Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have identified gene mutations, or gene variants, that may raise the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The newly identified gene variants could account for about 15% of autism diagnoses. Of course having the gene variant does not mean a person will develop autism. Hakonarson’s study, a cooperative [...]
Scientists have connected more of the intricate pieces of the autism puzzle, with two studies that identify genes with important contributions to the disorder.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University are suggested that the brains of individuals with autism are structurally normal but dysregulated, meaning symptoms of the disorder might not be hard-wired, but changeable. To read full report, click here.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) named Henry Claypool to the position of Director of the agency’s Office on Disability. Claypool has over 25 years of policy experience at the federal, state, and local levels specializing in disability. Intent has also been specified regarding nomination of Christine Griffin for Deputy Director of [...]
New research suggests a possible pathway for the operation of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
New research suggests that brain cells need to follow specific rhythms that must be kept for proper brain functioning. These rhythms don’t appear to be working correctly in such diseases as schizophrenia and autism, and now Nature and Science demonstrate that precisely tuning the oscillation frequencies of certain neurons can affect how the brain processes information and implements feelings of reward.
As economic times worsen, many states are making drastic cuts to their budgets, especially in regards to social services. President Obama’s stimulus package, estimated at $787 billion, is helping to shoulder some of the burden states face financially. However, only 40% of the losses in state revenues will be compensated. States that are being effected [...]
New studies conducted by John Hopkins Children’s center show that immune cells can cross the placenta and trigger neurobehavioral changes similar to autism in the mice. The report was published online in the Journal of Neuroimmunology and expands on a similar report published in 2008 by the same team.This new research suggests that immune cells, [...]
The White House held an open meeting for over 60 of the major disability groups in the United States. Themes included the importance of the disability rights movement, the First Lady’s intimate relationship with people with disabilities and her dedication to furthering the cause, the desire to hire more people with disabilities. To view the [...]
From Schafer Ivanhoe Newswire – A commonly used supplement can help autistic children catch some much needed Z’s. As many as 89 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder (ADS) and 77 percent of children with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) — the most common form of inherited mental impairment and a known cause of autism [...]
