Helping children with autism reach their full potential, Where are we at?
A substantial growth in research and advocacy is now informing our modern understanding of Autism , from risk factors to diagnosis and interventions.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination, attention and health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Although autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development, the most obvious clinical signs and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.
All autism disorders are now merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. Early intervention can improve outcomes.
Overview For Parents
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous condition. No two children on the spectrum are alike, and their abilities and needs can differ dramatically.
- Research reveals that changes to an individual’s environment can alter his/her development. This is especially true if these modifications are made early in life, when the brain has the most capacity for change. This capacity, which neuroscientists call ‘plasticity,’ underlies the rationale for early intervention.
- A successful intervention doesn’t have to be limited to a set time with a therapist, but may also involve strategies to help children practice and make use of their skills throughout the day, and in a variety of activites and settings.
- Children with ASD commonly struggle with insomnia that delays the onset of sleep. They also get less rest overall than do typically developing children. Poor sleep can exacerbate some of the classic difficulties of autism, such as being easily excitable, engaging in repetitive behaviors and having trouble with social interactions, communication and attention.
Overview For Clinicians
- Studies suggest that spontaneous deletions or duplications of large chunks of DNA, called copy number variations (CNVs), appear in 2 to 4 percent of children with autism. Some people also have inherited CNVs. These genetic changes also occur in some unaffected siblings. Various other genetic factors, along with environmental ones, help determine whether a CNV leads to autism in any one person.
- More recently, an intriguing finding that children with autism might have less rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep has added to general concerns that a lack of proper sleep may worsen cognitive functioning in people with the disorder. Scientists have begun exploring factors that might cause individuals on the spectrum to stay awake, ranging from psychological issues such as anxiety to a core neurobiological dysfunction in the circadian rhythm.
- Although an estimated 9% of children with autism may no longer have a diagnosis years later, as symptoms can disappear. A new study suggests that nearly all of children who receive an ASD diagnosis may eventually develop related conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression- suggesting that all children who once receive a diagnosis should receive continued care.
Articles
Is the immune system abnormal in autism?
It has been previously suggested that children with autism are not more likely to have problems with their immune system. This study found that there were no major abnormalities of the immune system associated with autism.
What do we know about fragile X?
Little is known about mental deficits associated with the Fragile X permutation. In this study, the authors focused on finding out if social cognition – a mental impairment commonly associated with Fragile X syndrome – is apparent in children with a Fragile X permutation.
Benefits and drawbacks of using genomic discoveries for autism spectrum disorder
This article is a summary of significant advances in evidence-based practices related to ASD diagnosis, characterization, and treatment. It includes a discussion on the scientific, ethical, policy, and communication aspects of translating new discoveries into clinical and diagnostic tools.
Sensori-motor performance and daily living skills in preschool children with autism
Early interventions that address sensory and motor development may facilitate a child’s integration into daycare programs and schools and ease the burden of care for parents.
The ASD Demonstration Project: A multi-center study to expand our understanding of ASD
NeuroDevNet hopes that the ASD Demonstration Project will improve clinical care and the daily lives of individuals with ASD and their families by promoting earlier diagnoses, concrete prognoses, and individually targeted treatments.
Identifying new genetic markers associated with autism spectrum disorders
This study adds 6 potential target loci to the list of genetic mutations that are associated with ASD. Continuing study of important genetic markers will help scientists develop earlier outcome prediction and therapeutic intervention in children with ASDs.
Mutations in the foxp1 gene may be associated with language impairments that accompany intellectual disability and autism
The FOXP1 and FOXP2 genes provide interesting genetic targets for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders like intellectual disability, ASD, and language impairment.
Gene duplications may play a role in developmental disorders with autism-like characteristics
Genetic duplications or deletions may exist even in patients with normal karyotypes, and these variations may play an explanatory role in a patient’s autism-like characteristics.
One case of extreme prematurity suggests a possible link between cerebellar injury and autism spectrum disorders
As more preterm survivors of cerebellar injury are monitored for long-term development, physicians will be able to more readily evaluate potential risk for ASD associated with extreme prematurity and cerebellar injury.
Further insights into the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders
Continuing investigations will help to draw links between particular CNVs and developmental symptoms, enabling improved genetic testing and counselling, and more targeted treatment.
De novo mutations in synapse-related genes show importance in causing autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia
De novo mutations may partially explain the high global incidences of ASD and schizophrenia despite varying environmental factors and the reduced reproductive fitness of affected individuals.
Videos
Interacting with autism project: Sensory overload
Autism: see the potential
Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds
Communities
Sensory overload: Teaching children with autism to take medication
A guide for nurses and parents explaining why children with autism reject medication and specific tips to make taking medicine as easy as possible.
AIDE Canada
The Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada) is a national knowledge network that is committed to providing accurate up-to-date, and useful information and resources to the people who need it. AIDE Canada offers information, tools, and resources about autism and intellectual disabilities across the lifespan.
READYorNot
This brain-based disabilities project is recruiting participants to help develop and test an e-health intervention to improve the transition of care journey from paediatric to adult health care systems. If you are a teen with a disability, you may be eligible to participate in this study!
BRIGHT Coaching
BRIGHT Coaching is a new research program for families whose child is on a wait list for developmental assessments and services. If your child is a preschooler between the ages of 1.5 and 4.5, you may be eligible to join!
Popular Games Adapted for Children with Autism
This blog, written by a special education teacher, provides extensive advice on how to adapt popular games (e.g., tag, Go Fish, board games, etc.) for children with autism.
How Nutrition Impacts Children With Autism
Wondering how to encourage a child with ASD to eat well? This article provides tips to parents with kids on the spectrum to ensure that they consume well-rounded diets.
Children with ASD and Wandering
This blog is useful for parents of children with ASD who wish to understand why their child wanders and find ways to manage it.
Safety Tips and Products for Kids With ASD
This article shares tips to ensure the safety of a child with ASD and provides a list of helpful products.
ASD Mental Health
The aim of this blog is to share research regarding mental health and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with a diverse audience. It contains editorials written by a range of contributors on different topics related to mental health and ASD.
Moms Embracing Autism
Moms Embracing Autism is about empowering parents with the knowledge necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for their children with autism.
Autism Canada Forum
A place for adults on the spectrum to share, ask questions and get advice.
Autism Speaks Canada
At Autism Speaks Canada, our goal is to change the future for all who are impacted by autism spectrum disorder.