A February 9 report by Science Daily discusses a recent study that states that boys with autism are at a higher risk for thin bones when compared to their non-autistic peers.  The study cites a commonly used dietary intervention prevalent among children with autism spectrum disorders - the gluten-free casein-free diet.  Casein is found in all dairy products; dairy products are traditionally the primary source of calcium and vitamin D which are necessary in achieving adequate bone density.

Part of the study’s findings were:

At 5 or 6 years of age, the bones of the autistic boys were significantly thinner than the bones of boys without autism and the difference in bone thickness became even greater at ages 7 and 8.

For more information on the study, which was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, read the Science Daily article.
 

A submission to the January issue of Genetics in Medicine, a journal of the American College of Medical Genetics, details the steps to a genetic diagnosis for autism spectrum disorders.  The article, Genetics Evaluation for the Etiologic Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders, was authored by G. Bradley Schaefer MD and Nancy J. Mendelsohn MD.  Here are a few excerpts of the article as obtained from Ovid Journals Online.

The diagnosis of ASDs is still a clinical one. It is based on behavioral history and behavioral assessments that document persistent deficits in reciprocal social behavior, communication, and restricted interests or repetitive behavior.

The problem with the current method of diagnosis is one doctor may diagnose autistic disorder while another would state the child has pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). 

Epidemiologic data support the presumption that autism is primarily a genetic disorder. The calculated heritability of autism is around 90%.

Data like this is not published by many of today’s leading autism organizations.  It is likely that this study and the projected plans for creating a genetic diagnostic test for autism will be met with controversy. 

An interesting part of the study is a table which lists “Chromosomal Hot Spots for Autism” - among others on the list is the 16p chromosome which was discussed in a January research study.  Other chromosomes of interest are 15q11-13, 7q22-31, 22q11, 22q13, 2q37, Xp, 18q, 17p, and 17q.  As the research from this study is implemented, it will be interesting to see what results are obtained. 

Source:

Schaefer, G Bradley MD & Mendelsohn, Nancy J Md.  Genetics evaluation for the etiologic diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.  Genetics in Medicine.  January 2008, pp 4-12.  Obtained online from Ovid Journals.

Mark Roth of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has published a new story taking a more in-depth look at the rise in autism diagnoses over the past two decades.  Some autism organizations claim that the United States is currently facing an autism epidemic.  Roth reports on a 2006 study by Paul Shattuck that looks at this dramatic rise in autism.  From the Roth story:

A 2006 study in the journal Pediatrics found, for instance, that the national increase in identified autism cases in elementary schoolchildren between 1984 and 2003 had been paralleled by a similar decrease in the number of children labeled as retarded or learning disabled

The entire Roth article can be found on the Post-Gazette website.  For another look at explanations for the rise in autism cases, read The Autism “Epidemic”.

Source:  Mark Roth - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Online

Families in Washington State who have a child on the autism spectrum and a younger child who is asymptomatic are being asked to participate in a groundbreaking research study being conducted by the University of Washington Autism Center.  From the Journal Newspapers story on the study:

Researchers at the University of Washington were recently granted $11.3 million to work on the prevention of autism. Their work will be the first study done with a pre-symptomatic population who are thought to be at risk for autism because they have an autistic sibling.

Babies that participate in the study will be assessed at six, 12, and 24 months of age.  Out of the 200 children that the University of Washington hopes to have as participants, 100 will be chosen for a more intensive program.  This intensive program will help to foster a strong and positive attachment between the infant and his primary caregiver.

For more information, view the University of Washington’s Early Connections website.

Source:  Journal Newspapers

New Gene Linked To Fragile X Syndrome — Suggests Potential Targets For Autism And Other Neurological Disorders

ScienceDaily (2008-02-01) — Scientists have discovered a new gene involved in fragile X syndrome, a condition that often shares many symptoms of autism. The discovery may lead to new tests or treatments for several neurological disorders. … > read full article

Accelerated Head Growth Can Predict Autism Before Behavioral Symptoms Start, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (2008-01-31) — Children with autism have normal-size heads at birth but develop accelerated head growth between six and nine months of age, a period that precedes the onset of many behaviors that enable physicians to diagnose the developmental disorder, according to new research. … > read full article