Older Fathers May Heighten Autism Risk for Grandkids

By ICare4Autism | Published: March 22, 2013

Men that have children at an older age may put their grandchildren at a higher risk of having autism, according to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry this week. The study maintains that risk factors for autism may increase over several generations, with a father and grandfather’s lifestyle choices wielding a direct impact on future generations.

Previous research suggested that an older paternal age could predispose children to autism— this development goes a step further, suggesting risk factors can be established earlier in the genetic line.

The report states that men who had a daughter when they were 50 or older were 1.79 times more likely to have a grandchild with autism than a man who had a child when he was 20 to 24 years old. Men who had a son at 50 or later were 1.67 times more likely to have a grandchild with autism.

Doctors stress that these findings should not cause excessive alarm, as the study was not conclusive in proving advanced age leads to autistic children. While doctors point to a statistically significant increase in cases of autism with older grandparents, it is emphasized that autism was highly infrequent even in families with the oldest grandparents.

This study follows on the heels of an earlier report this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stating that 1 in 50 school-children are diagnosed with autism, a dramatic increase from prior years.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57575687/older-fathers-may-increase-autism-risk-for-grandkids/

 

 

 

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Missouri Clinic to Assess Risk of Child with Older Sibling on Autism Spectrum

By ICare4Autism | Published: June 17, 2013

Recent statistics suggest, a child with an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, has a high risk of being diagnosed on the spectrum as well. Researchers at The Missouri Autism Center at the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center felt this issue was of concern, and is now offering the Autism Siblings Clinic. The program, led by Rolanda Maxim, MD, medical director of the Missouri Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and associate professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Saint Louis University School of medicine, is the first of its kind in the area [i].

The clinic offers autism assessments for children under the age of 4, who have an older biological sibling diagnosed on the spectrum. The children will be given the Red Flags for Communication scale (RFC), and if necessary, the ARISk Risk Assessment Test, developed by IntegraGen. The ARISk Test is a gender-specific, non-invasive cheek swab, which estimates the likelihood of autism in a child based on 65 genetic markers.

As scientific literature has shown, early diagnosis and therapy of autism spectrum disorders proves to be quite beneficial for the child. The purpose is to identify autism or any developmental delay as early as possible, so the child can receive early intervention and therapies, and therefore improve their future. “Our goal is to define a specific autistic pattern on a developmental screening test that could help identify infant siblings at risk for ASD and improve their outcomes through earlier diagnosis and treatment,” explains Dr. Maxim.

Further information on the clinic is available at Cardinal Glennon’s website, and information on the ARISk Test is available on IntegraGen’s website.


[i] “KSDK News” Missouri Autism Center study could determine sibling’s risk of autism. 13 Jun 2013. Web. <http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/384392/3/Study-could-determine-siblings-risk-of-autism>

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Fetal alcohol syndrome and autism spectrum disorder: a beneficial link?

By ICare4Autism | Published: June 17, 2013

In a recent study conducted by Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, researchers found similar molecular vulnerabilities in both fetal alcohol syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Curious by these similarities, including symptoms of social impairment and altered-levels of genes, the team gave alcohol-exposed pregnant rats low doses of the thyroid hormone thyroxin, to test the possibility of lessening or reversing the effects.[1] In the press release regarding this study, Eva Redei, senior author of the study and professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explained they previously gave the rats high levels of the hormone, which reversed the learning and memory deficit of the offspring, but wanted to find the lowest dosage possible that would still show the same outcome. High levels of thyroid hormones during pregnancy and early development can be detrimental to the offspring.

The study found the doses of thyroxin were beneficial in only male offspring of the alcohol-exposed pregnant rats. Redei wanted to further investigate, as autism affects males more than females. The team found it important to note that the study does not mean alcohol consumption is a cause of autism.

This study is the first of its kind, and further research needs to be conducted in order to examine the potential for the prophylactic use of thyroxin in humans.

Want to learn more? The full study was published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/14/link-between-fetal-alcohol-syndrome-and-autism-spectrum-disorder-may-point-to/


[1] “Fox News” Link between fetal alcohol syndrome and autism spectrum disorder may point to novel treatment methods. 14 Jun 2013. Web. <http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/14/link-between-fetal-alcohol-syndrome-and-autism-spectrum-disorder-may-point-to/>

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Marta Linares de Martinelli, the First Lady of Panama, Honorary Chair of International ICare4Autism

By ICare4Autism | Published: June 6, 2013
Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism and Mrs. Marta Linares de Martinelli, the First Lady of the Republic of Panama

Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism and Mrs. Marta Linares de Martinelli, the First Lady of the Republic of Panama

 

The Honorable Mrs. Marta Linares de Martinelli, First Lady of the Republic of Panama, has accepted the invitation to be the Honorary Chair of the International Center for Autism Research & Education, ICare4Autism. Marta Linares de Martinelli was honored for her pioneering efforts to alleviate autism at ICare4Autism’s 2012 International Autism Conference in Jerusalem. In May 2012 the First Lady created Panama’s first education center for people with different abilities, Centro Ann Sullivan de Panama (CASPAN). Designed in the model of Dr. Lilliana Mayo, Ph.D., the center is an inspiring, comprehensive approach to educating people with different abilities for full societal inclusion.

Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism, had the privilege of visiting the center this March. Upon meeting the staff and children of CASPAN and partaking in the center’s programs, Dr. Weinstein remarked, “The First Lady has taken leaps and bounds to advocate and educate Panama’s people with different abilities. I am honored to call Marta Linares de Martinelli a friend and believe our partnership is the first step of many great strides for the treatment of autism and similar disorders worldwide. I look forward to sharing strategies and successes with the caring community at the Centro Ann Sullivan de Panama.”

The Founder of ICare4Autism and the First Lady of Panama discussed sharing staff-training procedures and the possibility of replicating ICare4Autism’s upcoming Autism Conference for Pediatricians in Panama.

Mrs. Marta Linares de Martinelli said, “We have to work closely with ICare4Autism to ensure the success of our programs… autism in Panama has become a matter of state policy.” She expressed her eagerness to begin collaborating with ICare4Autism as there are great things ahead and much work to be done.

The International Center for Autism Research & Education, ICare4Autism, is a New York City based non-profit organization that works to discover the etiology of autism and to serve the global autism community by promoting and implementing research-proven medical and educational intervention strategies. ICare4Autism’s mission is to act as a catalyst and drive research worldwide.

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ICare4Autism Conference at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Attracts Over 300 People

By ICare4Autism | Published: June 6, 2013
Conference Speakers (from left to right) Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides, Dr. Gary Steinman, Dr. Alisa G. Woods, Dr. Eric Hollander, Dr. Martha Herbert, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Dr. Carlos A. Pardo

Conference Speakers (from left to right) Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides, Dr. Gary Steinman, Dr. Alisa G. Woods, Dr. Eric Hollander, Dr. Martha Herbert, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Dr. Carlos A. Pardo

 

On June 5, 2013 the International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism) held the conference, “Autism: Cutting Edge Research and Promising Treatment Approaches,” at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in conjunction with Montefiore Medical Center.

From neurology to psychology and everything in between, the speakers presented studies on the many aspects of autism research and treatment methods. Dr. Eric Hollander, Director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center and Chairman of the ICare4Autism Advisory Council discussed Inflammation, Temperature and Personalized Therapeutics of ASD. His studies suggest, “Oxytocin has potent effects on social cognition and lower order repetitive behaviors and clinical response may be magnified in syndromal forms of ASD.”

Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., of HarvardMedicalSchooland the Massachusetts GeneralHospital, presented her research, Taking a Fresh Look at Autism: Chronic Dynamic State, not Fixed Trait. Dr. Herbert is the Director of the TRANSCEND Research Program (Treatment Research and Neuroscience Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) with key interests in the concept of autism as a “dynamic encephalopathy (changeable) rather than a static encephalopathy (fixed for life).

Dr. Gary Steinman, Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, presented Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism at Birth. Dr. Steinman’s studies suggest the potential for addressing autism by looking at the role of depressed IGF (insulin-like growth factor) at birth. He is collaborating internationally to develop a protocol for early identification of autism.

Non-verbal until age 4 and diagnosed with autism himself, Dr. Stephen Shore of Adelphi University presented Special Ways and Techniques (SWAT) for Achieving Meaningful Inclusion. Dr. Shore is a self-advocate who promotes early intervention andeducational strategies to embrace difference and access learned knowledge through unconventional, yet creative and effective, means.

Dr. Alisa Woods from Clarkson University presented Protein Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she discussed using mass spectrometry to identify protein biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder, which may have a variety of purposes including diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Her group has identified more putative autism biomarkers than have been previously described in the literature.

Carlos A. Pardo, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, presented on Exploring the Immune-Brain Interactions in Autism: A Look at Cytokines-Chemokines Networks. Theoharis C. Theoharides, M.S., Ph.D., M.D., of Tufts University School of Medicine, spoke about Activated Mast Cells Secrete Innate Pathogens Causing Focal Brain Inflammation Reversed by Methoxyluteolin. Akeksandra Djukic, M.D., Ph.D., of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Tri-State Rett Syndrome Center at Montefiore Medical Center discussed Communication Deficits in Rett’s Syndrome. Dr. Nathaniel Heintz, Ph.D. of John Hopkins University School of Medicine presented A Role for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in ASD? and Dr. Sophie Molholm of Albert Einstein College of Medicine discussed Electrophysiological Mapping of Sensory Processing and Multisensory Integration in Autism.

Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism reported on ICare4Autism Global Autism Initiatives including the Global Autism Center that will be opening in Jerusalem in 2017.

The event was streaming live and is now available to view on Autism Brainstorm’s website, www.autismbrainstorm.org, as well as ICare4Autism’s website, www.icare4autism.org.

ICare4Autism is a New York City based non-profit organization that works to facilitate communication and collaboration between medical and educational specialists worldwide with the aim to alleviate autism spectrum disorder. Together we can uncover the etiology of autism, design successful intervention strategies, and innovate sustainable inclusion practices for persons with autism.

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Autism Researchers Come Together to Honor Artist Gary Rosenthal at the ICare4Autism Pre-Conference Dinner Gala

By ICare4Autism | Published: June 6, 2013

Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism and Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices presents award to Gary Rosenthal

The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism) held its conference, “Autism: Cutting Edge Research and Promising Treatment Approaches” at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in conjunction with Montefiore Medical Center. The night before the conference, some of the key speakers and researchers got together for an exclusive pre-conference dinner gala, sponsored by Zanger Hall.

The dinner, chaired by Dr. Judah Schorr, was held to honor elite researchers, as well as world renowned artist, Gary Rosenthal. Mr. Rosenthal has been producing contemporary Judaica Art since the 1970′s, and has been employing men with autism for 12 years to help create the menorahs, dreidels, and mezuzahs. Gary explained to the audience that these men have “the most amazing manual dexterity,” and that it is a true gift to have them working for him.

Chief Executives Board for Coordination Secretariat of the United Nations, and mother of a child with autism, Jacqueline Aidenbaum, attended the gala and is an active member of ICare4Autism. She spoke on behalf of the organization to give her full support on all the hard work Dr. Weinstein is putting in for the autism community.

Founder and CEO of ICare4Autism, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, presented the audience with the latest news on the Global Autism Center, set to open in 2017. The center will be atop Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, and will create a global community for researchers, advocates, and teachers in the autism field.

Dr. Weinstein reflects,

“The dinner was successful in bringing together elite researchers and doctors in the autism field. It was a true honor to meet Gary Rosenthal, and to hear him speak of his experience working with autistic men to create his works of art. I look forward to working with him in the future. It was also very important to bring together these researchers for potential collaborations, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for ICare4Autism.”

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Argentinean Professor and Autism Researcher, Daniel Orlievsky, Visits Shema Kolainu- Hear Our Voices

By ICare4Autism | Published: June 3, 2013

Just two days before presenting his research on language and writing in autism at the 2013 ICare4Autism Conference, Argentinean professor and researcher, Daniel Orlievsky, visited Dr. Joshua Weinstein at his center-based school for children with autism, Shema Kolainu- Hear Our Voices. The meeting was accompanied by Dr. Orlievsky’s wife, Gili Rechany-Educational Director, and Suri Gruen-Program Director.

Dr. Orlievsky is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist and Director of the Rehabilitation Through Writing Project Program at the Infantile and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital “Dra. Carolina Tobar García,” in Buenos Aires. His main area of research and expertise involves teaching written language to children with autism spectrum disorder, and other mental disabilities. Dr. Weinstein was very intrigued by this approach,

“We have many students at Shema Kolainu who are non-verbal. Dr. Orlievsky’s approach to teaching students written communication, even if they do not have verbal communication, seems to be effective. I enjoyed discussing with him the many approaches towards facilitating communication, and look forward to collaborating with him further to help our children.”

Dr. Orlievsky and his wife then took a tour of the facility, observing the lessons utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through double sided observations rooms. He was also introduced to the Snoezelen Room, a controlled multisensory room and the Daily Living Skills Center, which contains a mini supermarket, gym, kitchen, bedroom, and laundry center. Dr. Orlievsky was very enthusiastic about the state-of-the-art equipment and technology Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices utilizes. Educational Director of Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices, Gili Rechany, was very impressed by the work Dr. Orlievsky has produced thus far, and would be interested in utilizing his techniques with her students.

Dr. Weinstein was able to view some of Dr. Orlievsky’s case studies, and was very impressed by the work he has been conducting. The pre-conference visit as a whole was very successful, and both Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Orlievsky feel working together in the future can be very beneficial for children with autism worldwide.

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Largest Autism Clinical Study to Determine the Viability of Blood Tests for ASD Diagnosis

By ICare4Autism | Published: May 29, 2013

SynapDx Corp. launches the largest, multi-site, clinical study for autism to date with 660 participating children. The study will determine the validity of a blood test in aiding pediatricians to identify and diagnose autism at a younger age. Autism diagnosis in America on average occurs at 4.5 years of age, but pediatricians and parents report observing symptoms by 18 months. The SynapDx Corp. blood test measures differences in RNA gene expression by tracking the amount of RNA that is copied in various genes and assessing the subsequent protein development. The amount of RNA copied determines how much protein builds, which influences many functions of development, particularly neurological and subsequently behavioral development. For this reason, variants of RNA sequencing have been associated with risk of Autism. If the blood test proves reliable in assessing a child’s risk for autism, it will aid clinicians in making accurate diagnoses alongside early identification of symptoms. The CEO of SynapDx Corp., Stan Lapidus, stresses the importance of early behavioral interventions for Autism, telling 11Alive News that diagnosis “is a very tough call for pediatricians” saying that he hopes the “test will play a small but important role in getting kids into a developmental medicine setting, into a full work-up, at a younger age.” [i]

 


[i] ”Emory to Conduct Study of Possible Autism Blood Test.” 11alive.com. N.p., 28 May 2013. Web. 29 May 2013. <http://www.11alive.com/news/article/294440/13/Emory-site-of-largest-autism-clinical-study>.

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UN World Health Assembly Currently Solidifying Global Action Plan for 2013-2020, Autism Advocates Push For Separate Resolution

By ICare4Autism | Published: May 28, 2013

The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened this last week for the World Health Assembly in Geneva to discuss the 2013-2020 global action plans for non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the prevention of visual impairment. WHO is the committee of the United Nations that is responsible for disseminating evidence-based health practices and policy worldwide. 

IN 2011, WHO produced The World Report On Disability portraying many of the barriers associated with various disabilities as socially contingent and thus surmountable with certain social changes. The report lays out systemic disadvantages that deepen the affects of disabilities. This week WHO drew from this report, as well as the presentations of numerous experts and advocates, and responded in regard to the rights of persons with disabilities encouraging better access to primary health-care, broader insurance coverage, empowering the individual with control over his/her health care more than institutions, stronger inclusion of disabled persons in general health care, and sustained support of specialized programs for the disabled.

Saima Hossain Putul, the daughter of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, serves as a chairperson of the advisory committee for the action plan and has embarked on a campaign to implement a separate resolution on autism. Putul explains the significance of WHO’s global action plans, saying, “Families living in poverty have neither hope nor opportunity for accessing services unless and until we incorporate these programmes within our existing government, health, education, and social support systems.”[i] The growing incidence of autism spectrum disorder worldwide has secured a place for the developmental disorder on the docket and in the minds of world health and policy leaders. We have reason to believe that Putul’s resolution will be well received and anticipate autism to be well integrated into this global action plan. WHO’s Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Dr. Shekhar Saxena, spoke at the 2012 ICare4Autism’s International Autism Conference saying that Autism is “quickly becoming a very high public health priority,” as “a number of people all over the world, but much more in resource poor settings, suffering from autism, are at the receiving end of abuse and violations of their human rights.”

The World Health Organization is providing daily notes on the proceedings of the World Health Assembly, which will conclude today—May 28th.

 

[i] Hasib, Nurul I. “‘Put Autism in Global Action Plans’” Bdnews24.com. N.p., 22 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <http://bdnews24.com/health/2013/05/22/put-autism-in-global-action-plans>.

 

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Minnesota Reforms Autism Insurance Coverage, Next Step for The Nation?

By ICare4Autism | Published: May 22, 2013

The Minnesota Legislature has proposed the first bill of 2013 to reform insurance coverage for autism. The health care bill encompassing autism coverage reform was approved by the House of Representatives on Friday and by the Senate on Saturday. It is estimated that the changes would benefit 750,000 Minnesota residents who are insured by state-regulated large group health plans, which will be required to cover speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy for residents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The changes will begin January 2014 and are effective until the insured party turns 18 years of age. Similar reform is being considered in North Carolina, Oregon, and Nebraska.

Minnesota’s success is a step in the right direction, but we still have strides to take in supporting the large subset of our nation’s population living with autism. The insurance coverage accounts for autistic youth, but estimates suggest that 60% of the reported costs related to ASD are in adult services and, due to the rapidly rising occurrence of autism, annual costs are anticipated to reach $200-$400 billion in the next ten years. Individuals with autism, on average, account for $3.2 million over their lifetimes, totaling $60 billion annually.[i] Greater insurance coverage for early intervention strategies for youth with autism will help to alleviate the daunting figures above by making a portion of our population with autism more independent and able to participate in society, but for those whose symptoms prohibit sustainable income or self-reliance, extended support is necessary. With the rate of autism diagnoses rising, we need to create a sustainable system of care. Greater, continued insurance coverage for our adults with autism is a necessary part of that process.

What changes would you like to see with your insurance coverage?

[i] Autism Society estimates based on UK study by Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics: “The economic impact on autism in Britain,” Autism, 5 (1): 7-22; Arch Pediatric Adolescent Med. 2007;161:343-349.

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ICare4Autism Conference Autism: An Update on Genetic and Clinical Aspects Convenes Pediatricians For A Critical Dialogue On Autism Intervention

By ICare4Autism | Published: May 21, 2013

On May 19th, 2013, The International Center for Autism Research and Education held a conference for pediatricians on “Autism: An update on genetic and clinical aspects,” convening experts in the field of autism for a critical and comprehensive look at the most contemporary findings and practices pertaining to autism spectrum disorder. The conference was held at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in conjunction with The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine.

 The conference opened the floor for discussion on the various approaches to autism intervention and facilitated international collaboration. Emanuel Tirosh M.D., of the Hannah Khoushy Child Development Center, The Bnai Zion Medical Center, and the Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, addressed the congregation on drug treatment for autism, balancing benefits with expectations, and discussing avenues for progress among pharmaceutical research for autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric Neurologist Michael Davidovitch M.D. of Maccabi Health Services presented expert opinion and strategy for early detection of autism. Tali Gev, Ph.D. presented a critical review of non-medical intervention approaches for autism. Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D., of the Center for Autism Research, The Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, presented novel therapeutic development to aid autism and the most current review of the role of genetics for autism spectrum disorder. Dov Inbar, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics at The Albert Einstein School of Medicine, presented epidemiological aspects of autism. 

Joshua Weinstein, Ph.D., M.B.A., Founder and CEO of The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism), commenced the conference with a statement on the integral role of pediatrician in the diagnosis and management of autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Weinstein commented on the outcome of the conference saying,

I feel blessed to be among such a diverse group of intellectuals approaching this autism puzzle from every angle. I believe events like this are important intersections for the various avenues of autism research and efforts. I have faith that collaboration and critical review, like we saw here today, will lead us to a complete understanding of the etiology of autism and subsequently able us to better cope with the complexities of the disorder.

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