism Daddy
• Anybody Want A Peanut?

Babble

Families Can Be Overwhelmed By The Cost Of Autism 

The University of Calgary's School of Public Policy found that the life-long care-giving costs for a child with autism can reach almost $160,000 per year.

"A scan of provincial programs finds a patchwork of unequal and incomplete supports for individuals living with autism spectrum disorders," the report also found.

The Epoch Times

Some Children With Autism React To Noise 

Those of us who have worked with individuals with autism know that many react to noise more than others. A new study by Vanderbilt University may have shown the reason why.

The research shows that, while most people see others talking in sync, for many children with autism there is a delay between what they they see and what they hear, causing them to see speech out of sync. The researchers found that 90% of children with autism have some sort of "auditory processing delay."

The same research found that there are video games and other means available to accelerate the auditory processing so that it gets in sync. See book below on the "Out Of Sync Child."

CBS News

For Your Bookshelf

LEGOS Improve Social Skills In Children With Autism; Cell Types + Regions Of The Brain Identified In Autism

The Benefits Of LEGOS For Children With Autism

Recent research at the University Of Cambridge found that LEGOS play therapy improves social skills in children with autism. The researches found LEGOS therapy groups encourage collaboration, pretending and non-verbal communication.
Autism Daily Newscast


Yale University And UCSF Pinpoint Cell Types And Brain Regions Affected By Autism Gene Mutations

Historically, it's been difficult to target the genetic causes of autism considering several hundred genes have been linked to autism spectrum disorders.

But a new study by researchers at Yale University and UCSF claim to have pinpointed the cell types and brain regions affected by genetic mutations associated with autism. Their findings suggest that new targeted treatment approaches could provide answers.

"Identifying gene variants that boost risk is the step of unraveling disease," said Dr. Daniel Geschwind, an expert in human genetics, neurology and psychology. "We need to figure out where genetic changes occur in the brain...Only then will we understand how mutations cause autism," he added.
Red Orbit

Dr. Doreen Granspeesheh, Ph.D. To Host Free Seminar

Dr. Doreen Granspeesheh, a noted author and expert in autism, will be hosting a free two-hour seminar in Ft. Myers on December 5, 2013, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Edison State College, 8099 College Parkway.

Dr. Granspeesheh's topic will be creating a comprehensive and individualized treatment program for a child with autism.

Contact: D.Plump@centerforautism.com Seating is limited.

New Blood Test Hopes To Diagnose Autism Early; Motor Development Important; Hit The Pool

New Blood Test In Diagnosing Autism Early

The average age of children diagnosed early with autism is now 4. This may soon change. Diagnosing children earlier can get children treatment earlier. The earlier the treatment; the better the outcome.

Emory University researchers in Atlanta, GA, and 20 other universities nationwide have recently joined clinical trials to evaluate blood tests that could diagnose autism as early as 12 months to 2 years old.

AthensOnline


Importance Of Motor Development

Studies published in Research In Autism Spectrum Disorders found toddlers and pre-school children with autism having better motor development were better in socializing. In addition, their communication skills were also often better. The researchers studied 233 children between the ages 14 and 49 months.


Hit The Pool

Unique Web Sites + Resources For Parents Of Children With Autism; The Physical Effects Of Bullying; Siblings + Autism

Web Sites + Resources For Parents Of Children With Autism

The resources for parents of children with autism are many. Below is a unique list parents should find helpful for information, research, news, latest products and support (from Friendship Circle):

• Autism Now http://autismnow.org/
• My Autism Team http://www.myautismteam.com/
• Autism...Learn http://www.autismlearn101.com/
• Make Friends With Autism http://www.childrens-specialized.org/
• Parent Coaching For Autism http://parentscoachingforparents.com/
• The Autism Calendar  http://www.sarnet.org/
• Healing Thresholds http://autism.healingthresholds.com/

The Physical Effects Of Bullying

We've known about the emotional effects of bullying from depression to anxiety for a long time. But what about the physical effects or manifestations?

According to a review of the literature, the University of Padua in Italy analyzed 30 studies of 219,000 children and adolescents. They found those bullied experienced more headaches, stomachaches, bedwetting and sleep difficulties.

The results of this review indicate psychosomatic effects tied to bullying "are very real." The researchers advise parents to take these symptoms seriously.
Huffington Post

7 Times More Likely To Be Diagnosed

Back To School Tips; Can A Simple Blood Test Confirm Autism In Infants?; Noteworthy Autism Sites

Getting Ready For School


Preparing to return to school after a long summer vacation can be challenge for both parents and students, especially children with autism. A little preparation can go a long way to make the transition more uncomplicated. Follow some of these tips:

• Schedule appointments with your family physician for required physicals, health forms and immunization records.
• Start preparing your child with new bedtimes, waking up earlier and adjusting to new morning routines.
• Get organized a week before school begins.
• Meet with your child's new teacher. Review the current IEP. Ask questions now.
• If your child will be attending a new school, visit the school before school starts with your child. Ask for a tour of the school.  Familiarize your child with his/her new surroundings including classrooms.
• Remind school officials and teachers you are available to meet with them prior to the beginning of school and after classes begin.
• When your child returns home after the first day of school, ask him/her how it was in school today. Ask about the teacher. Ask about friends. Ask about the school schedule.
• Carve out some of your time to help your child with homework.
• After a week or two, contact your child's teacher and ask the teacher how things are going including problems encountered.
• Every child adjusts to school differently. It's your job to make that adjustment a smooth one and to help alleviate any anxiety on the part of your child.

Oakland County Moms,  Crozer-Keystone

Can A Simple Blood Test Confirm Autism In Infants?


A research team at the University of San Diego's Autism Centre For Excellence recently announced a breakthrough in the detection of the genetic signature of autism.

Professor Eric Courchesne made the announcement at the Asia-Pacific Autism Conference.

Dr. Couchesne's team scanned the brains and analyzed the blood of 600 children from 12 months to 4 years of age. The team identified several gene networks that are a common thread in the development of autism. In addition, his team identified four gene networks that are a biological signature of autism in babies as young as 12 months. He also announced that a screening blood test is currently being developed.

Catholic Online

Information And Resources Are At Your Fingertips

Would you like an adventure now or shall we have tea first?  Peter Pan

I usually write about the most recent developments in advocacy for individuals with autism. And since my last posting, there have been some significant studies and interesting reports. For example, a week does not go by with some report of new apps developed to help children with autism both socially and academically. Some of the more recent apps includes Bitsboard,  Model Me Going Places, Aurasma, and Care Circles. Just this past month, I've read more reports of people with autism emerging as an undiscovered workforce. There are other studies showing that girls with autism may need different treatment than boys with autism. WebMD recently reported on research where  new "sensory-focused" treatments are showing a lot of promise.


Instead of reporting on recent developments today, I want to take this opportunity to alert my readers and new readers about the many resources and information available by simply navigating this blog. All too often I hear the same simple question: Where can I get help for my child? Embedded in that question, there are usually several other questions. For example, where can I get funding or financial assistance? Who can help us with our child's inappropriate and aggressive behaviors? What private schools are available and affordable? Can we get in-home services?

Answers to those questions and more can be found on this blog. In addition, the resources on this blog also offer links to countless other sources of information.

Allow me a moment to help you navigate the blog.

Autism 2 Squared: Rapid Recent Developments

"Should Autism Be Treated? Yes. But With Respect." Poster Quote

 

The developments in treating autism are occurring at a rapid pace.  Let's take a closer look:

• The new DSM-5 (The Diagnostic + Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders) was finally published. One of the more significant changes included redefining Asperger's. "Pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified" was omitted as a separate category. Instead, they are now placed into a broader, scale-based diagnosis called Autism Spectrum Disorder. No one NOW will lose their Asperger's diagnosis, but it will be much harder to obtain in the future.
• The first successful experiment with humans using a treatment referred to as sensory-motor or environmental enrichment documented marked improvement in boys with autism. Science Daily
• People with autism are finding work in information technology. AutonomyWorks employs only people with autism because of their ability to spot patterns and work well in repetitive jobs. ABC News
• University of Manchester (UK) reported recently that babies whose growth is at either extreme in the womb---either very big or very small---are at greater risk of developing autism. Science Daily

• AutistiX is a British rock band whose members all have autism. Their first tour will be in Spain and they plan on putting out an album soon. BBC News
• Researchers at the University of Toronto are exploring the link between Autism and gastrointestinal problems. Toronto Star

For Your Bookshelf

Does A Baby's Placenta Reveal Autism Risk?; Ways To Communicate With A Non-Verbal Child; Apps For Children With Autism

Don't Underestimate People With Autism. Try To Understand Them Instead. Author Unknown

Autism Risk In Baby's Placenta?

Yale University researchers reported they now have a tool that can tell who is at risk of autism. They reported "abnormal" folds in the baby's placenta may be the key. Researchers claimed that finding a signature in the placenta may hep them better identify the genetics that set the stage for autism and environmental factors that activate it. USA TODAY


Ways To Communicate With A Non-Verbal Child

Just because a child can't speak does not mean he/she has nothing to say. Even children with special needs who have poor communication skills have the same communication needs as other children. Let's examine some of the strategies we can use to increase communication skills.

• Ensure every communication involves direct eye contact.
• Experiment with other means of expression such as drawing, music, dance, painting, singing, use of puppets, etc.
• Use flash cards and social stories.
• Encourage play and social interaction.
• Focus on what interests your child.
• Use non-verbal communication games that are fun.

Friendship Circle and Autism Speaks

World Autism Day: What Have We Learned This Past Year?

April 2nd World Autism Day

This week marks the 6th Annual World Autism Day on April 2, 2013.

The intention of designating April 2 is to bring autism to the attention of the world. Events will be taking place across the globe raising awareness. In addition, the designation is also meant to encourage early diagnosis and intervention.

What Have We Learned Since The Last World Autism Day In 2012?

 

As I've written often, the puzzle pieces keep falling into place when it comes to better understanding autism. So what have we learned in just the past year? Some of these include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Just this past week, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that now 1 in 50 U.S school children has autism. This translates into about one million children with autism.
• The Journal of the American Medical Association reported last month that women who took folic acid four weeks prior to conception and eight weeks during pregnancy were 40% less likely to have a child with autism.
• The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry reported antiepileptic drugs taken during pregnancy increases the risk of autism.
• More and more airports are making every effort to make the skies friendlier for people with autism, especially children. Air Tran, Continental, Frontier, Emeriates, and Southwest now offer "mock" boarding experiences for individuals with autism. These programs help allay the anxiety associated with the flying experience. In addition, many airports are now involved in these programs.
• Recently, New York University reported that yoga is beneficial in reducing behaviors in children with autism.
• Law enforcement officials throughout the country are now training their officers in how to approach individuals with autism.
• Researchers at the University of SC reported brain imaging may catch autism earlier.
• Studies from CDC and Harvard Medical School suggest women abused in childhood are more likely to have children with autism.
• A study just published by the Journal of Pediatrics reported that there is no evidence of a link of autism to vaccines. To date, approximately 20 studies have shown no such link. For those parents who have concerns regarding vaccines, we urge them to consult with their pediatrician for advice.
• U.C. Davis reported if parents have one child with autism, the risk of having a second child with autism is approximately 20%.
• Prematurity and low birth weights have been associated with autism.
• Autism Speaks reported the cost of raising one child with autism is now $1.4 million over the child's lifetime.
• More and more studies (most recently the University of Queensland in Australia) are now finding that pet therapy significantly increases positive behaviors in children with autism.
• We have seen an explosion in Apps for autism helping children better communicate.

For Your Library

 

The Puzzle Pieces Keep Falling Into Place

"See the person not the label."... Dr.Temple Grandin

List Of Recent Developments In Autism Research And News

Folic Acid: One Answer To the Puzzle + Eat Your Spinach; Sodium Valproate Linked To Autism; Flying High With Autism Conference

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Plato

Folic Acid--One Answer To Lower Risk Of Autism

The Journal of the American Medical Association reported women who took folic acid four weeks before conception and through eight weeks into their pregnancy were 40% less likely to have a child with autism. And 27% were less likely to have a child with any autism spectrum disorder.

The results of the study confirmed earlier findings. Doctors have long encouraged women to take folic acid before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects.  In addition, other findings have found that children whose mothers took folic acid were less likely to have language delays.

For these reasons, physicians recommend all women of childbearing age take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Folic acid (Folate) is also found in lentils, spinach, black beans, peanuts, orange juice, romaine lettuce and broccoli.

Reuters, LA Times, USA TODAY


Sodium Valproate, An Antiepileptic Drug, Linked To Autism

Yes Parents, There's An App For That; Resources I Discovered On Social Media

Extraordinary circumstances should not prevent you from living an extraordinary life.

"My Socius" An App For Parents Of Children With Autism

"My Socius," an app designed for parents of children with autism, was designed by Keith Allen, professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska.

"My Socius" is designed to be a digital tutor for parents seeking ways to help motivate their child who is uncommunicative to begin using words. Professor Allen makes it clear this app is not designed to replace professional therapies. It's designed to reinforce and add to them.

"My Socius" helps to get children communicating themselves not letting the app communicate for them. In fact, it's a coaching tool not a communication device.

Those interesting in obtaining this app should call 402-423-2444. The present cost is $24.99.


Social Media's Resources For Autism

How To Support People With Autism?; iSTAR; Can Do Canines

Never allow any diagnosis to define who you are...Jerry Komar, editor, Autism News and Views

How To Support People With Autism?

That question is often asked when any parent, teacher, advocate, etc. is faced with supporting and serving an individual or individuals with autism.  The following will help answer that question:

• Explain at every stage what you are about to do, what will happen next and why.
• Give the individual enough time to understand the information you are sharing. Wait for a response if you do not get one immediately.
• Questions must be clear and direct using language that is easy to understand. Use photos and/or pictures when needed.
• People with autism will often take what you say literally. Be careful with words that have double meanings. Be careful with using humor.
• Maintain a routine.
• Repetitive behaviors may be coping mechanisms.
• People with autism are particularly sensitive to their environment such as lighting, sounds, smell and touch.
• Try to keep the immediate environment as calming as you can.
• Always ask the person/parent or advocate what support they might need.

University of Oxford

The iSTAR Program: University of Utah

How Safe & Secure Is Your Child's School?

Ensuring Your School Is Safe From Unwanted And Perhaps Dangerous Intruders


On the heels of the tragedy at the Connecticut elementary school last week, parents have a responsibility to ask school officials how they ensure their school is safe from unwanted and perhaps dangerous intruders. This is not a debate about gun control. That issue will be debated in the public forum. This is specifically about security (or lack of security) at the school your child or children attend.  As a parent, you should do the following immediately (and don't do it alone. Approach your school's administration with a group of parents or call for a meeting with the school in a larger forum) asking your school administrator some of the following:

• Have they ever completed a security assessment.? If they haven't, ask why not? And ask them when they plan on completing one. If they have one, when was it last updated? When was staff trained in the plan?
• Do they have a school safety plan or a crisis response plan? If not, why not? And when do they propose to draw one up. I believe they are mandated by the Department of Education. Regardless, every school should have one. Make sure you ask for a copy of the security plan. If they do not have a plan, tell them you want to give input into that plan (e.g., a parent committee on school safety and security).
• Who is responsible for this plan?
• Is there a crisis response team at the school? If not, why not?And when do they propose having one?  If they do, what type of training do staff have in ensuring school security?
• Does the school have a plan in dealing with troubled youth, especially those with specific mental health issues? This should include identifying youth at risk of psychological trauma.
• Do local law enforcement authorities and First-Responders have information regarding your specific school such as a map of the school including surrounding streets, campus layout, a blueprint of the facility or facilities, keys to the entrances, phone numbers of administrators and staff security personnel, up-to-date student roster, list of students with special needs, designated evacuation sites at the facilities, etc.?
• In this day and age, schools should also give serious attention to having professional security personnel in the school (at a minimum, if I were a parent of a child at school, I would demand police presence on the perimeter of the school to ensure any dangerous intruder does not ENTER the school in the first place. Yes, there will be an additional cost associated with this, but it's a cost I am certain most school districts and taxpayers would be willing to assume).
• The school should also have a crisis-aftermath plan.

This is by no means a comprehensive approach, but it's a start. Remember: School safety is up to all of us.

Start Planning For Your Child's Future Now; Suicide Attempts in Adults with Autism; Facebook Autism Resources

During my entire career serving and supporting individuals with autism, I never obsessed about their disabilities. I obsessed about their abilities...Jerry Komar, Editor, Autism News & Views 

Plan For Your Child's Future Now

Parents often ask teachers and therapists a series of questions regarding transition.  Whether the transition is to secondary school or post-secondary school, the following questions need answers: "How do we start?" "When do we start?" "Who can help us?" These are but a few of countless questions I encountered over the years myself.

The key principles behind all of these questions include 1-being realistic and 2-proper planning. Interdisciplinary teams, with the input from parents, should look at the following:

• Get a head start on developing and teaching independent living skills and social skills.
• Ensure your child gets periodic assessments.
• Review evaluations of your child regularly.
• Work on teaching self-advocacy skills.
• Look at vocational educational programs. These programs are excellent pathways to independence and employment opportunities.

Autism Support Network


Suicide Attempts In Adults With Autism: Clinical Features

A recent  preliminary study out of Japan found that 7.3% of patients seen for attempted suicide had autism.

"Our results indicate that ASD's should always be a consideration when dealing with suicide attempts in adults, in particular, with males."

In addition, the study found that adults with autism not only  attempted suicide more often, they are also using more serious methods such as cutting/stabbing one's self.

Five-hundred and eighty seven (587) patients with autism were studied. All were 18 years of age and older.

Autism Science News and Opinion


Facebook Autism Resources

Are you currently looking for additional autism resources (in addition to those found on this blog)? These are the resources I regularly follow on FB, and I find most of them very informative. They are particularly useful for families.

• Families With Autism Kids
• Autism Group
• Autism Family
• Autismus
• Autism and Special Needs Action Group
• Awetism is the New Autism
• The Ultimate Asperger Supergroup
• Autism Advocacy (my group)

Recommended Reading:

You can find Aukids on Facebook. Worth a visit.






 

Making Skies Friendly For Individuals With Autism; VCU Gets Grant To Expand Work Training; Yoga Helps Improve Behavior

"Different But Not Less."...Temple Grandin

Making Skies Friendly For Individuals With Autism


Preparing for air travel and the flight itself can cause a lot of anxiety for both the individual with autism and for parents.  For many parents, it can be a challenge in parental endurance.

The good news is airports throughout the nation have recognized these challenges and are providing more assistance. To date, the major airports in the following cities provide services to help individuals with autism: Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Boston; Manchester NH; Bridgeport, Conn.; Philadelphia and Newark. The airlines participating include Jet Blue, AirTran, Continental, Frontier, Southwest and United.  These airports and airlines have offered "mock boarding" experiences, practice in purchasing tickets, walk throughs at security lines and even strapping themselves into the aircraft that does not leave the gate.

"We recognize how intimidating to some people, particularly those with special needs, a facility like this can be, " said Christopher Browne, manager at Washington Dulles airport.

In addition, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set up a hot line---TSA Cares---to help passengers with disabilities and their caretakers.

The following suggestions will help in minimizing anxiety prior to flying:

• For the initial flight, pick a short one. Up to an hour.
• Visit the airport ahead of time to become familiar with the facility.
• Call the TSA Cares hot line---1.855.787.2227---72 hours prior to flight time to alert TSA that you might need assistance.
• Call the airline ahead of time to let them know you might need assistance.
• Tell your child what to expect such as delays or long waits.
• Pack a carry-on bag with items the individual likes.

Have a nice and safe flight.
NY Times


Virginia Commonwealth University Received Grant To Facilitate Employment For Youth With Autism

VCU announced recently they received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to determine best practices to facilitate employment for youth with autism.

The grant's duration is 5 years. "Through our partnership with VCU on this grant, we expect to learn more about the services and supports that youth with autism may need to become successfully employed in their communities, " said Commissioner Jim Rothrock, VA Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services.
VCU News