“Current Directions in Research on Autism”
By: Helen
Tager-Flushberg, Robert Joseph, and Susan Folstein
This article defines autism and autism spectrum disorder in
great detail. It discusses some of the history of autism and how it has changed
throughout the years, though other than the prevalence, it has not changed very
much. The information included in the article is based on studies and research
that have been done in the past. Also included in the article are places where
researchers need to investigate further into the disorder of autism to get a
better understanding of the disorder to help those who are affected by it.
"Sharing
our Genes for Research"
By: Laurie Tarkan
In this article, a mother tells her story of having four
sons diagnosed with autism after all the specialists kept telling her that her
sons were just developing “differently.” The article discusses the Autism
Genetic Resource Exchange which has over 2,000 families that contribute genetic
samples and medical family history to scientists. The hope is that the
information gained from AGRE will allow scientists to globally share their
findings as well as advance and deepen the understanding of autism.
“Brain
Protein Mutation Linked to Autism: Research”
This is breaking news in the world of autism. Researchers
just announced on November 8th, 2012 that they had found a geneitic
mutation in those diagnosed with autism. The genetic mutation cuts communication
between brain cells to about 1/10 of the normal levels. This offers somewhat of
an explanation for cognitive and behavioral delays in those diagnosed with
autism. Scientists are excited about the possibilities now that they have found
this mutation and hope to be able to rescue the protein to make it work
correctly so that brain cells can communicate like those of a normal person.
“Father’s
Age is Linked to Risk of Autism and Schizophrenia”
By: Benedict Carey
This study found a correlation between older fathers and
their children being diagnosed with autism. Researchers say that this
correlation exists because random mutations become more numerous as the father
becomes older. However, the study found that the mother’s age did not have an
impact on the diagnosis of autism. In today’s world, more and more adults are
waiting until they are much older to start a family which goes along with the
rise in the prevalence of autism over the years.
“Autism Treatment, Best Time to Start?”
By: Deborah Mitchell
Deciding what age to start
treatment for your autistic child is always a difficult decision. Researchers
at Yale University have been conducting a study using a behavioral program
called Pivotal Response Treatment and have come to the conclusion that it could
yield positive results when started in children as young as less than two.
Parent involvement is pivotal when using PRT so the treatment can be integrated
into daily routines.
“Research-Based Educational Practices for
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders”
By: Joseph Ryan, Elizabeth
Hughes, Antonis Katsiyannis, Melanie McDaniel, Cynthia Sprinkle
This is a great article for
teachers, specialists and parents who are aiming to teach children with autism.
Not only does it explain different evidence-based practices that have been
successful in the past, but it provides a chart that includes the types of
intervention, the description, the efficacy and links to find more information
or more resources for the intervention. Some of the interventions included are
social stories, picture exchange communication system, the Lovaas Method, and
Discrete Trial Training.
“Study Suggests Kids can ‘Recover’ from Autism”
The Associated Press
This article seems to give
parents hope. The article states that ten percent of autistic children overcome
the disorder by the time they are nine years old. Most children who “recover”
from the disorder have undergone some sort of intense behavioral therapy
treatment. The topic is controversial and
the results are only in the early but it does give parents, and those
affected by autism, hope. Researchers are doing tests on those children who
have “recovered” to see if their brain is more similar to that of an autistic
child, which is a little larger, or a non-autistic child.
Resources
(2012, 11 8). Brain
protein mutation linked to autism: research. Lifestyle magazine. Retrieved from http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2012/11/08/brain-protein-mutation-linked-to-autism-research/
Associated Press. (2009,
May 8). Study suggests kids can ‘recover’ from autism. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30645770/ns/health-mental_health/t/study-suggests-kids-can-recover-autism/#.UJwvIcX7J5Y
Carey, B. (2012, 08 22). Father’s age is linked to risk of autism and
schizophrenia. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/health/fathers-age-is-linked-to-risk-of-autism-and-schizophrenia.html
Mitchell, D. (2012, 11
7). Autism treatment, best time to start? Retrieved from http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/autism-treatment-best-time-start
Ryan, J. B., Hughes, E. M., Katsiyannis, A., McDaniel , M., &
Cynthia , S. (2011). Research-based educational practices for students with
autism spectrum disorders. Teaching Exceptional Children, 43(3), 56-64.
Tager-Flushberg, H., Joseph, R., & Folstein, S. (2001). Current
directions in research on autism . Mental retardation and
developmental disabilities research reviews, 7, 21-29. Retrieved from http://www.ub.unimaas.nl/ucm/e-readers/ss229/tager.pdf
Tarkan, L. (2012). Sharing our genes for research. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/sharing-our-genes-research
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