Autism Research

Posted by Tracey Thompson

The US Autism and Aspergers Association has a conference August 9-12. If you are unable to attend the USAAA in partnership with ZenTv will be offering a Live Webcast. The fee starts at $19.95. For further information go here and to here and to the USAAA website, www.usautism.org.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

Researchers at the University of Washington are beginning to narrow down the genes that contribute to autism. They have discovered that different genes cause autism in girls than in boys and the research continues to state that they are understanding that more than one gene contributes to the condition. After 10 years of research, they are confident that they have discovered one of these genes. If after further studies and other researchers confirm the findings, autism genetic research will explode. If you have more than one family member that have been diagnosed somewhere on the autism spectrum you can be a part of this research by calling toll-free 1-800-994-9701. To read further go here.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

Autistic males have fewer neurons in the amygdala. This area of the brain deals with emotions and memory. The research is very significant because the information continues to help researchers focus on what exactly is different in the brain with those with autism. Go here to read further on the subject.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

It is evident that people with autism use their parietal cortex more than those free of the condition. Autistics will often express how they excel at visual detail but have difficulty with interpreting language. It causes them to see small details but be unable to focus on the big picture. Go here to read further.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

On July 31, Olivier Kozlowski will climb Washington's Mt. Rainier to raise money to go towards autism research for the organization Autism Speaks. His 7 year-old daughter was diagnosed with autism when she was three. Mr. Kozlowski will be accompanied by friend, Kevin Sweeney and professional climber, Peter Anderson. I feel that climbing a mountain on behalf of autism is a great metaphor. I know that anyone whose family has been affected by autism, feels like they are scaling Mt. Everest. For the full article go here.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

I have learned of some unique therapy options available for children with special needs including autism. One that seems very interesting is Yoga. It is beginning to be a form of therapy that a lot of occupational therapists are starting to use and yoga centers are starting to offer classes for children with all types of special needs. I can see the advantage to an older autistic child using yoga as a form of therapy. Yoga can help them learn to focus better and help them learn to better deal with anxiety. Go here to learn more.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

I came across this article about a 7 year-old boy who loves playing baseball, attends a mainstream classroom at grade level, is talented very smart and has lots of friends. It is nice to come across an uplifting story.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

Scientists out of the University of Aberdeen are working on a computer program that would diagnosis children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. In Scotland, the average time it takes to diagnosis a child with ASD is between 6 months and three years. Testing often involves a large number of people and repetitive tests. They feel like they can streamline the testing. I personally question removing the human component. During evaluations they are observing more than just the completion of a task, but with children with autism, they are looking for social interaction and how they use language. Go here to read further.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

A great article out of New Hampshire shares the story of what most states are discovering, a rise in autism rates and a non-unified approach to services and coping with the needs within the school programs. Go here to read the article.

Posted by Tracey Thompson

The US Autism & Asperger's Association (USAAA) is having their first annual conference and there are many autism experts participating. They will be discussing new research and therapies. According to L.P. Kaplan, PhD and Executive Director of the USAAA, "This is an incredible opportunity or parents/caregivers and professionals to attend one of the most comprehensive autism conferences in North America. Utah will be hosting the who's who of the autism world. Attendees will learn information that will empower to help their children, family, patients, friends, and others touched by autism." A conference scholarship is available for families unable to afford attending. Applications are due by July 22. The conference CME and CEU accredited.