New Autism Cure - breakthrough treatments and cures for autism

Though Autism is often considered to be the incurable condition, there are researchers all over the world studying and making connections between Autism and other psychological disorders. Most recently, a team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a connection between a rare disease affecting Amish children and the commonly diagnosed Autism and Epilepsy disorders.

The researchers found that a mutation in the STRAD-alpha gene can cause a rare but severe brain disorder known as Polyhydramnios, megalencephaly, and symptomatic epilepsy (PMSE). Characterized by abnormally increased brain size, PMSE also affects sufferers with its cause of difficulties with cognitive function and epilepsy that is not responsive to medication or treatment.

In animal case studies, animals that lacked the STRAD-Alpha (also called: STRADA) protein,  the pathway for another protein called mTOR is opened. In humans, this opening may promote abnormal cell growth that leads to cognitive impairments especially in children. It’s been found that  STRADA and mTOR are proteins that make up the complicated molecular structures that are often found in Autism and other behavioral conditions.

Mutations of the mTOR proteins are found in several disorders including uberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and other conditions that feature brain tumors. Unlike PMSE, it’s not STRADA but a different protein is affected by the pathway opening. TSC is a much more common disorder with approximately 1 million sufferers worldwide. Researchers find it to be very interesting that a rare disorder like PMSE and a not-so-rare TSC are comparable by their molecular pathways.

Adding PMSE to the list of disorders that is affected by the mTOR pathway is a great advancement in the treatment of Autism. Because PMSE shares some of the same symptoms and characteristics of Autism, it sheds a bit more light on Autism and other similar disorders. The more information that researchers find about possible causes and sources of Autism, the more that they can work towards successful treatments.

If you’re like the majority of the population you’re not exactly a master at all of the technical terms that are thrown about in studies of  various treatments for Autism. Whenever I do any kind of article reading, I’m sure to have my search engine open and ready to go, in order to find the “lay-man’s terms” for different words and medical jargon. Truth be told, it’s a lot

A new study of chromosomes has found a connection between chromosome 5  and Autism.  Great, right? But, what does it all mean?

What’s a Chromosome? The need-to-know basics.

Chromosomes are found in the cell nucleus and consist of long chains of nucleic acids coated with protein. Each chromosome contains hundreds or thousands of the genes that form our hereditary blueprint. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 total. Each parent contributes 1 chromosome to each pair.

Each chromosome has genes that determine almost every detail about us as a person. For example, some of the genes that are located on Chromosome 5 are: Pikachurin - which is responsible for the eye’s ability to track moving objects; FGFR4 which is the fibroblast growth factor receptor, and SMN1 and SMN2 -the survivor motor neurons.

Chromosome Disorders

Chromosome disorders occur if there is an an alteration in the number of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell, or if there is an alteration of the structure of a chromosome. One of the chromosome’s that researchers have looked at in depth recently is chromosome 5.

Chromosome 5 represents almost 6% of the total DNA in cells. Changes to chromosome 5 have been linked to certain types of cancers and Chron’s Disease. A recent study suggests that chromosome 5 may play a major role in Autism cases as well.

Chromosome 5 and Autism - The Connection

An in depth genetic scan of Autism families found an area on chromosome 5 that is strongly associated with Autism. In the October 2009 issue of Nature, it was also said that there were two genomic areas that may harbor typically rare variants relevant to Autism.

There have been previous studies on how genes and chromosomes may affect Autism. These studies have found possible links on chromosomes 15, 16 and 5, but this is the first study that has concentrated the area of chromosome 5 to the 5p15 region. The study has found that a specific gene, SEMA5A (or semaphorin 5A), that is responsible for enabling  neurons to their targets, may have a role in Autism Disorders.

For this particular study, the genomes of 1,031 families were examined. Furthermore, each family was considered a ‘multiplex’ family, or, families with multiple members with Autism Disorders. One method of study that took place was comparing the genes and chromosomes of the family members with the disorder to find like variants. The other method concentrates on comparing people with the disorder with people without the disorder to find similarities and differences to better understand where some causes of the disorder may lie.

A combination of these methods allowed researchers to discover that chromosomes 6 and 20 are are significantly linked with Autism. Additionally, another area on chromosome 5 was found to carry a link as well. The new area, or nucleotide is in very close proximity to  SEMA5a. The variant is protective. In other words, it’s presence decreases the risk of Autism

Despite previous proof that Autism is a hereditary disorder, the genetic scan turned up very few genetic markers. It is believed by many that a mix of common variants that are prominent in 5% of the population as well as some rare variants are more contributory to Autism.

Bottom line - What does this all mean?

Simply put, this means that research is progressing and the causes of Autism are becoming more and more discoverable. Causes, after all, are the first step to finding a treatment. Because Autism truly is a puzzle of a disorder, finding one universal treatment may not be right around the corner. However, the more we find links to the cause, the more treatments we can find that satisfy what particular “form” of Autism is affecting our loved ones.

This day in age, it’s no big surprise to see something that was created for one purpose to be used in another. For example, I had a toothache a few weeks ago, and a website recommended using Pure Peppermint Extract. I gave it a whirl, and I had a decent amount of relief from the pain until I was able to make it to the dentist.

There are countless examples of this in medicine, and one of the more controversial examples is the use of OSR#1 specifically for the treatment of Autism. OSR#1 was originally developed to remove heavy metals from soil and acid mine drainage. After further research and testing, OSR#1 was found to be an effective antioxidant. Although the website openly says that the drug is not approved by the FDA nor has it been proven to cure any illness or disease, it provides links in order for parents and caregivers to obtain lists of pharmacies who distribute OSR#1.

How does OSR#1 Treat Autism?

Autism is often suggested to be directly linked to toxic levels of metals, especially mercury.  This being said, OSR#1 works to scavenge free radicals in the body and helps to maintain safe glutathione levels. More simply - it removes toxic metals. A study was done of children ages 3-8 years old where their severity of autism was compared with their level of excreted toxic metals. There were several positive correlations between the two. If Autism is in fact caused or affected by the level of toxic metals, then it seems only logical that a compound used to remove toxic metals would be an effective treatment.

Critics’ Questions and Clinicians’ Answers

Critics argue the basis of the compound to be considered “safe”. An FDA toxicologist questioned the safety of OSR#1 and inquired what studies had been done to prove that this was indeed safe for human ingestion. Dr. Boyd Haley, the developer of OSR#1 responded with a 10 person study. He said: “We looked at everything, including OSR#1’s effect on essential minerals. This project was done on the relatives (children, parents, spouses) of two medical doctors who also treat autistic children, as well as older individuals, and whose children also had ASD problems. No blood or urine test indicated any adverse effect. However, the glutathione results improved dramatically. We obtained an IRB (Institutional Review Board) to evaluate these results and this also showed no adverse effects of OSR#1.”

The Chicago Tribune published an article claiming that OSR#1 went through insufficient testing and was unsafe.  Within a few hours, the OSR1 Twitter page had an announcement saying that the article was false, and appropriate testing was conducted. It directs you to their website, where the history of testing is disclosed. The site even goes as far as saying that the compound is proven to be non-toxic in levels thousands of times higher than the amount suggested for human intake.

What Does This Talk of OSR#1 Mean For Your Autistic Child?

As with all treatments, it’s going to depend on your child’s needs. Though OSR#1 isn’t yet approved by the FDA, it’s important to pay attention to the studies that have been done, and the logistics of it all. The anti-oxidant is available and many doctors swear by it and support its benefits.  As parents, you surely won’t give your child just anything especially when it isn’t safe, so be sure that no matter what route you take for any treatment, medicinal or behavioral, that you take a look in depth and studies and findings.

Autism Awareness Ribbon

The universal symbol for autism is a puzzle piece. It’s pretty symbolic if you think about it. There are a lot of pieces to the Autism puzzle - some we’re aware of and others that we aren’t. Another piece of the Autism puzzle has fallen into place after a study done by the University of California, Davis.

The study, published in the February issue of the Autism Research Journal took into account over 4.9 million children born in California in the 90’s.  Researchers found that the mother’s age when giving birth had a direct affect over the child’s risk of developing Autism. This is particularly true for women over the age of 40 as they are 50% more likely to give birth to an Autistic child than women who give birth at ages 25-29.

Additionally, for every 5 years maternal age, the risk of Autism is increased by 18%.  Some studies have indicated that a father’s age also had an effect on the statistics and risk. In this particular study, researches found that the father’s age had no effect on the Autism risk when the woman’s age was over 30. It isn’t until you combine a man over 40 and a woman under the age of thirty. For example, if a man over 40, and a woman under 25 conceive a child, the risk of Autism in that child is double that of a father between ages of 25-29 and a woman of the same age.

In the 90’s, the number of women who gave birth in California went up 300%. Autism cases sky rocketed by about 600%. This study shows the clear correlation of the age of women giving birth and the risk of the child developing Autism, but researchers and experts point out that these cases only account for 5% of the overall cases of Autism that exist.

Despite the seemingly small impact that this study has on the overall spectrum that is Autism, it’s very important to realize that Autism is a very complicated disorder to investigate. There are many “pieces” to the puzzle, and though this is only one small piece, it’s a collective amount of these small pieces that when put together, that make Autism more known, understood, and hopefully someday, cured.

The autism rates of been on the rise for years and though there are many theories, there are no definite explanations to the increase of cases.

On December 1st, 2009, in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, a report was released comparing cases of Autism with the MMR (Measles-Mumps Rubella) Vaccine. Some earlier cases suggested an association between the two, while other studies showed otherwise.

In this newest, small scale study, there were 96 autism cases of children from ages 12 to 15, and 192 healthy children matched to cases by birth year and sex. Other factors in the study included mother’s age, medication during pregnancy, generation time, and perinatal injury in the analysis and it was found MMR vaccine was not linked to increased risk of autism.

Of children vaccinated before diagnosis, those who were vaccinated with MMR were at 83 percent reduced risk of autism and those vaccinated with single measles vaccine were at 56 percent reduced risk compared to those who were non-vaccinated.

Vaccinated children were at 72 percent reduced risk of autism compared to those who were did not receive measles vaccine.

The researchers concluded that “the study provides evidence against the association of autism with either MMR or a single measles vaccine.”

People are diagnosed with autism at a variety of different ages. Autism diagnosis ranges from toddlers to teenagers to adults, Autism does not discriminate against the age of a person. This might not be the case when we switch focus and look at the parents’ ages. A study conducted between 1989 and 2002 of 7.5 million births in California found that the risk of a child developing Autism went up with the age of the parents.

A child’s risk of getting Autism went up 38% for each 10 year increase of a mother’s age between the ages of 20 and 40. There were also other factors taken into account including race, education, and the father’s age.

As a father’s age increased, the risk of the child developing autism went up 22% with each 10 year increase between the ages of 20 and 60.

Most believe that genetics plays a key role in the development of Autism. However, studies of parental age as a factor have mixed results. There are some studies, like the one in California, that show age may have an impact on the risk of developing Autism. Then, there are other studies that do not show any impact whatsoever. Still, there is no solid evidence that age plays a definitive role in determining the risk of a child developing autism.

Over the last 2 decades, there has been a significant spike in the number of autism cases. The reasons for this still have not been determined as there is no clear link. Though it’s just an observation, it’s not unfathomable that the overall trend of delaying pregnancy and childbirth could have something to do with the rise – and this would tie into the age speculation.

Even if the parents’ age is a factor, however, it would not have an overwhelming effect on the risk of autism development. Even in the California study, a large majority of older parents did not give birth to children who developed Autism. About 800 children born to women between ages 40-44 developed autism, while 150,000 did not. When this number is compared to the children born to mother’s aged 25-29, the risk was 84% higher.

Until there is solid evidence, there are no suggestions to give parents planning on having children.

We often speak about Autism in children since this is often when the disorder is diagnosed. Parents are much more aware of the common symptoms of Autism including short attention spans, slow speech, specific repetitive behaviors and social interaction difficulties. Parents are quick to ask their doctors as soon as these things become apparent. With the growing rate of diagnosed Autism cases, this also leads one to wonder- what happens to autistic children as they grow older? What happens when they aren’t children anymore?

Of course this question doesn’t have one answer, and needs to be researched on a case-by-case basis. Dylan and Remly Clark are two brothers, 18 and 19 respectively, who have autism. Their mother, Judy Clark is the founder of Autism Support And Programs (ASAP) which is an organization that offers support and information for people with autism.

About 8 years ago, Judy made the difficult decision to put her son Remly into a facility. His autism was particularly difficult to manage and handle, so she had no other choice than to get Remly the care that he needed and deserved. Despite her confident decision, Judy was determined to have her two sons together again somday.

As the ASPS grew, they added more staff members and were able to enhance areas of the organization to promote growth. One of the biggest additions — a group home specifically catered to those who have autism. Everything from the color scheme to the available activities were created and targeted to benefit the residents.

Rainbow Farms is a 5 acre farm and is located in Pender County, North Carolina. Each resident’s case is explored individually and a daily schedule is devised based on their specific needs. The residents have a chance to interact with not only each other, but with farm animals and horses. They staff at Rainbow Farms base their work on several principles including Individualization, Behavioral Support, Collaboration and Positive Supports.

Just opened this year, Rainbow Farms now houses both Dylan and Remly Clark. They are learning to interact with others and enjoying their time spent together. Despite their autism, Judy says she wouldn’t trade her sons or their conditions for the world. The Autism is just a part of her boys’ charm.

Tuesday mornings were always “Fluoride Day” when I was in elementary school. We’d all pile into the cafeteria and wait anxiously to see which flavor of the often used teeth treatment would be distributed. Some days, parents would be invited to come in and take part in the fluoride festivities.  Why shouldn’t they have? Clean teeth are important in both children and adults.

Could it be that this weekly ritual does more harm than good? Could too much of a good thing actually be detrimental and cause neurological disorders in children?

It’s possible - according to researchers  investigating fluoride and its effects.  Too much fluoride consumed by women who are pregnant lowers their thyroid levels and this may affect the brain and neurological development of the unborn child.  Such disturbance in development can cause ADD, Autism and decreased IQ levels.

This raises the question: “How much is too much?” and “If I stop doing fluoride treatments will this put me in the clear?” Not so fast. Fluoride is found not only in toothpaste and other dental products but in drinking water and some foods as well. Exposure to fluoride from these multiple sources could be enough to cause the lower Thyroid levels that can lead to neurological deficiencies.

As much as 2/3 of the nation’s water sources contain fluoride. There are organizations  such as the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation whose goal is to omit fluoride from public water sources.

Despite its discovery over 100 years ago, the H1N1 virus came alive 5 months ago. Prior to that, talk of the virus, more commonly referred to as “Swine Flu”, was reserved for medical journals and text books until the massive outbreak in April 2009. By the middle of this year, over one-million cases of the Swine Flu had been diagnosed.

When word of a vaccine was heard, there was a nationwide sigh of relief. Millions of doses of the vaccine were produced and sent off to various medical facilities for immediate use. Men and women rushed to get both themselves and their children vaccinated.

When introduced to a medication or vaccine that can treat or prevent illness, it is a rarity that we do much more than quickly glance at the side effects. For example, it is common knowledge that taking over-the-counter pain-killers can cause stomach irritation. However, if a severe toothache needs treatment, it is often the case that one would rather deal with minor stomach pains than the agony of a toothache. What happens though, when a vaccine used to prevent an illness carries the same side effects and potential dangers as the illness itself?

Along with the common flu symptoms of coughing, fatigue, nausea and body aches, Swine Flu can also cause neurological damage. This is especially true in young children and unborn babies. If a pregnant woman develops Swine Flu, the virus is known to attack the genes that control growth, often resulting in the newborn developing Autism. That being said, It seems to be a no-brainer that pregnant women and parents of young children should head directly to their doctor and get the vaccination, right?

Maybe not.

One of the ingredients in the Swine Flu and most all vaccines is Mercury; more specifically Thimerosal which serves as a preservative. It has already been determined that Mercury and many of its forms can cause Autism and other neurological disorders just as the flu itself does.

This poses the difficult question: Do you avoid the vaccination due to its damaging side effects and live on the hope that your child will not get the often deadly flu? Or, do you get the vaccination and inject yourself and/or your child with an element known to cause neurological damage and autism?

The answer to the question simply depends on your personal opinion. Does the risk of the vaccine outweigh the risk of the flu? The benefits and risks are definitely something to bring up with a trusted physician so you can more accurately make the decision based on your individual situation.

With another flu season quickly approaching, the first batches of the Swine Flu vaccine will be hitting doctor’s offices by mid-October. 195 Million doses of the vaccine will be distributed and administered. It is said also that each person will need two doses of the vaccine to be properly protected against the flu.

The Center for Disease Control claims that there will be a Mercury-free vaccine in both injection and nasal spray forms, though it is uncertain when it will be available.

Last week, I looked at how genetic abnormalities may be linked to autism and today I’m going to take that a bit further and look at the link between the genetic codes, autoimmune diseases, autism and gluten - an interesting recipe!

Some researchers are suggesting that there is a link between parents who suffer with auto-immune diseases like lupus, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Disease, celiac disease and autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, and children who have autism spectrum disorders. These scientists believe that a parent’s autoimmune deficiency can make their child more susceptible to autism spectrum disorders in the following ways:-

• Toxins or pathogens may be able to damage the developing brain of the developing child.
• A pathogen may trigger an autoimmune response that could interfere with normal brain functioning.
• In utero, the mother’s immune deficiency may allow a pathogen to damage the brain of the fetus directly or by triggering an immune response in the mother that then “creates pathogenesis in the fetal brain” - see Utah State University’s Study “Possible Immunogenetic Basis for Autism” http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/79073/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0.

Two studies - “Familial Clustering of Autoimmune Disorders and Evaluation of Medical Risk Factors in Autism” by J Child Neurol (1999) and “Increased Prevalence of Familial Autoimmunity in Probands with Pervasive Developmental Disorders” T L Sweeten et al. (2003)suggested that there is a link between a family history of autoimmune disorders and autistic children because autistic children are more likely to have a family history of autoimmune disorders than healthy children in a control group. It was found that over 40% of families with an autistic child had two or more close family members with an autoimmune disorder and that those with first-degree relatives, particularly their mothers, were most often affected.

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