Heavy metals may be implicated in autism
30 May 2006
URINE samples from hundreds of French children have yielded evidence for a link between autism and exposure to heavy metals. If validated, the findings might mean some cases of autism could be treated with drugs that purge the body of heavy metals.
Samples from children with autism contained abnormally high levels of a family of proteins called porphyrins, which are precursors in the production of haem, the oxygen-carrying component in haemoglobin.
Heavy metals block haem production, causing porphyrins to accumulate in urine. Concentrations of one molecule, coproporphyrin, were 2.6 times as high in urine from children with autism as in controls.
Autism is thought to have a number of unknown genetic and environmental causes. Richard Lathe of Pieta Research in Edinburgh, UK, says he has found one of these factors. "It's highly likely that heavy metals are responsible for childhood autistic disorder in a majority of cases," he claims. The study will appear in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. [Emphasis added.]
Read full article at: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19025535.400&feedId=health_rss20
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Study: US scientists back autism link to MMR
Study Finds MMR Is Linked With Autism
By Lucy Johnston for the Sunday Express
http://www.express.co.uk
Excerpts from article
Scientists have confirmed the controversial link between MMR and autism.
The findings corroborate research by Dr Andrew Wakefield, discredited by the Department of Health for suggesting the combined measles, mumps and rubella jab may have contributed to rises in the disorder.
The new study, led by Dr Arthur Krigsman, a child gastroenterologist from New York University School of Medicine, has led to calls for an immediate overhaul of Britain's child vaccination programme.
The research, to be presented at the International Conference forAutism Research in Montreal next week, is still going on but, unusuallyearly findings have been released because of the significance.
The study, which covers 275 children and is being carried out atdifferent medical centres in America, found serious intestinal inflammationin autistic children identical to that described by Dr Wakefield and hiscolleagues eight years ago.
Gut biopsy tissue from 82 of these children reveals that 85 per centhave evidence of the measles virus in their inflamed intestines. Fourteen have so far been confirmed by more stringent DNA tests.
The news will be a huge embarrassment for the Department of Healthwhich rubbished Dr Wakefield's research on the grounds it was uncorroborated"bad science". Steve Walker, assistant professor at Wake Forest University Medical Centre, North Carolina, who analysed the gut samples, said the workmirrored Dr Wakefield's study.
"We're very excited by our findings," he said. "Wakefield's study was criticised because it lacked replication. Our goal is to see if the finding was real. Preliminary results show that it was."
Just as Dr Wakefield discovered in his work on the children with apreviously unidentified bowel condition, Dr Krigsman's patients had all inexplicably deteriorated, losing language and other skills at around 12 to 18 months of age.
Related Articles:
US scientists back autism link to MMR
By Beezy Marsh and Sally Beck
(Filed: 28/05/2006)
The measles virus has been found in the guts of children with a form of autism, renewing fears over the safety of the MMR jab.
American researchers have revealed that 85 per cent of samples taken from autistic children with bowel disorders contain the virus. The strain is the same as the one used in the measles, mumps and rubella triple vaccine.
The findings will spark fresh concern about MMR, because they back theories of a causal link between the jab, autism and painful gut disorders suffered by a number of autistic children.
Full article at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/05/28/wmmr28.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/05/28/ixnews.html
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
http://www.autismconcepts.com/
By Lucy Johnston for the Sunday Express
http://www.express.co.uk
Excerpts from article
Scientists have confirmed the controversial link between MMR and autism.
The findings corroborate research by Dr Andrew Wakefield, discredited by the Department of Health for suggesting the combined measles, mumps and rubella jab may have contributed to rises in the disorder.
The new study, led by Dr Arthur Krigsman, a child gastroenterologist from New York University School of Medicine, has led to calls for an immediate overhaul of Britain's child vaccination programme.
The research, to be presented at the International Conference forAutism Research in Montreal next week, is still going on but, unusuallyearly findings have been released because of the significance.
The study, which covers 275 children and is being carried out atdifferent medical centres in America, found serious intestinal inflammationin autistic children identical to that described by Dr Wakefield and hiscolleagues eight years ago.
Gut biopsy tissue from 82 of these children reveals that 85 per centhave evidence of the measles virus in their inflamed intestines. Fourteen have so far been confirmed by more stringent DNA tests.
The news will be a huge embarrassment for the Department of Healthwhich rubbished Dr Wakefield's research on the grounds it was uncorroborated"bad science". Steve Walker, assistant professor at Wake Forest University Medical Centre, North Carolina, who analysed the gut samples, said the workmirrored Dr Wakefield's study.
"We're very excited by our findings," he said. "Wakefield's study was criticised because it lacked replication. Our goal is to see if the finding was real. Preliminary results show that it was."
Just as Dr Wakefield discovered in his work on the children with apreviously unidentified bowel condition, Dr Krigsman's patients had all inexplicably deteriorated, losing language and other skills at around 12 to 18 months of age.
Related Articles:
US scientists back autism link to MMR
By Beezy Marsh and Sally Beck
(Filed: 28/05/2006)
The measles virus has been found in the guts of children with a form of autism, renewing fears over the safety of the MMR jab.
American researchers have revealed that 85 per cent of samples taken from autistic children with bowel disorders contain the virus. The strain is the same as the one used in the measles, mumps and rubella triple vaccine.
The findings will spark fresh concern about MMR, because they back theories of a causal link between the jab, autism and painful gut disorders suffered by a number of autistic children.
Full article at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/05/28/wmmr28.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/05/28/ixnews.html
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
http://www.autismconcepts.com/
Wrightslaw programs to be held in PA in June
SAFE, and The Arc of Delaware’s Parent Mentor Program and the North Penn Special Education Council will offer Wrightslaw programs that are being held on June 7 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, June 14 in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware, (on the boardwalk) and August 15 in Philadelphia. The June 7 program is sponsored by SAFE - Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere. Pat Howey, in “From Emotions to Advocacy” will teach advocacy skills using the Wrightslaw principles. The Rehobeth Beach program is sponsored by The Arc of Delaware's Parent Mentor Program. Pam and I will be talking about special education law, the new Supreme Court cases, changes in IDEA, and advocacy skills. Pam and I will also be the speakers on the same topic at the August 15 Philadelphia program sponsored by North Penn Special Education Council.
The Wrightslaw Program schedule and specific links to each program and agenda are at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/index.htm
The Wrightslaw Program schedule and specific links to each program and agenda are at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/index.htm
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Unmasking The Unscientific JAMA 2006 Childrens Amalgam Study
Response to the NIDCR Funded Children's Amalgam Testing publications in the JAMA 2006
By Boyd Haley, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky
Excerpts from article at: http://www.bioprobe.com/ReadNews.asp?article=95
Below are some comments regarding these studies. Some relevant research publications regarding my comments are presented at the end of this summary.
1. In the first line of the Portugal based study entitled"Neurobehavioral Effects of Dental Amalgam in Children" Dr. Timothy A.DeRouen, et al. writes that "dental amalgam ---emits small amounts of mercury vapor". This is not a scientific nor quantitative statement, i.e.what is a small amount of mercury? The exposure level of a toxin to any such study of this type is absolutely needed and this is totally ignored in these studies making any comments on safety by measuring the urine mercury levels totally invalid. The fact is these researchers are implanting into children a material that is 50% mercury and known to emit mercury vapors, but the question is how much mercury vapor are these children exposed to daily. Both the ADA and the FDA have steadfastly refused to address this question by doing the appropriate experiments and publishing them. My opinion (since I have done this) is that they know the level of mercury vapor emission from amalgams is to high to be accepted as safe, so they stonewall this critical experiment. Now it appears as if the IRB boards of several prestigious medical schools have been convinced to do the same. It is a derilection of duty to place a toxic material into any patient, but especially a child, and especially if the level of toxic exposure is not defined.
2. It has been published and verified that over 90% of mercury excreted by humans leaves through the bilary transport system of the liver and is excreted in the feces, not the urine. Urine mercury levels are well documented not to reflect exposure under many conditions. Therefore, a major flaw in these studies published in JAMA is that they did not measure mercury using the appropriate fecal samples and, instead, used urine, which is a minimal excretion route and vastly under estimates the total mercury exposure. Also, most mercury excreted in the urine is that bound to cysteine or other soluble, small molecule sulfur containing compounds. Therefore, the urine mercury excretion levels are as much dependent on the blood levels ofcysteine or other compounds as they are on mercury exposure. Cysteine levels are dependent on diet. The bottom line is that these studies looked for mercury in all the wrong places. One study reported that mercury in fecal materials was 13 times that in urine of the same patients. If you don't want to find data indicating excess exposure to mercury look where it isn't, look in the urine and that's what these studies did.
3. Since the IRB of several prestigious universities approved this research, i.e. research that exposed children to an unknown daily level of mercury vapor, the public should demand that these same universities perform experiments on the same brand of amalgams, made outside of the mouth, of known weight and surface area and determine the amount of mercury released per day by these amalgams (with and without abrasion to mimic the daily effects of chewing). They should publish these results. With this data a decent estimate of the daily exposure of the children to mercury from these amalgams can be made and an approximate determination of what fraction of the amount excreted in the urine accounts for the bulk of the mercury. Studies done in my laboratory, similar to those done by others, have demonstrated that the emission of mercury vapors were much higher than what has been "estimated" by pro-amalgam individuals. Chew et al. Clinical Preventive Dentistry 13(3) 5-7, 1991, showed that in a study of long term dissolution of mercury from an non-mercury releasing amalgam it was determined that 43.5 microgram/cm2/day Hg was released and this remained constant for 2 years. What is also known is that different amalgam preparations release mercury at vastly different levels. The modern high copper amalgams were shown to release much higher levels than other older type amalgams.
Full article at: http://www.bioprobe.com/ReadNews.asp?article=95
References at: http://www.aim.org/media_monitor/4575_0_2_0_C/
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
By Boyd Haley, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky
Excerpts from article at: http://www.bioprobe.com/ReadNews.asp?article=95
Below are some comments regarding these studies. Some relevant research publications regarding my comments are presented at the end of this summary.
1. In the first line of the Portugal based study entitled"Neurobehavioral Effects of Dental Amalgam in Children" Dr. Timothy A.DeRouen, et al. writes that "dental amalgam ---emits small amounts of mercury vapor". This is not a scientific nor quantitative statement, i.e.what is a small amount of mercury? The exposure level of a toxin to any such study of this type is absolutely needed and this is totally ignored in these studies making any comments on safety by measuring the urine mercury levels totally invalid. The fact is these researchers are implanting into children a material that is 50% mercury and known to emit mercury vapors, but the question is how much mercury vapor are these children exposed to daily. Both the ADA and the FDA have steadfastly refused to address this question by doing the appropriate experiments and publishing them. My opinion (since I have done this) is that they know the level of mercury vapor emission from amalgams is to high to be accepted as safe, so they stonewall this critical experiment. Now it appears as if the IRB boards of several prestigious medical schools have been convinced to do the same. It is a derilection of duty to place a toxic material into any patient, but especially a child, and especially if the level of toxic exposure is not defined.
2. It has been published and verified that over 90% of mercury excreted by humans leaves through the bilary transport system of the liver and is excreted in the feces, not the urine. Urine mercury levels are well documented not to reflect exposure under many conditions. Therefore, a major flaw in these studies published in JAMA is that they did not measure mercury using the appropriate fecal samples and, instead, used urine, which is a minimal excretion route and vastly under estimates the total mercury exposure. Also, most mercury excreted in the urine is that bound to cysteine or other soluble, small molecule sulfur containing compounds. Therefore, the urine mercury excretion levels are as much dependent on the blood levels ofcysteine or other compounds as they are on mercury exposure. Cysteine levels are dependent on diet. The bottom line is that these studies looked for mercury in all the wrong places. One study reported that mercury in fecal materials was 13 times that in urine of the same patients. If you don't want to find data indicating excess exposure to mercury look where it isn't, look in the urine and that's what these studies did.
3. Since the IRB of several prestigious universities approved this research, i.e. research that exposed children to an unknown daily level of mercury vapor, the public should demand that these same universities perform experiments on the same brand of amalgams, made outside of the mouth, of known weight and surface area and determine the amount of mercury released per day by these amalgams (with and without abrasion to mimic the daily effects of chewing). They should publish these results. With this data a decent estimate of the daily exposure of the children to mercury from these amalgams can be made and an approximate determination of what fraction of the amount excreted in the urine accounts for the bulk of the mercury. Studies done in my laboratory, similar to those done by others, have demonstrated that the emission of mercury vapors were much higher than what has been "estimated" by pro-amalgam individuals. Chew et al. Clinical Preventive Dentistry 13(3) 5-7, 1991, showed that in a study of long term dissolution of mercury from an non-mercury releasing amalgam it was determined that 43.5 microgram/cm2/day Hg was released and this remained constant for 2 years. What is also known is that different amalgam preparations release mercury at vastly different levels. The modern high copper amalgams were shown to release much higher levels than other older type amalgams.
Full article at: http://www.bioprobe.com/ReadNews.asp?article=95
References at: http://www.aim.org/media_monitor/4575_0_2_0_C/
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Thursday, May 18, 2006
NYS - Use of Aversives: Second Request:
** High Priority **
This is a second request for all public and private school-age and preschool programs, both in-state and out-of-state, serving New York State students with disabilities to submit a response for information related to use of aversives in their schools in preparation for the upcoming Board of Regents meeting. If you have not already responded, please do so immediately.
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/2aversives.htm
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
This is a second request for all public and private school-age and preschool programs, both in-state and out-of-state, serving New York State students with disabilities to submit a response for information related to use of aversives in their schools in preparation for the upcoming Board of Regents meeting. If you have not already responded, please do so immediately.
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/2aversives.htm
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
"Autism Every Day" - Powerful Video by Autism Speaks
We wish to share with you a link to a video called "Autism Every Day" produced by Autism Speaks. This powerful 13 minute video allows us to enter the lives of several families documenting the many challenges and struggles faced by all families living with autism to see what daily living with autism actually entails.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/sponsoredevents/autism_every_day.php
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
http://www.autismspeaks.org/sponsoredevents/autism_every_day.php
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Pilot Study to Enhance Conversational Skills
A program has been developed that is an innovative intervention utilizing video modeling designed to improve the social skills in males' ages 16-24 diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. This is an individualized program with frequent opportunities for practice and feedback. This is a pilot study conducted by Shuli Sandler, M.S. and Stephany Abrams,M.S. (doctoral students at Long Island University, C.W. Post) under the auspices of David Roll, Ph.D.
For more information please email <mailto:shulamit.weiner@cwpost.liu.edu>shulamit.weiner@cwpost.liu.edu or call (516) 299-3643. All sessions will take place in Roslyn (Long Island), New York for approximately 6-8 sessions.
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Practical ways to help, plan and manage daily living with autism
www.AutismConcepts.com
For more information please email <mailto:shulamit.weiner@cwpost.liu.edu>shulamit.weiner@cwpost.liu.edu or call (516) 299-3643. All sessions will take place in Roslyn (Long Island), New York for approximately 6-8 sessions.
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
Practical ways to help, plan and manage daily living with autism
www.AutismConcepts.com
Public Hearing Announcement - May 31, 2006
An announcement of a public hearing to be held on May 31, 2006 is nowavailable. This hearing will provide an opportunity for public commenton proposed amendments to State law to ensure compliance with theIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by theIndividuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (PublicLaw 108-446).
Please share as soon as possible with appropriateindividuals and networks. Thank you.
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/idea/publichear506.htm
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Please share as soon as possible with appropriateindividuals and networks. Thank you.
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/idea/publichear506.htm
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Study: Autistic brains 'never daydream'
BBC News
Autistic brains 'never daydream'
People with autism do not daydream, a study has found.
The resting period usually gives time for areas of the brain to process emotional and reflective thoughts.
The University of California research, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, compared brain scans of people with autism and those without.
The scientists said the typical social awkwardness seen in autism may be due to this failure of this "daydreaming" brain network.
Several regions of the brain are highly active during these periods - including the medial prefrontal cortex, the rostral anterior cingulate and the precuneus.
This activity is suppressed when the brain is doing something which demands understanding, or another intellectual process.
Full article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4751075.stm
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Autistic brains 'never daydream'
People with autism do not daydream, a study has found.
The resting period usually gives time for areas of the brain to process emotional and reflective thoughts.
The University of California research, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, compared brain scans of people with autism and those without.
The scientists said the typical social awkwardness seen in autism may be due to this failure of this "daydreaming" brain network.
Several regions of the brain are highly active during these periods - including the medial prefrontal cortex, the rostral anterior cingulate and the precuneus.
This activity is suppressed when the brain is doing something which demands understanding, or another intellectual process.
Full article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4751075.stm
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Friday, May 12, 2006
Army Releases Autistic Teen
Army Releases Autistic Teen
Portland, Ore., May 12, 2006
(CBS/AP) An 18-year-old Portland man with autism, whose recruitment renewed questions about Army practices, was released Tuesday from his enlistment contract.
Jared Guinther signed up for one of the Army's most dangerous jobs, cavalry scout, after being heavily recruited. He passed medical and other examinations. He was scheduled to leave for basic training in August.
The Army announced Tuesday that it decided he didn't meet enrollment criteria, two days after The Oregonian newspaper reported his parents' objections.
Gaylan Johnson, spokesman for the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, said Guinther's disability was not disclosed in the medical exam and information regarding his condition was not available to the command until after the enrollment process was complete. The command oversees medical exams for the Army.
Guinther's mother told The Oregonian she informed recruiters about her son's disability by telephone as Jared was being tested, but that he was accepted for enlistment anyway. Family and friends say anyone who reviewed the young man's medical or school records would know he was unfit for military service.
"Jared would play with buttons for hours on end," she told the Oregonian. "He'd play with one toy for days. Loud noises bothered him. He was scared to death of the toilet flushing, the lawn mower."
An investigation is under way into whether recruiters improperly concealed Guinther's condition.
Read full article at: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/12/national/main1613987.shtml
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Portland, Ore., May 12, 2006
(CBS/AP) An 18-year-old Portland man with autism, whose recruitment renewed questions about Army practices, was released Tuesday from his enlistment contract.
Jared Guinther signed up for one of the Army's most dangerous jobs, cavalry scout, after being heavily recruited. He passed medical and other examinations. He was scheduled to leave for basic training in August.
The Army announced Tuesday that it decided he didn't meet enrollment criteria, two days after The Oregonian newspaper reported his parents' objections.
Gaylan Johnson, spokesman for the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, said Guinther's disability was not disclosed in the medical exam and information regarding his condition was not available to the command until after the enrollment process was complete. The command oversees medical exams for the Army.
Guinther's mother told The Oregonian she informed recruiters about her son's disability by telephone as Jared was being tested, but that he was accepted for enlistment anyway. Family and friends say anyone who reviewed the young man's medical or school records would know he was unfit for military service.
"Jared would play with buttons for hours on end," she told the Oregonian. "He'd play with one toy for days. Loud noises bothered him. He was scared to death of the toilet flushing, the lawn mower."
An investigation is under way into whether recruiters improperly concealed Guinther's condition.
Read full article at: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/12/national/main1613987.shtml
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Senator launches autism inquiry, calls for help for families
Canadian Press
Thursday, May 11, 2006
OTTAWA (CP) - A senator is launching an inquiry into the plight faced by parents of children with autism.
"It is heartbreaking to see what families with autistic children have to deal with," Jim Munson said in a news release Thursday.
"Where is the universality in health care that Canadians are so proud of? It's not to be found if you have autism.
Read article at: http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=d0f48833-7728-4198-93d6-e07b7acfd078&k=4633
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Thursday, May 11, 2006
OTTAWA (CP) - A senator is launching an inquiry into the plight faced by parents of children with autism.
"It is heartbreaking to see what families with autistic children have to deal with," Jim Munson said in a news release Thursday.
"Where is the universality in health care that Canadians are so proud of? It's not to be found if you have autism.
Read article at: http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=d0f48833-7728-4198-93d6-e07b7acfd078&k=4633
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Minority and multiracial children experience many disparities in medical and oral health status
Child Health News
Published: Wednesday, 3-May-2006
Minority and multiracial children experience many disparities in medical and oral health status, access to care, and use of services, according to a new national study by researchers at the Center for Advancement of Underserved Children at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
These racial/ethnic groups had pronounced adverse disparities in several areas:
--African Americans: disparities were greatest in care for asthma, behavioral problems, skin disorders, speech problems, and unmet prescription needs
--Latinos: disparities were greatest in the lack of health insurance, having no usual source of medical care, and not getting prescriptions for needed medications
--Native Americans: disparities greatest in hearing/vision problems, frequent ED visits, no usual source of care and unmet medical dental needs.
---Asian Pacific Islanders: disparities greatest in inferior oral health, not seeing a doctor in the past year, and problems getting specialty care.
--Multiracial children also experienced multiple disparities, including significantly higher risks than white children of asthma, unmet healthcare needs due to health plan problems, having no regular healthcare provider, and having no dental visits in the past year.
Article available at: http://www.news-medical.net/?id=17719
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Published: Wednesday, 3-May-2006
Minority and multiracial children experience many disparities in medical and oral health status, access to care, and use of services, according to a new national study by researchers at the Center for Advancement of Underserved Children at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
These racial/ethnic groups had pronounced adverse disparities in several areas:
--African Americans: disparities were greatest in care for asthma, behavioral problems, skin disorders, speech problems, and unmet prescription needs
--Latinos: disparities were greatest in the lack of health insurance, having no usual source of medical care, and not getting prescriptions for needed medications
--Native Americans: disparities greatest in hearing/vision problems, frequent ED visits, no usual source of care and unmet medical dental needs.
---Asian Pacific Islanders: disparities greatest in inferior oral health, not seeing a doctor in the past year, and problems getting specialty care.
--Multiracial children also experienced multiple disparities, including significantly higher risks than white children of asthma, unmet healthcare needs due to health plan problems, having no regular healthcare provider, and having no dental visits in the past year.
Article available at: http://www.news-medical.net/?id=17719
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Helping Hand Program for Single Parents in Dire Financial Need
From National Autism Association
Helping Hand Program provides single parents with financial assistance in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child. Do not apply if you are seeking funds for respite care, fencing, trampolines, swingsets, trips to Disney World, etc.
This program is intended ONLY for SINGLE PARENTS in DIRE financial need.
Go to nationalautismassociation.org to download an application.
Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2006 and will be kept eligible through the end of the year. Please email questions to ann@nationalautism.org.
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Helping Hand Program provides single parents with financial assistance in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child. Do not apply if you are seeking funds for respite care, fencing, trampolines, swingsets, trips to Disney World, etc.
This program is intended ONLY for SINGLE PARENTS in DIRE financial need.
Go to nationalautismassociation.org to download an application.
Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2006 and will be kept eligible through the end of the year. Please email questions to ann@nationalautism.org.
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
"Helping" Autistic People to Speak
Wednesday, May. 10, 2006
A look at the controversial technique called facilitated communication
By Claudia Wallis
What's so controversial about FC? A preponderance of studies have found that the ideas being expressed are not those of the person with autism but rather those of the facilitator. In several studies, only a small percentage of FC users were conclusively shown to be expressing independent thoughts. In some studies where the facilitator and FC user were separated, given different sets of information and then asked questions about it, it was facilitator's information that was more often expressed in typing, though the facilitators are often unaware that they are leading, says James Mulick, professor of pediatrics and psychology at Ohio State University and co-author of research debunking FC.
Read full article at: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1192775,00.html
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
A look at the controversial technique called facilitated communication
By Claudia Wallis
What's so controversial about FC? A preponderance of studies have found that the ideas being expressed are not those of the person with autism but rather those of the facilitator. In several studies, only a small percentage of FC users were conclusively shown to be expressing independent thoughts. In some studies where the facilitator and FC user were separated, given different sets of information and then asked questions about it, it was facilitator's information that was more often expressed in typing, though the facilitators are often unaware that they are leading, says James Mulick, professor of pediatrics and psychology at Ohio State University and co-author of research debunking FC.
Read full article at: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1192775,00.html
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Pediatricians Fail to Screen for Autism, Johns Hopkins Study Finds
Tue May 9 09:20:30 2006 Pacific Time
Pediatricians Fail to Screen for Autism, Johns Hopkins Study Finds; Most Know Too Little About the Screening Tools
BALTIMORE, May 9 (AScribe Newswire) -- Few Maryland and Delaware primary care pediatricians screen patients regularly for autism and autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) as part of their overall look at possible developmental delays, according to results of a joint study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Of the 255 pediatricians who participated in the study, 209 (82 percent) said they regularly screen their patients for general developmental delays, but only 20 of the 255 (8 percent) said they do so for ASD. Of those who do not screen routinely for ASD, almost two-thirds (62 percent) said they failed to do so because they weren't familiar with the screening tools.
"Lack of familiarity with ASD screening tools appears to be the single greatest barrier to routine screening," said Susan dosReis, Ph.D., of the Children's Center Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and lead author of the paper, which appears in a May 11 supplement of the April issue of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
The findings suggest that screening for ASD remains largely opportunistic rather than systematic, researchers say.
Screening is essential, as delay in diagnosis and treatment generally leads to poorer outcomes in children with developmental disorders.
"This study suggests that current national efforts may not be sufficient to actively promote the use of ASD screening tools in the general pediatric practice," dosReis added. "So it is important to learn what some obstacles might be and what needs to be done to overcome those barriers."
Previous research suggests that another factor might be that many pediatricians do not feel well-trained in general developmental and behavioral issues, researchers say.
Enhancement of residency training, complemented by introduction and training in ASD screening tools, might boost ASD screening in the general pediatric practice, dosReis added.
Almost half (47 percent) of the physicians who did not screen routinely said they preferred to send the child to a clinical specialist, whereas nearly one-third (32 percent) cited lack of time as a major reason for not screening. Of those who reported screening regularly for ASD, 90 percent said they were usually prompted to do so by parental concern and/or suspicion of ASD during routine examination.
Of the 18 percent who reported not screening routinely for any developmental delays, 73 percent cited lack of time as their top reason.
The prevalence of autism, estimated to be between 12 and 40 cases per 10,000 children, has grown over the last decade. The reasons behind the higher prevalence have flamed an ongoing debate. Some researchers attribute the increase to an actual jump in the incidence of the disorder, while others claim it is because of more aggressive screening and new diagnostic criteria, which leads to a higher number of new diagnoses.
In the Hopkins study, 99 percent of the pediatricians who believed there is an increase in ASD prevalence attributed it, at least in part, to new diagnostic criteria. At the same time, 38 percent said that underlying risk factors, other than new diagnostic guidelines, have played a role. Of these, one-third believed that environmental factors played a role, while only 7 percent attributed the increase to genetic factors, and 1 percent attributed it to vaccinations.
Researchers caution that the findings cannot be generalized beyond Maryland and Delaware because screening practices might vary by geographic area.
Co-investigators included Craig Newschaffer, Ph.D., and Lakeisha Johnson of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Courtney Weiner, B.S., of the Children Center's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
The study was funded in part by the National Centers on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ABOUT JOHNS HOPKINS CHILDREN'S CENTER
Founded in 1912 as the children's hospital of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins Children's Center offers one of the most comprehensive pediatric medical programs in the country, from performing emergency trauma surgery, to finding causes and treatments for childhood cancers, to delivering a child's good bill of health. The Johns Hopkins Children's Center's pediatric trauma service is Maryland's only state-designated trauma center for children. (Did this previous line get added to our boilerplate statement somewhere along the way?) With recognized Centers of Excellence in 20 pediatric subspecialties including cardiology, transplant, psychiatric illnesses and genetic disorders, Children's Center physicians, nurses and staff provide compassionate care to more than 90,000 children each year. For more information, please visit: www.hopkinschildrens.org
- - - -
CONTACT: Katerina Pesheva, Johns Hopkins Medicine Media, Relations, 410-516-4996, pager 410-283-1966, epeshev1@jhmi.edu
###
Other related articles:
Autism Not Often Tested In Children
Study Shows Doctors Check On Parents Request
May 11, 2006
Over 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism, and many pediatricians don't even test children for the disorder.
A new study from Johns Hopkins found that out of 255 doctors surveyed, less than 8 percent routinely test children for autism, Local 4 reported.
According to the study, 90 percent of pediatricians that did test for the disorder did so upon the parents' request.
Article available at: http://www.clickondetroit.com/health/9200668/detail.html
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Pediatricians Fail to Screen for Autism, Johns Hopkins Study Finds; Most Know Too Little About the Screening Tools
BALTIMORE, May 9 (AScribe Newswire) -- Few Maryland and Delaware primary care pediatricians screen patients regularly for autism and autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) as part of their overall look at possible developmental delays, according to results of a joint study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Of the 255 pediatricians who participated in the study, 209 (82 percent) said they regularly screen their patients for general developmental delays, but only 20 of the 255 (8 percent) said they do so for ASD. Of those who do not screen routinely for ASD, almost two-thirds (62 percent) said they failed to do so because they weren't familiar with the screening tools.
"Lack of familiarity with ASD screening tools appears to be the single greatest barrier to routine screening," said Susan dosReis, Ph.D., of the Children's Center Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and lead author of the paper, which appears in a May 11 supplement of the April issue of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
The findings suggest that screening for ASD remains largely opportunistic rather than systematic, researchers say.
Screening is essential, as delay in diagnosis and treatment generally leads to poorer outcomes in children with developmental disorders.
"This study suggests that current national efforts may not be sufficient to actively promote the use of ASD screening tools in the general pediatric practice," dosReis added. "So it is important to learn what some obstacles might be and what needs to be done to overcome those barriers."
Previous research suggests that another factor might be that many pediatricians do not feel well-trained in general developmental and behavioral issues, researchers say.
Enhancement of residency training, complemented by introduction and training in ASD screening tools, might boost ASD screening in the general pediatric practice, dosReis added.
Almost half (47 percent) of the physicians who did not screen routinely said they preferred to send the child to a clinical specialist, whereas nearly one-third (32 percent) cited lack of time as a major reason for not screening. Of those who reported screening regularly for ASD, 90 percent said they were usually prompted to do so by parental concern and/or suspicion of ASD during routine examination.
Of the 18 percent who reported not screening routinely for any developmental delays, 73 percent cited lack of time as their top reason.
The prevalence of autism, estimated to be between 12 and 40 cases per 10,000 children, has grown over the last decade. The reasons behind the higher prevalence have flamed an ongoing debate. Some researchers attribute the increase to an actual jump in the incidence of the disorder, while others claim it is because of more aggressive screening and new diagnostic criteria, which leads to a higher number of new diagnoses.
In the Hopkins study, 99 percent of the pediatricians who believed there is an increase in ASD prevalence attributed it, at least in part, to new diagnostic criteria. At the same time, 38 percent said that underlying risk factors, other than new diagnostic guidelines, have played a role. Of these, one-third believed that environmental factors played a role, while only 7 percent attributed the increase to genetic factors, and 1 percent attributed it to vaccinations.
Researchers caution that the findings cannot be generalized beyond Maryland and Delaware because screening practices might vary by geographic area.
Co-investigators included Craig Newschaffer, Ph.D., and Lakeisha Johnson of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Courtney Weiner, B.S., of the Children Center's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
The study was funded in part by the National Centers on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ABOUT JOHNS HOPKINS CHILDREN'S CENTER
Founded in 1912 as the children's hospital of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins Children's Center offers one of the most comprehensive pediatric medical programs in the country, from performing emergency trauma surgery, to finding causes and treatments for childhood cancers, to delivering a child's good bill of health. The Johns Hopkins Children's Center's pediatric trauma service is Maryland's only state-designated trauma center for children. (Did this previous line get added to our boilerplate statement somewhere along the way?) With recognized Centers of Excellence in 20 pediatric subspecialties including cardiology, transplant, psychiatric illnesses and genetic disorders, Children's Center physicians, nurses and staff provide compassionate care to more than 90,000 children each year. For more information, please visit: www.hopkinschildrens.org
- - - -
CONTACT: Katerina Pesheva, Johns Hopkins Medicine Media, Relations, 410-516-4996, pager 410-283-1966, epeshev1@jhmi.edu
###
Other related articles:
Autism Not Often Tested In Children
Study Shows Doctors Check On Parents Request
May 11, 2006
Over 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism, and many pediatricians don't even test children for the disorder.
A new study from Johns Hopkins found that out of 255 doctors surveyed, less than 8 percent routinely test children for autism, Local 4 reported.
According to the study, 90 percent of pediatricians that did test for the disorder did so upon the parents' request.
Article available at: http://www.clickondetroit.com/health/9200668/detail.html
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Vaccine makers helped write Frist-backed shield law
Vaccine makers helped write Frist-backed shield law
E-mails reveal private meetings
By Bill Theobald
Tennessean Washington Bureau
Washington - Vaccine industry officials helped shape legislation behind the scenes that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist secretly amended into a bill to shield them from lawsuits, according to e-mails obtained by a public advocacy group.
E-mails and documents written by a trade group for the vaccine-makers show the organization met privately with Frist's staff and the White House about measures that would give the industry protection from lawsuits filed by people hurt by the vaccines.
The communications were made public in a report released this week by the group Public Citizen. Its study follows a February story in The Tennessean that Frist, along with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., ordered the vaccine liability language inserted in a defense spending bill in December without debate and in violation of usual Senate practice.
Read article at: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605080356
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
E-mails reveal private meetings
By Bill Theobald
Tennessean Washington Bureau
Washington - Vaccine industry officials helped shape legislation behind the scenes that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist secretly amended into a bill to shield them from lawsuits, according to e-mails obtained by a public advocacy group.
E-mails and documents written by a trade group for the vaccine-makers show the organization met privately with Frist's staff and the White House about measures that would give the industry protection from lawsuits filed by people hurt by the vaccines.
The communications were made public in a report released this week by the group Public Citizen. Its study follows a February story in The Tennessean that Frist, along with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., ordered the vaccine liability language inserted in a defense spending bill in December without debate and in violation of usual Senate practice.
Read article at: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605080356
For information, resources and practical strategies visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Monday, May 08, 2006
DynaVox Virtual (On-line) Trainings May/June 2006
DynaVox Virtual (On-line) Trainings May/June 2006
To learn more about each session and to register, go to the following website at: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/Default.aspx?tabid=81
Note: Some classes are given at multiple times.
MAY / 2006
May 9 at 12:00 PM Introduction to Series 4: Application and Use
May 9 at 2:00 PM MiniMo and MightyMo
May 17 at 9:00 AM, Introduction to Series 4: Application and Use
May 18 at 10:00 AM Introduction to Series 4: Page Set Overview
May 18 at 1:00 PM Advanced Series 4: Incorporating Digital Pictures into Your Communication Pages
May 30 at 5:00 PM Advanced Series 4: Moving Pages from Your Page Editing Software to your Device
JUNE / 2006
June 8 at 4:00 PM NEW!! Communicate 4: Supporting People who Use AAC in Acquiring Communication Skills for Self-Advocacy
June 13 at 5:30 PM Introduction to Series 4: Application and Use.
June 14 at 10:00 AM Advanced Series 4: Saving Important Information on your Device
June 16 at 11:00 AM MiniMo and MightyMo
June 19 at 4:00 PM DynaVox 3100: Getting Started
June 21 at 3:00 PM Advanced Series 4: Incorporating Digital Pictures into Your Communication Pages
June 21 at 5:00 PM Advanced Series 4: The Page Editor
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
To learn more about each session and to register, go to the following website at: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/Default.aspx?tabid=81
Note: Some classes are given at multiple times.
MAY / 2006
May 9 at 12:00 PM Introduction to Series 4: Application and Use
May 9 at 2:00 PM MiniMo and MightyMo
May 17 at 9:00 AM, Introduction to Series 4: Application and Use
May 18 at 10:00 AM Introduction to Series 4: Page Set Overview
May 18 at 1:00 PM Advanced Series 4: Incorporating Digital Pictures into Your Communication Pages
May 30 at 5:00 PM Advanced Series 4: Moving Pages from Your Page Editing Software to your Device
JUNE / 2006
June 8 at 4:00 PM NEW!! Communicate 4: Supporting People who Use AAC in Acquiring Communication Skills for Self-Advocacy
June 13 at 5:30 PM Introduction to Series 4: Application and Use.
June 14 at 10:00 AM Advanced Series 4: Saving Important Information on your Device
June 16 at 11:00 AM MiniMo and MightyMo
June 19 at 4:00 PM DynaVox 3100: Getting Started
June 21 at 3:00 PM Advanced Series 4: Incorporating Digital Pictures into Your Communication Pages
June 21 at 5:00 PM Advanced Series 4: The Page Editor
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Immune system, blood altered in autism
Immune system, blood altered in autism
"From these results we think it is highly likely that there are differences we can detect in blood samples that will be predictive of the disorder, though we are still some years away from having an actual diagnostic blood test for autism," said researcher David Amaral, who led the study.
What good would this do, as there is no cure?
"There is a growing view among experts that not all children with autism are ’doomed to autism’ at birth," Amaral said in a statement.
"It may be that some children have a vulnerability, such as a genetic abnormality, and that something they encounter after being born, perhaps in their environment, triggers the disorder," he added.
"Studying the biological signs of autism could lead to new ways to prevent the disorder from ever occurring. And even if it can’t be prevented, intervening early in life -- ideally shortly after birth -- could greatly improve the lifetime outlook for children with autism."
Article at: http://paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=142921
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
"From these results we think it is highly likely that there are differences we can detect in blood samples that will be predictive of the disorder, though we are still some years away from having an actual diagnostic blood test for autism," said researcher David Amaral, who led the study.
What good would this do, as there is no cure?
"There is a growing view among experts that not all children with autism are ’doomed to autism’ at birth," Amaral said in a statement.
"It may be that some children have a vulnerability, such as a genetic abnormality, and that something they encounter after being born, perhaps in their environment, triggers the disorder," he added.
"Studying the biological signs of autism could lead to new ways to prevent the disorder from ever occurring. And even if it can’t be prevented, intervening early in life -- ideally shortly after birth -- could greatly improve the lifetime outlook for children with autism."
Article at: http://paktribune.com/news/print.php?id=142921
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Autism - The signing of a disabled Portland man despite warnings reflects problems nationally for military enlistment
An Army of one wrong recruit
Autism - The signing of a disabled Portland man despite warnings reflects problems nationally for military enlistment
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Michelle Roberts
"When Jared first started talking about joining the Army, I thought, 'Well, that isn't going to happen,' " said Paul Guinther, Jared's father. "I told my wife not to worry about it. They're not going to take anybody in the service who's autistic."
But they did. Last month, Jared came home with papers showing that he not only had enlisted, but also had signed up for the Army's most dangerous job: cavalry scout. He is scheduled to leave for basic training Aug. 16.
Officials are now investigating whether recruiters at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Southeast Portland improperly concealed Jared's disability, which should have made him ineligible for service.
Read full article at: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1146882329307730.xml&coll=7
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Autism - The signing of a disabled Portland man despite warnings reflects problems nationally for military enlistment
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Michelle Roberts
"When Jared first started talking about joining the Army, I thought, 'Well, that isn't going to happen,' " said Paul Guinther, Jared's father. "I told my wife not to worry about it. They're not going to take anybody in the service who's autistic."
But they did. Last month, Jared came home with papers showing that he not only had enlisted, but also had signed up for the Army's most dangerous job: cavalry scout. He is scheduled to leave for basic training Aug. 16.
Officials are now investigating whether recruiters at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Southeast Portland improperly concealed Jared's disability, which should have made him ineligible for service.
Read full article at: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1146882329307730.xml&coll=7
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
CDC Autism Prevalence Findings Consistent With Vaccine Mercury Role in Autism Increase; SafeMinds Review Shows Numbers Clear on Epidemic
CDC Autism Prevalence Findings Consistent With Vaccine Mercury Role in Autism Increase; SafeMinds Review Shows Numbers Clear on Epidemic
5/5/2006 12:11:00 PM
To: National Desk, Health Reporter
Contact: Jamie Shor, 202-628-7772 or Jshor@venturecommunications.com
WASHINGTON, May 5 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta today released new figures showing the alarming prevalence of autism in this country, with about 1 in 175 school aged children having an autism diagnosis. However, a review of the study by SafeMinds has found that the CDC's interpretation of their own numbers is missing half the story -- the half that says that the dramatic rise in autism in the 1990s is real and corresponds to the increased exposure to mercury from infant vaccines.
"The study, while valuable in showing that autism rates are high, also substantiated that the rate of autism has increased during the 1990s, and that the rate of autism among children born after 1992 are at epidemic proportions of 6.8-7.6 cases per thousand," said SafeMinds Executive Director Sallie Bernard. The rate of autism among children in the study born 1986-1992 were much lower, 4.1-4.6 cases per thousand, about 3/5 the rate of the children born after 1992. "The rise in autism rates for children born after1992 as compared to those born between 1986 and 1992 corresponds to increased exposures from mercury in infant vaccines. Two new mercury-containing vaccines were added to the infant schedule in 1990-1991, and it is after this time period that the rate in autism increased dramatically."
During its press conference on the study findings, the CDC tried to explain away the increase, saying autism trends could not be derived from the study and that the higher rate of autism among children born from1992 onward could be due to broadening of diagnostic criteria or to the older children losing their autism diagnosis. These excuses are disputed by SafeMinds and other autism organizations. The differences in prevalence rates between the age groups of the study are statistically significant, meaning they are unlikely to have occurred by chance, so the study does have value in understanding autism trends. There is no evidence that changes in diagnostic criteria would have effected children born 1986-1992 less than those born after 1992. Historically, only 10 percent-15 percent of autistic children later lose their diagnosis, not enough to explain the huge differences in prevalence between older and younger age groups.
"The CDC does not want to acknowledge the increase in autism because it implicates mercury in vaccines," explained Bernard. "The CDC is in charge of vaccine safety, so proof of harm from vaccines reflects poorly on them. Looking at the way they have spun these results, they have dropped the ball again in their handling of the autism epidemic."
---
The Coalition for SafeMinds (Sensible Action For Ending Mercury-Induced Neurological Disorders, http://www.safeminds.org ) is a private nonprofit organization founded to investigate and raise awareness of the risks to infants and children of exposure to mercury from medical products, including thimerosal in vaccines. Safe Minds supports research on the potential harmful effects of mercury and thimerosal.
###
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
5/5/2006 12:11:00 PM
To: National Desk, Health Reporter
Contact: Jamie Shor, 202-628-7772 or Jshor@venturecommunications.com
WASHINGTON, May 5 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta today released new figures showing the alarming prevalence of autism in this country, with about 1 in 175 school aged children having an autism diagnosis. However, a review of the study by SafeMinds has found that the CDC's interpretation of their own numbers is missing half the story -- the half that says that the dramatic rise in autism in the 1990s is real and corresponds to the increased exposure to mercury from infant vaccines.
"The study, while valuable in showing that autism rates are high, also substantiated that the rate of autism has increased during the 1990s, and that the rate of autism among children born after 1992 are at epidemic proportions of 6.8-7.6 cases per thousand," said SafeMinds Executive Director Sallie Bernard. The rate of autism among children in the study born 1986-1992 were much lower, 4.1-4.6 cases per thousand, about 3/5 the rate of the children born after 1992. "The rise in autism rates for children born after1992 as compared to those born between 1986 and 1992 corresponds to increased exposures from mercury in infant vaccines. Two new mercury-containing vaccines were added to the infant schedule in 1990-1991, and it is after this time period that the rate in autism increased dramatically."
During its press conference on the study findings, the CDC tried to explain away the increase, saying autism trends could not be derived from the study and that the higher rate of autism among children born from1992 onward could be due to broadening of diagnostic criteria or to the older children losing their autism diagnosis. These excuses are disputed by SafeMinds and other autism organizations. The differences in prevalence rates between the age groups of the study are statistically significant, meaning they are unlikely to have occurred by chance, so the study does have value in understanding autism trends. There is no evidence that changes in diagnostic criteria would have effected children born 1986-1992 less than those born after 1992. Historically, only 10 percent-15 percent of autistic children later lose their diagnosis, not enough to explain the huge differences in prevalence between older and younger age groups.
"The CDC does not want to acknowledge the increase in autism because it implicates mercury in vaccines," explained Bernard. "The CDC is in charge of vaccine safety, so proof of harm from vaccines reflects poorly on them. Looking at the way they have spun these results, they have dropped the ball again in their handling of the autism epidemic."
---
The Coalition for SafeMinds (Sensible Action For Ending Mercury-Induced Neurological Disorders, http://www.safeminds.org ) is a private nonprofit organization founded to investigate and raise awareness of the risks to infants and children of exposure to mercury from medical products, including thimerosal in vaccines. Safe Minds supports research on the potential harmful effects of mercury and thimerosal.
###
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Autism Benefit at Carolines on Broadway
From OAR Press Release:
Autism Benefit at Carolines on Broadway
Arlington, VA, May 5, 2006 – Enjoy an evening of song and laughter and support autism research at the same time. On Monday, May 22, join comediennes Jackie Hoffman and Kristine Zbornik, singers Andrew Halliday and Liz Callaway, and friends of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) for the ninth performance of Other Voices titled A Night of Comedy and Song.
Other Voices is a benefit co-hosted by OAR and Shotgun Productions, a New York nonprofit dedicated to developing works by emerging theatrical artists. The benefit is named in recognition of children with autism, many of whom cannot speak, and emerging artists whose voices have not yet been heard. For the past nine years, Shotgun Productions has produced a series of memorable comedy and cabaret evenings to benefit autism research and programs. OAR has been their autism research partner since 2002.
Tickets for Other Voices: A Night of Comedy and Song include cocktails, dinner, and the show. Tickets cost $175.00 a person and are limited to the first 200 people. Proceeds will benefit the Organization for Autism Research and Shotgun Productions. For tickets or more information, please call Patricia Klausner, Shotgun Productions, at (212) 689-2322, Lori Lapin Jones, OAR Co-Chair, (516) 466-4110, or Mike Maloney, OAR, toll free at (866) 366-9710. You can also visit http://www.researchautism.org/ or www.Shotgun-productions.org.
ABOUT OAR: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national, nonprofit organization formed and led by parents and relatives of children and adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Committed to the excellence in its services to the autism community, OAR seeks to fund applied research that will make a difference in individual lives; provide information that is timely, useful, and cost-efficient; and offer opportunities for the autism community to collaborate and make advances together.
In its first four years, OAR has awarded 17 grants totaling more than $650,000 for applied research studies, provided $27,000 in grants to graduate students conducting research related to autism and published and distributed more than 7,500 copies of its three community-friendly resource guides in its Life Journey through Autism guide series: A Parent’s Guide to Research, An Educator’s Guide to Autism and An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome to parents, teachers, and others at no cost.
Contact:
Mike Maloney
2000 N. 14th Street, Suite 480
Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone: (703) 243-9710
Fax: (703) 243-9751
mmaloney@researchautism.org
###
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Autism Benefit at Carolines on Broadway
Arlington, VA, May 5, 2006 – Enjoy an evening of song and laughter and support autism research at the same time. On Monday, May 22, join comediennes Jackie Hoffman and Kristine Zbornik, singers Andrew Halliday and Liz Callaway, and friends of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) for the ninth performance of Other Voices titled A Night of Comedy and Song.
Other Voices is a benefit co-hosted by OAR and Shotgun Productions, a New York nonprofit dedicated to developing works by emerging theatrical artists. The benefit is named in recognition of children with autism, many of whom cannot speak, and emerging artists whose voices have not yet been heard. For the past nine years, Shotgun Productions has produced a series of memorable comedy and cabaret evenings to benefit autism research and programs. OAR has been their autism research partner since 2002.
Tickets for Other Voices: A Night of Comedy and Song include cocktails, dinner, and the show. Tickets cost $175.00 a person and are limited to the first 200 people. Proceeds will benefit the Organization for Autism Research and Shotgun Productions. For tickets or more information, please call Patricia Klausner, Shotgun Productions, at (212) 689-2322, Lori Lapin Jones, OAR Co-Chair, (516) 466-4110, or Mike Maloney, OAR, toll free at (866) 366-9710. You can also visit http://www.researchautism.org/ or www.Shotgun-productions.org.
ABOUT OAR: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national, nonprofit organization formed and led by parents and relatives of children and adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Committed to the excellence in its services to the autism community, OAR seeks to fund applied research that will make a difference in individual lives; provide information that is timely, useful, and cost-efficient; and offer opportunities for the autism community to collaborate and make advances together.
In its first four years, OAR has awarded 17 grants totaling more than $650,000 for applied research studies, provided $27,000 in grants to graduate students conducting research related to autism and published and distributed more than 7,500 copies of its three community-friendly resource guides in its Life Journey through Autism guide series: A Parent’s Guide to Research, An Educator’s Guide to Autism and An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome to parents, teachers, and others at no cost.
Contact:
Mike Maloney
2000 N. 14th Street, Suite 480
Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone: (703) 243-9710
Fax: (703) 243-9751
mmaloney@researchautism.org
###
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Friday, May 05, 2006
Anderson School in Poughkeepsie, NY begins 'village' homes $28 million project launched
Friday, May 5, 2006
Autism school begins 'village' homes $28 million project launched
By John Davis
Poughkeepsie Journal
STAATSBURG — Construction has begun in earnest on a $28.4 million transformation of the Anderson School campus from an institutional setting to a village one.
A ground-breaking ceremony took place Thursday morning at the school for autistic children and adults in Staatsburg.
"This event is the culmination of our greatest vision, a new campus allowing Anderson School to become a center for autism," school Chief Operating Officer Neil Pollack said.
Full article at: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605050317
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Autism school begins 'village' homes $28 million project launched
By John Davis
Poughkeepsie Journal
STAATSBURG — Construction has begun in earnest on a $28.4 million transformation of the Anderson School campus from an institutional setting to a village one.
A ground-breaking ceremony took place Thursday morning at the school for autistic children and adults in Staatsburg.
"This event is the culmination of our greatest vision, a new campus allowing Anderson School to become a center for autism," school Chief Operating Officer Neil Pollack said.
Full article at: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605050317
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Study: Environmental Mercury Release, Special Education Rates, And Autism
1: Health Place. 2006 Jun;12(2):203-9.
Environmental mercury release, special education rates, and autism disorder: an ecological study of Texas.
Palmer RF, Blanchard S, Stein Z, Mandell D, Miller C.
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Department of Family and Community Medicine, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. palmer@uthscsa.edu
The association between environmentally released mercury, special education and autism rates in Texas was investigated using data from the Texas Education Department and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A Poisson regression analysis adjusted for school district population size, economic and demographic factors was used. There was a significant increase in the rates of special education students and autism rates associated with increases in environmentally released mercury. On average, for each 1,000 lb of environmentally released mercury, there was a 43% increase in the rate of special education services and a 61% increase in the rate of autism. The association between environmentally released mercury and special education rates were fully mediated by increased autism rates. This ecological study suggests the need for further research regarding the association between environmentally released mercury and developmental disorders such as autism. These results have implications for policy planning and cost analysis.
PMID: 16338635 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
Monday, May 01, 2006
Study: Changes in belief systems of families of children with autism
1: Child Care Health Dev. 2006 May;32(3):353-69.
A qualitative investigation of changes in the belief systems of families of children with autism or Down syndrome.
King GA, Zwaigenbaum L, King S, Baxter D, Rosenbaum P, Bates A.
Thames Valley Children's Centre, London, ON, Canada. gilliank@tvcc.on.ca
BACKGROUND: There have been few reports of the world views, values and priorities of families of children with autism or Down syndrome, despite the fact that family belief systems are considered to be among the most important factors affecting the adaptation and resilience of families.
METHODS: Transcripts from three focus groups involving 19 key informants (15 parents of children with autism or Down syndrome, and 4 service providers) were analysed using qualitative methods.
RESULTS: The themes indicated that raising a child with a disability can be a life-changing experience that spurs families to examine their belief systems. Parents can come to gain a sense of coherence and control through changes in their world views, values and priorities that involve different ways of thinking about their child, their parenting role, and the role of the family. Although parents may grapple with lost dreams, over time positive adaptations can occur in the form of changed world views concerning life and disability, and an appreciation of the positive contributions made by children to family members and society as a whole. Parents' experiences indicate the importance of hope and of seeing possibilities that lie ahead.
CONCLUSIONS: The information from this study may be used to provide families with an advance understanding of the changes in beliefs that they might undergo, and assists service providers in providing individualized and family-centred services and supports to families.
PMID: 16634980 [PubMed - in process]
For information, resources and strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
A qualitative investigation of changes in the belief systems of families of children with autism or Down syndrome.
King GA, Zwaigenbaum L, King S, Baxter D, Rosenbaum P, Bates A.
Thames Valley Children's Centre, London, ON, Canada. gilliank@tvcc.on.ca
BACKGROUND: There have been few reports of the world views, values and priorities of families of children with autism or Down syndrome, despite the fact that family belief systems are considered to be among the most important factors affecting the adaptation and resilience of families.
METHODS: Transcripts from three focus groups involving 19 key informants (15 parents of children with autism or Down syndrome, and 4 service providers) were analysed using qualitative methods.
RESULTS: The themes indicated that raising a child with a disability can be a life-changing experience that spurs families to examine their belief systems. Parents can come to gain a sense of coherence and control through changes in their world views, values and priorities that involve different ways of thinking about their child, their parenting role, and the role of the family. Although parents may grapple with lost dreams, over time positive adaptations can occur in the form of changed world views concerning life and disability, and an appreciation of the positive contributions made by children to family members and society as a whole. Parents' experiences indicate the importance of hope and of seeing possibilities that lie ahead.
CONCLUSIONS: The information from this study may be used to provide families with an advance understanding of the changes in beliefs that they might undergo, and assists service providers in providing individualized and family-centred services and supports to families.
PMID: 16634980 [PubMed - in process]
For information, resources and strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
New ADHD Treatment Will Go on Hip
BETHESDA, MD, 06 April 2006 — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it had approved the marketing of Daytrana, a methylphenidate transdermal system designed to be worn nine hours a day on the hip by children ages 6 to 12 who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Thomas Laughren, director of the FDA Division of Psychiatry Products, said the patch "provides an alternative route of administration for methylphenidate."
A substantial percentage of children have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, Laughren said he and other FDA officials were told in December when the agency asked an advisory committee to discuss the merits and disadvantages of making a methylphenidate patch available for youngsters with ADHD.
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent.cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Thomas Laughren, director of the FDA Division of Psychiatry Products, said the patch "provides an alternative route of administration for methylphenidate."
A substantial percentage of children have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, Laughren said he and other FDA officials were told in December when the agency asked an advisory committee to discuss the merits and disadvantages of making a methylphenidate patch available for youngsters with ADHD.
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent.cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Invitation to Participate in a New Research Study on Asperger's Syndrome
Individuals age 15 to 24 years old who have Asperger's Syndrome are invited to volunteer for a new study about persons with this diagnosis. The individual with Asperger's Syndrome will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about his or her social relationships and about what type of emotional distress they may experience. In addition, one parent of this individual will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about the characteristics of their child and the services they receive.
Your identity will be anonymous and you will not be asked to give your name or any other information that could identify you.
This is one of the first studies to examine different types of emotional distress individuals with Asperger's Syndrome may experience. We expect that the knowledge gained from this study will be used to design better services for individuals with AS. If you would like to participate in this study, please click on the link below that will connect you to the survey that you can complete online:
https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?mode=preview<&UID=7229&SID=118163">https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?mode=preview&UID=7229&SID=118163>&UID=7229&SID=118163
This study is being conducted by Oren Shtayermman, M.S.W., a doctoralstudent at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. If you have any questions about this study, please contact him at 646-238-4707 or shtayermman@fordham.edu.
This study has been reviewed and approved by the Fordham University Institutional Review Board. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact Dr. Lee Badger, Chair of the Fordham University Institutional Review Board at 212-636-7946.
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
Your identity will be anonymous and you will not be asked to give your name or any other information that could identify you.
This is one of the first studies to examine different types of emotional distress individuals with Asperger's Syndrome may experience. We expect that the knowledge gained from this study will be used to design better services for individuals with AS. If you would like to participate in this study, please click on the link below that will connect you to the survey that you can complete online:
https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?mode=preview<&UID=7229&SID=118163">https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?mode=preview&UID=7229&SID=118163>&UID=7229&SID=118163
This study is being conducted by Oren Shtayermman, M.S.W., a doctoralstudent at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. If you have any questions about this study, please contact him at 646-238-4707 or shtayermman@fordham.edu.
This study has been reviewed and approved by the Fordham University Institutional Review Board. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact Dr. Lee Badger, Chair of the Fordham University Institutional Review Board at 212-636-7946.
For information, resources and practical strategies on autism visit:
www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com
www.AutismConcepts.com
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