Autism Consortium symposium draws record number of researchers, advocates, parents for autism update Nov 6, 2009
The meeting gave scientists, clinicians, advocates and parents an opportunity to gather for the latest information on causes of autism and their implications for diagnosis, prognosis and therapies for people with autism spectrum disorders. "We're proud to host this important meeting and facilitate what has become a unique and growing collaboration among scientists and families," said Peter Barrett, partner in the Life Sciences group at Atlas Venture and chair of the Autism Consortium's board of... (EurekAlert!)
UCD to create 250 jobs with stimulus funds Oct 31, 2009
$379,000 to explore causes of autism. $378,000 for engineering and implanting replacement knee joint tissue. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Generation Rescue Fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion to be Hosted by DomainSponsor and the DOMAINfest Global Conference Oct 29, 2009
net and organizer of DOMAINfest Global, today announced that it will be hosting a fundraising event benefiting Jenny McCarthy's autism organization Generation Rescue, a foundation dedicated to funding biomedical treatment for families who can not afford it and research into the causes of autism. The fundraising event will take place on January 28, 2010 at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Mercury Levels In Children With Autism And Those Developing Typically Are The Same, Study Finds Oct 21, 2009
Because so little is known about the causes of autism, the researchers plan to look at everything from household products to medical treatments, diet and supplements, and even infections. Additionally, they will explore interactions among multiple factors. (Science Daily)
Experts summarize state of the science in autism disorders Oct 15, 2009
CAR's goals are to identify the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and develop effective treatments. Since CAR's establishment in 2008, CAR researchers have collectively published over 50 papers on many aspects of ASDs. (EurekAlert!)
Autism Symptoms and Mercury Poisoni... Oct 15, 2009
The causes of autism appear to be unknown. Promising research has indicated that autism may be environmental or genetic in origin. (Suite101.com)
Interventions help with autism Oct 3, 2009
While the debate continues as to the possible cause or causes of autism (see, e.g., letters to the editor Aug. 14 and 22), the city of Newark last month hosted a conference featuring doctors, researchers and scientists who are working to improve the outcomes of children affected by autism and other illnesses. The conference, "Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet" (sokhop. (NJ.com -- Times)
Travolta Defendants Caught in the Act? Sep 30, 2009
The irony is, the medical community itself is less than united on the causes of autism, or even what symptoms do or do not fit within the definition ... "The irony is, the medical community itself is less than united on the causes of autism, or even what symptoms do or do not fit within the definition.". (CBS News -- Early Show)
Roche's Eureka Moment on Brain Disorder May Spur Probe of Autism Mystery Sep 18, 2009
What everyone is hoping is that the causes of autism may converge on a final common pathway that may be sensitive to this drug. The secret hope is that we might find it can be used much more broadly than for Fragile X.. (Bloomberg)
UM gets $20M gift to conduct research into autism Aug 28, 2009
Hussman describes searching for the genetic causes of autism as a massive coin-flipping experiment. The human genome has 3. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Case Study: Autism and Vaccines Aug 5, 2009
Her parents are hoping her case will spur additional research into the causes of autism, including the roles of vaccines and mitochondrial disorders. "My daughter's case raises more questions than it answers," concedes her father, Dr. Jon Poling, a neurologist who also has a Ph. (Time.com)
Family history Jul 13, 2009
By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY Danish researchers have found another clue to the mysterious causes of autism, according to a study published online this month in Pediatrics. In a study of children born in Denmark from 1993 to 2004, doctors found that many children with autism or related disorders also had a family history of autoimmune diseases. (USA Today)
Autism May Be Linked to Mom's Autoimmune Disease Jul 8, 2009
Eaton noted that there is no clinical significance to the finding but that it could guide future research as scientists try to pin down the cause or causes of autism. One reason autoimmune diseases might have a role in autism is genetic, Eaton said. (MEDLINEplus)
Universal embryo test 'very near' Jul 1, 2009
Professor Handyside said one use for the test could be looking for genetic causes of autism which occurs in 5% of cases. Other likely candidates are Huntington's disease and spinal muscular atrophy - a condition that can cause death in infancy. (BBC News -- Health)
New Clues to Autism's Cause May 21, 2009
In a statement about the vast range of potential genetic causes of autism, the original version of this story quoted Dr. Eric Morrow of Massachusetts General Hospital as saying, "It looks like almost every child with autism is different from the next a different gene is mutated in almost every child." Although the original quote was accurately reported, it was incorrectly attributed. The quote was stated by Dr. Christopher Walsh of Children's Hospital Boston. (Time.com)
A Genetic Clue to Why Autism Affects Boys More May 21, 2009
"We are going to have a much better understanding of the causes of autism over the next five to 10 years," says Dawson. "We're in a period of great discovery.". (Yahoo News)
Ideas about vaccines shot through with myth May 6, 2009
Wouldn't that money be better spent understanding the true causes of autism and pursuing effective therapies. We must vaccinate against this misinformation and stop its spread. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Autism Tied to Older Moms, Breech Birth Apr 29, 2009
But there may be other causes of autism, Bilder said. "We are also looking at environmental issues -- prenatally," she said. (MEDLINEplus)
Genes 'have key role in autism' Apr 29, 2009
The National Autistic Society said the exact causes of autism were unknown. In a statement, the society said: "There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors are responsible for some forms of autism. "However, the difficulty of establishing gene involvement is compounded by the interaction of genes and by their interaction with environmental factors. (BBC News)
Autism Studies Target Genetic Link Apr 29, 2009
The doctor (was it Dr. Ashton) who presented the case said in closing this story that there 'many causes of autism' and that there were 'environmental factors that cause autism". I am wondering if the doctor could site any research studies that have proven that a specific environmental factor that causes autism, as I know of no such study. I think such statements are really frightening to parents and misleading taken as presented. Posted by ccarterbarnes at 6:39 PM : Apr 28, 2009 believe he is... (CBS News)
Autism Genes Help Shape Brain Cell Connections Apr 29, 2009
"This comprehensive research opens the door to more focused investigations into the causes of autism disorders," said Philip R. Johnson, M.D., chief scientific officer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "It moves the field of autism research significantly ahead, similar to the way oncology research progressed a few decades ago with the discovery of specific genes that give rise to cancers. Our extensive pediatric genomics program has pinpointed particular genes and biological pathways,... (Science Daily)
Persons with neurobiological disorders need special facilities - Medic Apr 28, 2009
Dr Badoe added that there were no specific causes of autism but evidence suggested biological causes including genetic factors, viral infections and birth and pregnancy complications. Mr Andrew Okaikoi, National Executive Chairman of the Disability Council of Ghana, who chaired the function, said there was a promising future for persons with disability and autism since the newly inaugurated Disability Council was working hard to create an opportunity for the impaired to be empowered. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Daily challenges of dealing with Autism (184) Apr 20, 2009
While there are many theories on the causes of autism, Carissa said, I think it has to do with part of their brain not fully developing, and it may be some of it is over developed. Brenden is an excellent speller, she said. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Atlanta conference tackles autism from many angles Apr 18, 2009
While Chiusano acknowledged there are probably several different causes of autism, he said he doesn t care about the labels. All I care about is what is the kid doing right now and how best to help him, he said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Maternal immune response to fetal brain during pregnancy a key factor in some autism Apr 18, 2009
The causes of autism, a disorder manifesting itself with a range of brain problems, impaired social interactions, communication disorders and repetitive behaviors, remain unknown for an estimated 90 percent of children diagnosed with it. Genetic, metabolic and environmental factors have been implicated in various studies of autism, which affects an estimated 1 in 150 U.S. children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (EurekAlert!)
Jenny McCarthy on Autism Apr 1, 2009
But McCarthy goes soft when she starts exploring the causes of autism, making the usual charges against the usual suspects including nutrition, environmental toxins and, as always, vaccines. McCarthy and TIME science editor Jeffrey Kluger sparred over the causes of autism and the safety of vaccines. (Time.com)
The Hawthorne Effect Apr 1, 2009
Why parents swear by ineffective treatments for autism. - By Sydney Spiesel - Slate Magazine. (Slate)
Autism, vaccine debate not over for some Feb 14, 2009
"Instead, they are anti-vaccine organizations, and the fact of the matter is vaccines have nothing to do with autism and it's high time that these organizations stopped deluding people into thinking that vaccines do have something to do with autism and started focusing on the real causes of autism," which he strongly believes are genetic ... "It's a dead-end hypothesis, and it's time to move on. By continuing to have this notion that never ends, I think it keeps us from going after the true... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Despite ruling, vaccine-autism feud wont fade Feb 14, 2009
We need ongoing research into the causes of autism but cannot let unfounded myths keep us from giving our children the proven protection they need against infectious diseases, said Dr. Joseph Heyman, chairman of the American Medical Association. More than 5,500 claims have been filed by families seeking compensation through the governments Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. (MSNBC -- Health)
Families lose case on autism Feb 13, 2009
"The major causes of autism remain unknown, and we need to start looking very, very carefully (for causes). I don't think this is going to rest until we do," said Terry Poling of Athens. "When we don't have any idea what causes autism, it's hard to start point fingers, saying 'This doesn't.' ". (Athens Banner-Herald)
No evidence of autism-vaccine link, court rules Feb 13, 2009
"It's time to put the vaccine hypothesis aside and focus on the real causes of autism and not be diverted by a dead end," said Offit, who was not involved in the case. in 1986 when pharmaceutical companies faced a liability crisis. (Los Angeles Times)
Brown: Get your children vaccinated for measles Feb 13, 2009
Brown says we should work on finding the real causes of autism and debunk myths. By CNN. (CNN)
Vaccines didn't cause autism, court rules Feb 13, 2009
"The causes of autism remain poorly understood. ... We will continue to support authoritative research that addresses unanswered questions about whether certain subgroups of individuals with particular underlying medical or genetic conditions may be more vulnerable to adverse effects of vaccines," the Autism Speaks statement reads, in part ... "ASA believes that the science of autism causes and treatments need to be more vigorously researched. ... Individuals living with autism need help today,... (CNN)
Autism Consortium members publish in PNAS: Mechanism, treatment for Rett syndrome -- top cause autism girls Feb 10, 2009
"As a result, an even more exciting and promising aspect of this work is the possibility that IGF1 or similar therapeutics could apply not only to autism caused by Rett Syndrome, but also to other causes of autism as well.". . (EurekAlert!)
Saliva Test Could Indicate Autism Feb 7, 2009
The causes of autism remain unclear in about 90 percent of children who have symptoms, Zimmerman said. "There are no tests we can do to identify underlying biological signs consistently," he said. (MEDLINEplus)
New Study Backs Parent Age-Autism Link Feb 7, 2009
The findings may offer clues to understanding the causes of autism and why it's on the rise, but they shouldn't be used to guide family planning decisions, Durkin said. Even though the oldest child born to two older parents is three times as likely to be autistic than a middle or youngest child with younger parents, she explained, there's still a 97 percent chance that the higher-risk child will be perfectly fine. (MEDLINEplus)
