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“Finally, some research that makes sense.”
This is what parents of autistic kids are saying, as new research validates my “DNA of crap” theory is suggesting that higher-than-normal levels of a protein element in the blood provide a link to both autism and immune system abnormalities, such as allergies.
The study, from the University of South Florida‘s Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiolgoy, used a mouse model to show that elevated levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) circulating in the blood could explain immune system issues in the autistic population.
“Autism affects one in 110 children in the United States today,” said research team leader Jun Tan, MD, PhD. “While there are reports of abnormal T-cell numbers and function in some persons affected with autism, no specific cause has been identified. The disorder is diagnosed by behavioral observation and to date no associated biomarkers have been identified.”
The amyloid precursor protein is typically the focus of research related to Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent scientific reports have identified elevated levels of the particular protein fragment, called sAPP-α, in the blood of autistic children. The fragment is a well-known growth factor for nerves, and studies imply that it plays a role in T-cell immune responses as well.
Oh, T-cells. You crafty little buggers.
What's your favorite autism Facebook fan page?
April is autism awareness month and as parents and writers here at Babble, we are always searching for new information regarding this disorder. From highlighting the top findings of the past year’s research and the most effective autism interventions to the most successful, new treatments, it seems like every day, research gets better at devising ways to help the many children affected by autism, as well as their parents and families.
While sifting through all the new findings and research while raising an autistic child, there is nothing quite as valuable as connecting with other parents who are experiencing the same things you are. Like most parents, Facebook has become a large part of daily life so it makes sense that there are many pages devoted specifically to autism. Babble decided this month would be a great time to compile a list of the Top 30 Autism Facebook Fan Pages.
New reviews out today suggest which treamtents for autism are most effective
New studies published today in the journal Pediatrics about the treatment of autism confirm that some behavioral and medical treatments are effective at the same time that another widely used alternative therapy has been declared to have no benefit. The conclusion, however, is that there is no best overall treatment.
The studies were funded by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in an effort to compare treatments and their effectiveness in 14 “priority disease areas,” including autism-spectrum disorders.
Autism is a condition marked by social and communication deficits, as well as various other developmental delays. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 110 children in the United States is affected.
Highlights from the last year in autism research
April is Autism Awareness Month and, in fact, president Obama declared April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day, recognizing that autism affects nearly one percent of children in the U.S. (1 in 70 boys) and proclaiming it a public health emergency.
This month is dedicated to learning more about children and adults with autism and throwing more weight behind initiatives like early intervention and research into its root causes.
So what have we learned recently about the biological steps that lead to autism? A lot, actually. Here is a look at 5 highlights from the last year in autism research:
Serotonin's role in autism symptoms
Scientists at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio suggest that up to 30 percent of autism cases may involve a disruption in how the brain processes the neurotransmitter serotonin.
The team has been studying strains of mice that exhibit some of the behaviors characteristic of autism, such as difficulty with social interaction and repetitive behaviors.
In the current experiment, the researchers treated these mice with a drug called Buspirone, which increases the action of serotonin in the brain. With this treatment, the mice became more social and interacted with stranger mice more easily.
Here’s what that means for our understanding of autism’s causes and possible treatments: Continue reading »
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, Subcommittee on Children’s Health met yesterday to discuss the role environmental factors play in the surging autism epidemic.
Autism Speaks’ Chief Science Officer Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of research on environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorders, saying, “Although genetic factors clearly contribute to the causes of autism, we also need to understand environmental factors and their interactions with genetic susceptibility.”
This is good news for parents who feel the recent genetic study doesn’t entirely explain the root of their child’s autism. As you know, many parents still consider vaccines to be the culprit, and paying express attention to other environmental factors will be key in helping them let go of that now disproved theory. Continue reading »
A study published this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that voice recordings of children with autism spectrum disorders are significantly different than those of typically developing kids.
The scientists processed the voices of 232 children, ages 10 months to 4 years (from recordings made all day at home with parents), and analyzed them using a new digital language software technology. According to the study, the babble of even the youngest children showed a distinct verbal signature – different acoustic patterns depending on whether the child was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or not. How could the researchers tell the difference? Continue reading »
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