Neurons form pathways in the brain to process and transmit information by electrical and chemical signaling.

This study of brain cells in children with autism comes one step closer to answering a key question – whether the condition originates in utero or after birth in toddlerhood.

Autistic children were found to have about 67% more nerve cells in a part of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex than children without autism, in a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by scientists at the University of California, San Diego.  The prefrontal cortex is responsible for communication, cognitive functions, decision making and moderating correct social behavior – areas which autistic children have difficulty with.

Lead researcher Eric Courchesne studied the brains of seven autistic boys between the ages of 2 and 16 post mortem and used analysis of the brains of six unaffected boys who died at similar ages to compare.

Although larger brain sizes in children with autism is not a new discovery, this is the first study that may have found which type of brain cells are responsible.

Neurons in all areas of the brain except those responsible for smell, memory and navigation are generated before birth.  “The present findings add significantly to mounting biological evidence that the developmental neuropathology of idiopathic autism begins before birth in some, possibly all cases,” Janet E. Lainhart, MD of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and Nicholas Lange, ScD, of the Harvard University Schools of Medicine and Public Health in Boston, wrote in an accompanying editorial.

“Knowing that we have a specific type of defect that occurs very early in development really helps us to focus and sharpen the next steps in research to determine what caused the excess,” says Courchesne. And hopefully find new treatments that can help children and their families cope better with the symptoms of autism.

According to Courchesne this finding that autism children have excess neurons is quite surprising.

“When we think of the inability to handle complicated information, we usually think of too little in the way of connections or brain cells,” he says. “But this is just the opposite.”

This surplus of neurons may have led to problems with their ability to connect and communication with each other. Courchesne suggests this may be causing a lack of proper nerve connections in autistic children, slowing down and stopping normal active interaction between different parts of the brain.

This study shows an exciting new avenue for further research.  The sample of autism cases in this study wasn’t big enough to determine links with behavior. Also a wider sample would need to be gathered of the non-autistic cases that were being used for comparison.  Further research will also need to be done to see if similar results are also found in girls with autism.

Curemark reported the drug was now in phase-3 trial and showing statistically significant effects on symptoms of autism compared with a placebo on core and non-core symptoms. Curemark said the analysis of the full trial data is ongoing and the results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of our trial,” Curemark CEO Joan Fallon said. “We wish to thank all the children and their parents who participated in the study and look forward to a full review of the data by the FDA.”

The Food and Drug Administration has granted the drug fast-track status, a standard procedure for investigational drugs to treat serious or life-threatening conditions that may concentrate on chronic medical needs that have gone untreated.

The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism), a New York City-based non-profit organization, held a special Breakfast event honoring the Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat in a meeting with leading philanthropists and professionals in New York City at the offices of J. Morton Davis, Chairman of D.H. Blair Investment Banking Corporation on November 8^th, 2011. Mayor Barkat spoke about the importance of ICare4Autism’s Global Autism Center on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem, Israel, the first such center of its kind globally.  Co-Chairing the event was John A Catsimatidis, CEO of the Red Apple Group and Gristedes Foods.

When it opens in 2014, the Center’s 5-acre campus will feature a state-of-the-art on site research facility; the world’s first university-level school of autism studies; an educational center applying the latest research and technology to the special needs of autistic students across the autistic spectrum; and a foundation to support the transformation of autism education and treatment worldwide.

In addition to these existing program plans, Dr. Joshua Weinstein, Founder & CEO of ICare4Autism announced an important new initiative: the world’s first Comprehensive Autism Workforce Development Center. The Workforce Development Center will provide preparation for workforce entry; vocational training and employment services in more than a dozen fields ranging from semi-skilled to the high tech sector; specialized support to persons with Asperger’s Syndrome, and ongoing job coaching and mentoring.

Dr. Eric Hollander, the chairman of the advisory committee for ICare4Autism explained why the Global Autism Center is so important now, “The Global Autism Center will bring together the large scale data and collaborative networks urgently needed to drive breakthrough genetic and epigenetic autism research.  These networks do not yet exist, and no other organization is building them. It will create the world’s first integrated platform for cross disciplinary collaboration between biomedical researchers and educators. The creation of such a platform is critical to global efforts to foster early detection and effective intervention. And finally, having the Global Autism Center in Jerusalem will have a powerful and transformative impact on the Israeli autism community, bringing the world’s leading researchers into close collaboration with their Israeli colleagues and rapidly bringing their most important advances to Israelis with autism.”

Harvey Seifter, Director of Special Projects at ICare4Autism discussed ICare4Autism’s plans to convene the world’s first Autism Philanthropy Summit in Jerusalem next year.  The two objectives of the summit will be: to increase collaboration and cooperation among existing players in autism philanthropy; and to increase overall investment in autism globally by bringing new players to the table.

Commenting on the Global Autism Center, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said, “The work of ICare4Autism is critical for those affected by autism around the globe. I am honored to be a part of this groundbreaking project and will do everything in my power to assist in making it come to fruition.”

Mr. Davis remarked, “I’m grateful to all who join me in support of this center that will improve the lives of so many people affected by autism, and the vital work of ICare4Autism as it strives to bring together researchers and professionals under one roof to collaborate and find a cure for autism.”

Joshua Weinstein said, “We at ICare4Autism are very excited about the new developments in the strategic planning for the Global Autism Center and are so grateful for all the support of so many leaders in the global community.”

John A Catsimatidis added, “I am very enthusiastic about this much needed center that is so critical now that we are seeing the numbers of children and people with autism on the rise all over the world.”

For information about ICare4autism’s Global Autism Center in Jerusalem, please contact: krobinson@ICare4Autism.org

Dakota, Noah, Tristan, Dillon, Gianna, Layla Conn (Aug. 2008)

Recently, I came across a TV segment, online, that spoke with the Conn family of Lincoln, California that has two sons with autism. On the segment, the California mother set a superb example of how a parent can set a positive outlook for children on their own diagnosis. I found this to be outstanding because to often people are either opening sad and disappointed by the diagnosis or try to bandage it up in various ways. Please view this clip from KCRA 3- Sacramento, California and share your input with the other readers.

When asked to describe her children autism, the mother explained “The look very typical but they don’t half the time understand, perception is way, way different. If a baby is crying next them they will not do anything. They will not help the baby, they hear the baby, but it doesn’t sound like anything to them, at all. They just don’t care.

To View the Video on KCRA-3′s YOU TUBE page please CLICK HERE

Conner Hall, the son of Dana Emmitt-Hall, is a child with autism. His case is one of approximately 4,800 in the waiting for the Federal Vaccine Court. Photo Courtesy of the Emmitt-Hall family.

FOX Television asks: “Autism Correlation Coverup? Vaccine claims rarely compensated by government,” during the Fox News’ Fox & Friends Saturday. The news segment begins with the story the family of Hannah Poling. Hannah is a young child who, after receiving vaccines against nine diseases in one doctor’s visit, at the age of 18 months, reportedly developed autism. The family of Hannah Poling was later awarded $1.5 million, in September 2010.

According to www.Lawyersandsettlements.com, Hannah was vaccinated in July 2000, against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Her health reportedly declined rapidly following the vaccines, she stopped eating, developed high fevers, didn’t respond when spoken to, started having screaming fits, and began to show signs of autism. In 2002 her family filed an autism claim in federal vaccine court.

This settlement is the first award of its kind. And, according to www.Lawyersandsettlements.com, there are approximately 4,800 further autism cases awaiting disposition in federal vaccine court.

Dana Emmitt-Hall, a mother of a child with autism, appears on the FOX television segment. Dana has one of the autism cases in the waiting. The case was filed for her young son and, on the segment, she speaks about how she received a letter from the Federal Vaccine Court that requested she provide a “theory of why we believe the vaccines cause the autism.” The letter continues on to ask that they provide a “medical expert’s opinion” to the Federal Vaccine Court.

“We have our theories” said Dana. However, she hasn’t been able to find “medical experts willing to risk losing their medical license in the United States.”

Mary Holland, a professor at New York University’s Law School, also appeared on the segment. The professor didn’t have any hope to offer Dana or the other 4,800 families with cases waiting. In fact, the professor says that this is letter from the Federal Vaccine Court is “probably the end of the line” but the parents could preserve their cases for a later date if they step out of the cases in a particular way.

Holland is among the founders of the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy (EBCALA).  Holland told, ICare4Autism, that the non-profit organization “seeks to educate lawyers and the public about the legal needs of the autism community.”

A supreme court case on this matter will be held in October.

Connor Hall is a child with autism. Photo Courtesy of the Emmitt-Hall family

Sources:

Lawyers and Settlements website

VIDEO Courtesy of MEDIA Matters for America

Related reading:

Federal Appeals Court Rejects Autism-Vaccine Link

Written by Annie Kay on 25 September 2010

First Ever Court Award for Vaccine-Related Autism Claim Announced

Written by Kevin Schneider on 14 September 2010

A Parents’ Guide to Managing Vaccinations: What to do if You Don’t Want Your Child to Get 8 Vaccines at Once?

Written by Deborah Kotz on 26 August 2010

Autism: Searching for Answers in the Brain of Infants

Written by Susan Gosine on 09 August 2010

Risk Factor: Autism Cause Still Unknown

Written by Ruth Amber Gristak on 17 June 2010

Pete Peterson was reportedly last scene at Dysart's Marina (Map point "A") on Southwest Harbor in Maine. CLICK IMAGE to ENLARGE MAP

In the middle of last week, a 61-year old man with autism went missing. It is reported that the man, Pete Peterson, was last seen at Dysart’s Marina in Southwest Harbor in the Maine [USA]. The police are continuing their search. We, at the International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism), ask that Maine residents in this area and surrounding areas please keep their eyes open for Pete Peterson.

According to reports, Peterson is approximately 6-foot-1 inches.

Weight: 230 lbs / Hair: balding / Other notes: Dark grey beard and ‘lazy’ eye.

He often wears glasses. He was last scene wearing blue jeans. It is possible that he was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt at the time of his disappearance.

If you have any information on this missing man, please contact the Southwest Harbor Police at #207-244-7912.

Source:

Article by Reporter, Catherine Pegram of WABI TV5

CLICK HERE to VIEW Source

Photo by: Chicago 2016 Photos/Flickr

Congress enacted the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142, or PL 94-14), and was signed into law on November 29, 1975 by President Gerald Ford.

PL 94-14 was to support states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of children with disabilities and their families. This landmark law is currently enacted as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 1997.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.

Under IDEA 2004:

- Special education and related services should be designed to meet the unique learning needs of eligible children with disabilities, preschool through age 21.

- Students with disabilities should be prepared for further education, employment and independent living.

As of 2006, more than 6 million children in the U.S. receive special education services through IDEA.  Children with disabilities who qualify for special education are also automatically protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, all modifications that can be provided under Section 504 or the ADA can be provided under the IDEA if included in the student’s IEP. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education services under the IDEA may qualify for accommodations or modifications under Section 504 and under the ADA. Their rights are protected by due process procedure requirements

Autism is a diagnosis that falls under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), qualifying a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder to receive services under the current law.

Source:

http://idea.ed.gov/

Photo by: blmurch/Flickr

The autism-vaccine debate has triggered a national following from a highly emotional group of people around the globe. These are parents of children diagnosed with autism. All of these parents are dead set to prove that their children’s autism was caused, triggered, or exacerbated by a combination of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine plus other shots, usually given at around 18 months of age.

But science is out to prove them wrong.  Science years ago reached the conclusion that there’s no connection, but on August 26, 2010 the Federal Appeals Court threw out the claim, saying that no link has been scientifically proven.  More than 5,500 families sought compensation through the government’s Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, leading to disappointments and frustration as a result of this ruling.

As a mother of two children already diagnosed with Autism, I have been sharing my story with people, hoping to help science reach a conclusion. The first child was vaccinated, the second child wasn’t. There, now you have a case study right in my family.

I do strongly believe though that because of the brain-gut connection, these children have a weakened digestive system which impacts their autoimmune response to chemicals and even food. Add vaccines on the typically recommended schedule by the CDC and yes, you will get a response from a child with an underlying condition. But autism is there from birth, you will simply see it popping out following the vaccines.

Worry about a vaccine link first arose in 1998 when a British physician, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, published a medical journal article linking a particular type of autism and bowel disease to the measles vaccine. The study was soon discredited, and British medical authorities now are investigating professional misconduct charges against Wakefield.

Then came questions about thimerosal, a preservative that manufacturers began removing from all vaccines given to infants in 2001. Today it is present only in certain formulations of the flu shot.

Immunizing on an alternative schedule or delaying vaccinations until a child is closer to school age is still highly recommended for those with concerns.  Federal law requires doctors to discuss the benefits and risks of any immunization before administering it, so your doctor should be willing to address your questions.

Currently, formerly eradicated diseases are returning to haunt us and a whole new generation of unvaccinated children are entering the school systems. It is still highly recommended to vaccinate children.  A modified or “spaced out” schedule offers peace of mind for those who are worried about shocking the system with a load of vaccines.

Recommended Reading:

1. A Parents’ Guide to Managing Vaccinations: What to do if You Don’t Want Your Child to Get 8 Vaccines at Once? Written by Ricky Goldstein
2. Making the Connection: Autism and Immunology Written by Sonia Mehta

Photo by: mdanys/Flickr

The owner of Olde Salty’s Restaurant in North Carolina is being heavily criticized by the autism community for one of her recently introduced policies.  Owner Brenda Armes put a sign up that states “Screaming Children Will Not Be Tolerated.”

Obviously, this creates a major problem for parents of children with autism and other disorders, where children may enter a screaming fit.  One mother, Kelly Chambliss, is taking a stand.  She says that this is “downright discrimination” against her child who has no control over his occasional noisy outbursts.

“I will be my son’s voice. Just like Rosa Parks. I’m not getting out of my seat,” says Chambliss.

Chambliss approached Armes three weeks ago about the sign, initially believing that the restaurant had put up the sign as a joke.  Upon learning that the sign was not a joke in any sense, Chambliss expressed to Armes that she thought it was unfair to single her child out.  Armes in turn, looked at Chambliss and said “I can’t believe you even take him in public. You must be the only one who does.”

Chambliss is arguing that this type of behavior is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Armes said, “I don’t understand why she would be offended with the sign to start with. Just because mother nature gave her an autistic child or G-d, it’s something she has to deal with… and I think she’s really upset because that’s what she was handed in life and I feel sorry for her. That’s her problem. Sorry.”

Armes later explained that the “Screaming Children Will Not Be Tolerated” means that parents will be asked to take their child outside of the restaurant until they are calm, and not completely ejected.

Source:

CLICK HERE to VIEW SOURCE

J. REED/FLICKR

Becoming an autism advocate has never been easier. Thanks to the availability of modern technology, we can not only shop from the comfort of our home, we can contribute to a noble cause, while shopping from the comfort of our own home.

Use the following code and help ICare4Autism, by shopping at Major retailers. These retailers include Target, Sears, Staples, Barnes and Noble, Fannie May Candies, Figi Water, Avon, Bealls Department Stores, Bloomingdale’s, Finger Hut, JcPenny and more!

To help ICare4Autism, while shopping for your daily must-have’s please use the following code.

http://www.causes.com/shopping?cause_id=208996

Q. How do I use the code?

A. Copy the code and place it in your URL. A page will come up that says “Shop for a Cause.” There will be a list of different retailers and places that will give a percentage of the money that you spend shopping ONLINE to ICare4Autism.

Q. How do they know I support and want them to donate a percentage to ICare4Autism?

A. Within the link is a “cause i.d.” code. This number for ICare4Autism is 208996. So, as long as you are shopping by use of that “Shop for a Cause” website, as your first stop on your ONLINE shopping trip, then your purchase will register.

Related Links: DONATE to ICare4Autism, Online