Promoting Autism Research in Schools

The frustration is a familiar one in autism research: A new behavioral therapy works great when study participants come into a laboratory or academic clinic. Not so well in classrooms where teachers and therapists try to put the intervention into action.
In 2011, Autism Speaks organized a special session of the International Meeting for Autism Research to explore the gap between research and application in real-world classrooms. From this meeting came this month’s special issue of the journal Autism: “School-based Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Autism Speaks sponsored the issue’s publication.

Read more at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/promoting-autism-research-schools

Researchers spot attention deficits in babies who later develop autism

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine are able to detect deficits in social attention in infants as young as six months of age who later develop Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

“This study highlights the possibility of identifying certain features linked to visual attention that can be used for pinpointing infants at greatest risk for ASD in the first year of life,” said Chawarska. “This could make earlier interventions and treatments possible.”

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Innovative Ways the Autism Community Uses iPads

The iPad is an especially useful communication tool for young people with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorders are developmental disabilities that affect about one in every 88 children, and one in 54 boys.  It’s not uncommon for children with autism to be nonverbal and need the iPad to communicate. AutismSpeaks.org says it’s estimated that 25% of people with autism are completely nonverbal.

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Simon Baron-Cohen on Autism and Asperger Syndrome

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The head of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University tells us about myths surrounding autism and Asperger’s, and what inspired his own research into the subject…

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Autism Society - Sensory Friendly Films

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AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the “Sensory Friendly Films” program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.

See on autism-society.org

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Two Nutritional Supplements Could Be Effective Treatments for Autism

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Two promising new treatments for autism have shown effectiveness in pilot studies. Several studies indicate that children with autism often have abnormalities in critical biochemical functions that help maintain health – specifically methylation, glutathione, and mitochondrial functions.

But “these therapies appear to be safe and effective supportive therapies for restoring methylation, glutathione and ATP to near-normal levels in the body, and are likely to help children with autism who experience problems maintaining normal functions,” he says.

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Individualized education model optimizes chances of success for children with autism

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Students with autism have the best chances of success in school through an individualized education model that involves teachers, service providers and parents, according to a new book co-authored by John McGrew, Ph.D., and a psychology professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

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Disrupting Autism with Courage and Technology

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Carly Fleischmann was nervous. Carly was scheduled to speak on a panel at The Nantucket Project, a high profile event with many powerful and influential people in attendance. Carly was diagnosed with severe autism at age two and has an oral motor condition that prevents her from speaking. And yet, Carly has defied the odds.

Watch Carly participate on this panel along with moderator Tom Ashbrook, Autism Speak’s Bob Wright, Marc Sirkin, her aide Howard Dalal and Senator Kerry in the video here:

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Preventing Meltdowns: Outsmarting the Explosive Behavior of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Meltdown behavior is quite common for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. And, indeed, the most frequently asked question by parents and educators is: “What do I do when my child has meltdowns?

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iPad Grants To Improve Learning

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Apple iPad grants can be found to help Classroom teachers, parents of autistic children, preschools, non- profit groups and other institutions pay for iPads to further educational learning of individuals and group.

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What Learning Your Child Has Autism Means to You

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Learning your child has Autism is a life changing moment. Getting around the obstacles as a caregiver can sometimes be stressful but in the end it is well worth the effort.

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Brain Activity Differs in Infant Siblings of Children with Autism

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A new study shows that infants as young as 6 months who are siblings of children with autism have different patterns of brain activity compared to infants who do not have a sibling with autism. These differences in brain activity were present even in infant siblings who did not go on to develop autism. Thus, they may reflect genetic differences that are shared by children with autism and their younger siblings.

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Brain scans detect signs of autism by six months

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“Abnormal brain development in high-risk infants who develop autism may be detected as early as age 6 months — before the appearance of autism symptoms.

Autism is typically diagnosed around the age of 2 or 3. Research suggests that the symptoms of autism — problems with communication, social interaction and behavior — can improve with early intervention.”

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Autism-friendly Technology

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MANILA, Philippines — Many parenting experts have long spoken of the ills of exposing children to too much electronic visual stimuli — like television and computers. But progressive education proponents are also challenging today’s parents to open their minds to the possibility that the next generation will face a school environment very different from ours. The learning environment of the future will be enriched with integrated photos and video teaching aides, instant access to latest research and interaction across vast distances.

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CDC - About Learn the Signs. Act Early - NCBDDD

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“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), in collaboration with a number of national partners, launched a public awareness campaign called ‘Learn the Signs. Act Early.’ The campaign aims to educate parents about childhood development, including early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders, and encourages developmental screening and intervention.”

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Vaccines And Autism: A Dangerous Misunderstanding

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“The vaccine-autism controversy has been brewing ever since Andrew Wakefield published his infamous 1998 paper in The Lancet. Fourteen years later, the study has been retracted and scientists have had no luck finding a legitimate link between childhood vaccinations and autism. Yet, the debate rages on.”

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