Tallahassee, FL - September 27, 2012

The Autism Institute at the Florida State University College of Medicine is part of a new $8.3 million study to measure risk and resilience factors for autism in infants and toddlers.

The goal is to better understand developmental trajectories in children with autism and to improve early detection, intervention and outcomes. The Autism Institutes project has the potential to identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) before an obvious disability has emerged as early as the first year of life.

The Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) grant is one of three in the country funded by the National Institutes of Health. Florida States project is one of four within the ACE grant awarded to Emory University. Collaboratorsinclude Emory University, the Marcus Autism Center at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, the Emory University School of Medicine and the Emory University Yerkes National Primate Research Center.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced the grant Thursday, Sept. 27, in a ceremony at the Georgia Capitol.

Among other things, a team of researchers in Atlanta will focus on social visual engagement and social vocal engagement in infants at risk for ASD. The goal is to identify ASD infants, which is far earlier than has previously been effectively demonstrated.

The Autism Institute at Florida State will oversee the intervention study aimed at changing the way children with ASD develop. The Autism Institute already is recognized as a leader in the effects of early intervention on improved outcomes for toddlers and older children with ASD. The Autism Institute has focused on identifying ASD and providing interventions in infants as early as 18 months.

Keep in mind that the average age for diagnosis is after age 4, so 18 months is very early and 12months of age is incredibly early. Its very exciting to think about the potential, said Amy Wetherby, Distinguished Research Professor in Clinical Sciences at the FSU College of Medicine and director of the Autism Institute. Children at that age have more brain plasticity, and the hope is we can change their developmental trajectories and possibly prevent some of the symptoms, Wetherby said.

Wetherby and Juliann Woods, associate director of the Autism Institute and a professor in the Florida State College of Communication and Information, will lead a team that will teach parents how to implement techniques to improve development in their children with ASD.

See the article here:
FSU Autism Institute to Participate in Multi-Million Dollar Study

TUESDAY, Sept. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Many children with autism have interrelated health problems that can have a significant impact on their home and school lives, a new study finds.

Researchers looked at nearly 3,000 children with autism and found that nearly one-fourth also had chronic gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and nausea.

The children with the chronic gastrointestinal problems also had anxiety and so-called "atypical sensory responses," which are heightened reactions to light, sound or particular textures, according to the study, which was published recently in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.

"These problems can have a very real impact on daily life. Children with anxiety may be distressed or reluctant to engage in new activities, and those with sensory problems may have trouble paying attention or participating in overstimulating environments," Micah Mazurek, assistant professor of health psychology and a clinical child psychologist at the University of Missouri, said in a university news release. "These children may also suffer uncomfortable [gastrointestinal] problems that they may not be able to communicate about to adults."

Effective management of these problems may improve autistic children's quality of life and response to treatment, she said.

"Parents need to be aware that these problems may underlie some of their children's difficulties, so if they notice any symptoms, they should talk to their doctors or therapists about treatment options," Mazurek said.

"Practitioners who work with children with [autism spectrum disorders] need to be mindful that there is a pretty high rate of these problems, so if children are treated for one issue, it may be helpful to screen for these additional symptoms," she added.

"Autism spectrum disorder" is a term for a group of developmental disorders with similar features, ranging from Asperger's syndrome at the mild end to full-blown autism. In general, it causes problems with social interaction and communication, and often is marked by obsessive and repetitive behaviors.

One in 88 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

-- Robert Preidt

Read more here:
Many Children With Autism Have Other Health Problems, Study Says

Mike Lake describes his autistic son Jaden as a "3- or 4-year-old trapped in a 16-year-old body," a boy who is nonverbal.

For Jaden, abstract thinking is a challenge and his most direct communication is reaching for his father's face and crying out "bababa" when he needs to be understood.

But that "beautiful simplicity" is enough for his dad.

"I lay down with him on the bed at night and he looks at me in communication mode," said Lake, 43. "Oftentimes, I just drift into his language ... He talks along with me at the same time bababa-ing. It's the strangest thing. We are not communicating anything concrete, not the world I am living in, but for us it is a connection."

Since 2006, Lake's world has been Canada's House of Commons, where he delves into the complex political issues of the day as a member of Parliament and secretary to the minister of industry.

But at home with Jaden, he enters a different world where speech doesn't matter as much as unequivocal love.

"I didn't get elected to Parliament on the autism issue," said Lake. "But as time has gone by, it's one world. It has allowed me a platform to get out there and raise awareness.

"We decided early on to include him in every opportunity we could and not to hide the family and to use the opportunities over time to share the story of an amazing kid and what life has been like for us."

Lake, whose family also includes wife Debi and 13-year-old Jenae, lives in Edmonton, Alberta. This week, he is in New York City speaking before the fifth annual World Focus on Autism, co-hosted by Autism Speaks and Ban Soon-taek, wife of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The world of autism is still a mystery. And while research has advanced, particularly in the area of genetics, it is still a puzzle to scientists. Some studies show autism strikes as many as 1 in 88 children, mostly boys.

See the original post:
Autism and a Political Career Collide in Dad's Two Worlds

Mike Lake describes his autistic son Jaden as a "3- or 4-year-old trapped in a 16-year-old body," a boy who is nonverbal.

For Jaden, abstract thinking is a challenge and his most direct communication is reaching for his father's face and crying out "bababa" when he needs to be understood.

But that "beautiful simplicity" is enough for his dad.

"I lay down with him on the bed at night and he looks at me in communication mode," said Lake, 43. "Oftentimes, I just drift into his language ... He talks along with me at the same time bababa-ing. It's the strangest thing. We are not communicating anything concrete, not the world I am living in, but for us it is a connection."

Since 2006, Lake's world has been Canada's House of Commons, where he delves into the complex political issues of the day as a member of Parliament and secretary to the minister of industry.

But at home with Jaden, he enters a different world where speech doesn't matter as much as unequivocal love.

"I didn't get elected to Parliament on the autism issue," said Lake. "But as time has gone by, it's one world. It has allowed me a platform to get out there and raise awareness.

"We decided early on to include him in every opportunity we could and not to hide the family and to use the opportunities over time to share the story of an amazing kid and what life has been like for us."

Lake, whose family also includes wife Debi and 13-year-old Jenae, lives in Edmonton, Alberta. This week, he is in New York City speaking before the fifth annual World Focus on Autism, co-hosted by Autism Speaks and Ban Soon-taek, wife of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The world of autism is still a mystery. And while research has advanced, particularly in the area of genetics, it is still a puzzle to scientists. Some studies show autism strikes as many as 1 in 88 children, mostly boys.

See the original post:
Autism and a Political Career Collide in Dad's Two Worlds

Your greatest fear, if you are the parent of an adult child with a disability, is that you will not outlive your offspring and leave them to a world where they are not protected, cared for and loved. As The Star's series on autism showed, many families struggle as their autistic young people work to make that transition.

Despite some good intentions, the state of California and insurance companies are frightening the parents of adult children with autism. In 2011, the Legislature passed SB 946, making our state one of the few that require health insurers to cover treatment for adults with autism.

Autism remains a truly confounding condition and there is much to be learned about its causes and treatment. Through applied behavior, however, we have seen great improvements in living skills, communications skills and self-care skills.

Parents were rightfully joyful when SB 946 passed. Their adult children would be covered by health insurance and they could get the treatment that could lead to independence or semi-independence. It hasn't worked out exactly that way, yet.

In August, Vista Center for Behavior Analysis held a panel discussion, featuring experts in autism and insurance, for parents of adult children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our goal was to help parents and others understand what services are available for adults with autism and how to access these services.

Parents who formerly received treatment services for their children from California Regional Centers were now to seek treatment from the private health care sector and either be reimbursed or covered by their health insurer. Parents told us they have been given little information about what services are available and covered through private health care.

Connie Lapin, one of our panelists and a parent of an adult child with autism who has been a leading advocate for those with autism, asked, "What is going to happen to all of these kids?" She described past practices in which people with autism were overmedicated and lived in homes in which they did receive effective treatment and were subject to neglect.

Rick Rollens, an internationally known autism speaker and the parent of an adult with autism, warned of the coming and overwhelming need for adult services. Adolescents and adults with ASD are being neglected. A law with all the best intentions has created chaos. These things need to happen:

The California Department of Developmental Services must step in at the regional center level and provide information and guidance to parents; the Department of Managed Health Care must hold insurers accountable and demand that they produce within 30 days a plan to cover adults with autism; and there must be forums held across the state to inform parents.

Vista is deeply involved in this issue and will continue to seek answers, prod government officials and insurers and advocate for our patients and all adults with autism.

Go here to read the rest:
Massel: More guidance, community forums needed on autism

Starting Monday, Utah families who have young children with autism can apply for free treatment provided by a new pilot project but if too many seek help, theyll need luck to win a slot.

About 250 kids can be served through the Medicaid-funded portion of the project, which is open to children who are not covered by the low-income public health insurance plan. If more children apply than can be helped, which is likely, applications will be ranked at random, similar to a lottery, explained Utah Department of Health spokesman Tom Hudachko.

How to apply

Children between the ages of 2 and 6 who meets certain requirements can apply for autism treatment through the Medicaid-funded portion of a state pilot project.

Applicants need not be on Medicaid. To be eligible, kids must:

Be clinically diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Be a U.S. citizen and Utah resident.

Have been born between April 1, 2007 and October 31, 2010.

Not have assets, such as a bank account or trust fund, in his or her name in excess of $2,000.

Read the rest here:
Autism treatment slots open Monday for young Utah kids

The Center for Autism Research at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia recently received a five-year, $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its research into autism.

The hospital is seeking expectant parents and the parents of newborns from families with and without a history of autism to allow their children to be part of the study from age 3 months to 24 months. The hospital hopes to take images of the babies brains to detect when the changes that lead to autism begin to appear to find early signs of the disease, said Sarah Paterson, a research associate professor at CHOP.

Autism, a condition that causes several developmental problems, particularly with socialization and communication skills, is affecting more and more children, particularly boys. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has increased 23 percent from 2006 to 2008 and now affects 1 in 88 American children. The rate in New Jersey is 1 in 49 children, mostly boys.

It is typically diagnosed around age 2 or 3, and a growing body of research shows that early intervention yields better outcomes for individuals with autism, according to information from the hospital.

In an earlier study, CHOP found that there are significant differences in brain development as early as 6 months of age, well before the appearance of behavioral or outward signs of autism.

This new study will examine babies at 3 months to see if the changes can be detected even then. The children will then be followed with scans three more times until age 24 months and will have follow-up testing until age 5.

Were interested in the very early brains of children at risk, Paterson said.

Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that 20 percent of children with autism will have a brother or sister with autism, she said.

Since this is the case, the study will evaluate infants from families with a history of the condition, as well as those from families without it, so second or later children are especially needed.

MRIs will be taken while the babies are in natural sleep, Paterson said. Parents will bring a baby to the hospital close to bedtime and get the child to sleep. Then, headphones and special padding will be placed around the childs ears so that he or she wont hear the noise of the MRI machine as it takes images of the brain.

Read more:
CHOP seeks infants for autism study

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

New York (CNN) -- A milestone for 16-year-old Jaden Lake, who has autism, is sometimes as basic as a kiss.

He's the son of Canadian Parliament member Mike Lake, who traveled to New York this week in the shadow of the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders, believed to affect roughly 1 in 88 children in the United States.

Lake and his wife, Debi, say it's often the small victories that count most when raising the eldest of their two children.

"When he was 11, I remember my wife phoning me and saying, 'Jaden just kissed me for the first time,'" Lake said.

The revelation came when Debi had been teaching their son to blow, using a straw she placed in his mouth.

"She noticed that when she pulled it out," a kissing sound sprung from his puckered lips, he said.

"She used that to teach him how to kiss."

Autism is defined as one group of developmental problems within autism spectrum disorders, which surface in early childhood and come with varying degrees of severity, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

It's not clear what causes the disorder and there is no known cure. And though its overall prevalence has been on the rise, it's also unclear whether that increase is a result of better detection or an increase in cases, or both.

Read more:
Autism event pegged to U.N. draws story of perseverance

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

New York (CNN) -- A milestone for 16-year-old Jaden Lake, who has autism, is sometimes as basic as a kiss.

He's the son of Canadian Parliament member Mike Lake, who traveled to New York this week in the shadow of the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders, believed to affect roughly 1 in 88 children in the United States.

Lake and his wife, Debi, say it's often the small victories that count most when raising the eldest of their two children.

"When he was 11, I remember my wife phoning me and saying, 'Jaden just kissed me for the first time,'" Lake said.

The revelation came when Debi had been teaching their son to blow, using a straw she placed in his mouth.

"She noticed that when she pulled it out," a kissing sound sprung from his puckered lips, he said.

"She used that to teach him how to kiss."

Autism is defined as one group of developmental problems within autism spectrum disorders, which surface in early childhood and come with varying degrees of severity, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

It's not clear what causes the disorder and there is no known cure. And though its overall prevalence has been on the rise, it's also unclear whether that increase is a result of better detection or an increase in cases, or both.

Read more here:
A 'World Focus on Autism'

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

New York (CNN) -- A milestone for 16-year-old Jaden Lake, who has autism, is sometimes as basic as a kiss.

He's the son of Canadian Parliament member Mike Lake, who traveled to New York this week in the shadow of the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders, believed to affect roughly 1 in 88 children in the United States.

Lake and his wife, Debi, say it's often the small victories that count most when raising the eldest of their two children.

"When he was 11, I remember my wife phoning me and saying, 'Jaden just kissed me for the first time,'" Lake said.

The revelation came when Debi had been teaching their son to blow, using a straw she placed in his mouth.

"She noticed that when she pulled it out," a kissing sound sprung from his puckered lips, he said.

"She used that to teach him how to kiss."

Autism is defined as one group of developmental problems within autism spectrum disorders, which surface in early childhood and come with varying degrees of severity, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

It's not clear what causes the disorder and there is no known cure. And though its overall prevalence has been on the rise, it's also unclear whether that increase is a result of better detection or an increase in cases, or both.

Read more here:
A 'World Focus on Autism'