Autism: It’s Not Just in the Head

Excerpt From Discover Magazine article by Jill Neimark

The devastating derangements of autism also show up in the gut and in the immune system. That unexpected discovery is sparking new treatments that target the body in addition to the brain.

“There were days I considered shutting the garage door and letting the car run until I was dead,” says Colorado mom Erin Griffin, of the time nine years ago when she learned that both her boys—not just her firstborn—suffered from autism. Brendan, her angular, dark-haired older child, was diagnosed in 1996 at age 4. Kyle, her round-faced, hazel-eyed younger son, was diagnosed in 1998 at age 2½.

But Kyle and Brendan’s story does not have a tragic ending. After interventions that included occupational and speech therapy, as well as dietary change and nutritional supplements, both boys improved significantly. Their tale of slow, steady recovery reflects the changing landscape of autism today. The condition, traditionally seen as genetic and originating in the brain, is starting to be viewed in a broader and very different light, as a possible immune and neuroinflammatory disorder. As a result, autism is beginning to look like a condition that can, in some and perhaps many cases, be successfully treated." child-autism-parent-cafe.com

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New Autism Bill S. 937 Introduced

On March 20, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) introduced the “Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007” (S. 937) with Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO). The bill authorizes funding to expand and enhance effective interventions, supports and services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities and their families. child-autism-parent-cafe.com

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Bill Cosby, Toni Braxton Discuss Autism Tonite on CNN

Check out Larry King tonight 9-10pm ET! Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton speak out on the autism epidemic affecting 1 in 150 children. As autism cases soar, what's behind the rise? child-autism-parent-cafe.com

COSAC Issues in Autism Conference

COSAC (the New Jersey Center for Outreach & Services for the Autism Community) is celebrating its 25th Annual Silver Anniversary Conference May 17-19, 2007 in Atlantic City, NJ. child-autism-parent-cafe.com

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Autism Concepts Blog Back Online

Hello,

After signing up for Blogspot's custom domain name the Autism Concepts blog was missing in cyberspace for awhile.

I'm happy to say, we're back online!

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Crystal