LONDON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- British researchers say high levels of testosterone discovered during pre-natal testing may indicate a risk of autism.
Cambridge University scientists say the testosterone levels were determined using amniotic fluid removed from pregnant mothers through amniocentesis, which is used to detect Down syndrome in unborn infants, the Guardian newspaper reported Monday.
Lead researcher Simon Baron-Cohen said there needs to be a debate over the consequences of testing for autism. Many people with autism have extraordinary abilities in mathematics and music.
"If there was a pre-natal test for autism, would this be desirable?" he said. "What would we lose if children with autistic spectrum disorder were eliminated from the population?"
Researchers from Cambridge's autism research center discovered the testosterone link after studying 235 children from birth to the age of 8. Children with high levels of testosterone before birth showed autistic traits such as a lack of sociability and verbal skills by the time they were 8, the newspaper said.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Animated series helped children with autism recognize emotions: study
SASKATCHEWAN (CBC) - Some children with autism showed significant improvements in recognizing and understanding emotion after viewing an animated series created by British autism researchers, a new study indicates.
In an article published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, researchers describe their study of 20 high-functioning children with autism age 4 to 7.
Over four weeks, the children watched at least three episodes of an animated series created for autistic children called The Transporters. The series, developped by the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University in conjunction with the U.K. government, features computer-animated trains, trolleys, ferries and cable cars with the faces of real-life actors expressing emotions.
"The children with autism who'd watched the DVD not only improved on recognizing [emotion on] faces … they'd seen before but even on new faces," said study author Prof. Simon Baron Cohen, director of Cambridge centre.
"So, this suggested they hadn't just mimicked. They'd actually learned the concepts and could apply them in novel ways," added Baron Cohen, who helped to develop the DVD.
Jo-Lynn Fenton of Halifax has been waiting for The Transporters to be released in Canada for the past two years. She hopes the series will help her son, Rhys, who has autism, which makes it difficult for him to recognize and communicate emotion.
"He can identify the emotions, but he can't always put the emotions in the right context," she said.
Each short episode focuses on a specific emotion and the facial cues associated with it. After each episode, there is an interactive quiz.
Children with autism who watched the DVD for 15 minutes a day over a one-month period caught up with other children in their ability to recognize emotions, said Baron Cohen, unlike children who did not watch the series.
More research is needed to look at how long the effects may last and whether the benefits apply to all children in the autism spectrum.
The DVD will be ideal for young children with good language skills, but there is a drawback, said Dr. Susan Bryson, an autism expert at IWK Health Centre in Halifax.
"For a lot of children, what's particularly difficult is picking up emotion in faces when it’s a little more subtle, not so exaggerated," said Bryson. "But this is probably a good starting point."
The British research team isn’t making a profit from the DVD — 25 per cent of the proceeds will go to autism charities, and the rest will be used to make more episodes.
The Transporters series sells online for about $60 and is available in North America as of this week.
In an article published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, researchers describe their study of 20 high-functioning children with autism age 4 to 7.
Over four weeks, the children watched at least three episodes of an animated series created for autistic children called The Transporters. The series, developped by the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University in conjunction with the U.K. government, features computer-animated trains, trolleys, ferries and cable cars with the faces of real-life actors expressing emotions.
"The children with autism who'd watched the DVD not only improved on recognizing [emotion on] faces … they'd seen before but even on new faces," said study author Prof. Simon Baron Cohen, director of Cambridge centre.
"So, this suggested they hadn't just mimicked. They'd actually learned the concepts and could apply them in novel ways," added Baron Cohen, who helped to develop the DVD.
Jo-Lynn Fenton of Halifax has been waiting for The Transporters to be released in Canada for the past two years. She hopes the series will help her son, Rhys, who has autism, which makes it difficult for him to recognize and communicate emotion.
"He can identify the emotions, but he can't always put the emotions in the right context," she said.
Each short episode focuses on a specific emotion and the facial cues associated with it. After each episode, there is an interactive quiz.
Children with autism who watched the DVD for 15 minutes a day over a one-month period caught up with other children in their ability to recognize emotions, said Baron Cohen, unlike children who did not watch the series.
More research is needed to look at how long the effects may last and whether the benefits apply to all children in the autism spectrum.
The DVD will be ideal for young children with good language skills, but there is a drawback, said Dr. Susan Bryson, an autism expert at IWK Health Centre in Halifax.
"For a lot of children, what's particularly difficult is picking up emotion in faces when it’s a little more subtle, not so exaggerated," said Bryson. "But this is probably a good starting point."
The British research team isn’t making a profit from the DVD — 25 per cent of the proceeds will go to autism charities, and the rest will be used to make more episodes.
The Transporters series sells online for about $60 and is available in North America as of this week.
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Precious Child's Different Journey
"You still have a great kid, but you're on a different journey. You'll dream a different dream for your child, not a bad one, just different." Those are the words a mother longs to hear from her physician once she discovers her child has autism. These children have "different brains and different abilities" and they have the capacity to teach each of us a new skill, as they make this world a better place.
This is a mother's journey as she realizes something is different in her child. When the child does not respond to her name, the family seeks medical help. First, the 18 month old has a hearing test with normal results. With concern, the parents visit the doctor at three years of age and hear the soothing advice, "give the child more time." Deep down both mother and father feel something is not right, but cling to hope that their sweet child will be okay. By the age of five, this child attends preschool. During spring conference, the teachers share somber concerns. "Your child," the teacher explains gently, "has abnormal speech prosody - tone of voice. She plays alone with little interest in other children and talks mostly in memorized movie scripts, not flowing conversation. An evaluation with Child Find can help," suggests the caring teacher. Acknowledging a problem in your child is painful for any parent. However, when someone clearly communicates that a problem exists, the parents eagerly seek help. These grateful parents recall, "Knowledgeable, preschool staff made a tremendous difference in getting our child timely help."
In their search for answers, the parents read, study, and ask questions of many health and educational experts, as well as other parents. One evening, the father stumbles upon answers that bring hollow relief and overwhelming anxiety. As he studies information about Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder first described in 1944, this father faces the harsh reality that his child shows 14 of the 20 signs.
With new information, both parents realize the only way to truly help their precious child is to grant permission for health and educational professionals to say the "A" word, AUTISM. This family now treads on a mysterious path. However, by facing autism, the family partners with health and educational experts to work collaboratively in the child's best interest. Finally, the mother, father, and especially the lovely child are no longer alone on their journey.
Looking back, the parents' greatest regret is they did not desperately seek help sooner for their child simply because they did not understand. Therefore, crucial early intervention time was lost. "It is so important for everyone caring for children to know the signs of autism and help families get the earliest diagnosis and treatment possible. All kids with Autism can make progress and the earlier they get help the better their chances are," advise these parents who navigate autism's path.
In the US today, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect 1 in every 150 children who are eight years old and are increasing at alarming rates. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Between 1994 and 2006, the number of 6 to 17-year-old children classified as having an ASD in public special education programs increased from 22,664 to 211,610." These disorders are more common in children than diabetes, spinal bifida and even Down's syndrome.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have a problem in the brain that leads to
developmental challenges. These children may interact, communicate, behave and learn differently than others and have symptoms that vary from mild to severe. ASD children possess thinking and learning abilities that vary from gifted to severely challenged. The most familiar type of ASD is autistic disorder but others include "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified" and Asperger Syndrome.
Children with autism spectrum disorders do not follow regular patterns of child development. In many cases, parents accurately notice that something is different, but find it difficult to explain and understand what is happening to the child. Even childcare providers and preschool teachers often identify unusual behaviors, but sometimes are uncertain what to do with these observations.
Today health experts agree that early recognition and intervention with behavioral therapies for children with ASD leads to amazing results. ASD can be recognized as early as 18 months and some developmental delays are seen in infancy. Seeking help from health care professionals and organizations like Child Find make a huge impact on the child's progress and success.
This is a mother's journey as she realizes something is different in her child. When the child does not respond to her name, the family seeks medical help. First, the 18 month old has a hearing test with normal results. With concern, the parents visit the doctor at three years of age and hear the soothing advice, "give the child more time." Deep down both mother and father feel something is not right, but cling to hope that their sweet child will be okay. By the age of five, this child attends preschool. During spring conference, the teachers share somber concerns. "Your child," the teacher explains gently, "has abnormal speech prosody - tone of voice. She plays alone with little interest in other children and talks mostly in memorized movie scripts, not flowing conversation. An evaluation with Child Find can help," suggests the caring teacher. Acknowledging a problem in your child is painful for any parent. However, when someone clearly communicates that a problem exists, the parents eagerly seek help. These grateful parents recall, "Knowledgeable, preschool staff made a tremendous difference in getting our child timely help."
In their search for answers, the parents read, study, and ask questions of many health and educational experts, as well as other parents. One evening, the father stumbles upon answers that bring hollow relief and overwhelming anxiety. As he studies information about Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder first described in 1944, this father faces the harsh reality that his child shows 14 of the 20 signs.
With new information, both parents realize the only way to truly help their precious child is to grant permission for health and educational professionals to say the "A" word, AUTISM. This family now treads on a mysterious path. However, by facing autism, the family partners with health and educational experts to work collaboratively in the child's best interest. Finally, the mother, father, and especially the lovely child are no longer alone on their journey.
Looking back, the parents' greatest regret is they did not desperately seek help sooner for their child simply because they did not understand. Therefore, crucial early intervention time was lost. "It is so important for everyone caring for children to know the signs of autism and help families get the earliest diagnosis and treatment possible. All kids with Autism can make progress and the earlier they get help the better their chances are," advise these parents who navigate autism's path.
In the US today, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect 1 in every 150 children who are eight years old and are increasing at alarming rates. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Between 1994 and 2006, the number of 6 to 17-year-old children classified as having an ASD in public special education programs increased from 22,664 to 211,610." These disorders are more common in children than diabetes, spinal bifida and even Down's syndrome.
Children with autism spectrum disorders have a problem in the brain that leads to
developmental challenges. These children may interact, communicate, behave and learn differently than others and have symptoms that vary from mild to severe. ASD children possess thinking and learning abilities that vary from gifted to severely challenged. The most familiar type of ASD is autistic disorder but others include "pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified" and Asperger Syndrome.
Children with autism spectrum disorders do not follow regular patterns of child development. In many cases, parents accurately notice that something is different, but find it difficult to explain and understand what is happening to the child. Even childcare providers and preschool teachers often identify unusual behaviors, but sometimes are uncertain what to do with these observations.
Today health experts agree that early recognition and intervention with behavioral therapies for children with ASD leads to amazing results. ASD can be recognized as early as 18 months and some developmental delays are seen in infancy. Seeking help from health care professionals and organizations like Child Find make a huge impact on the child's progress and success.
Chiropractor treats autistic children
ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Aidan Fitzgerald, 5, has autism. He started chiropractic treatment in the summer and now visits twice a week.
"It makes him feel better, so he looks forward to coming here ‘cause he knows that he's going to feel better afterwards," said Aidan's mother, Kari Fitzgerald.
Cicero-based chiropractor Dr. Joe Borio says chiropractic treatment helps balance out the nervous system and ignite the brain in autistic children.
"When you adjust the spine, you actually stimulate certain parts of the brain and actually turn some of those switches on," said Dr. Borio.
Aidan's mother says the effects for him are immediate. She says it calms self stimulatory behaviors, like hand flapping, and increases eye contact and motor skills.
"It's a definite difference in how his behavior is. He is able to pay attention better. He's able to focus better," said Fitzgerald.
Dr. Borio says the chiropractic adjustments are a part of a broader program, which includes diet and other remedies.
"We certainly eliminate wheat and eliminate dairy in all autistic children," Dr. Borio said.
Dr. Borio says he also uses volcanic ash, approved by both the FDA and CDC, to detox children, since some believe autism could be related to a toxicity of metals.
"That's introduced in a powder form. Kids take about a half a teaspoon a day and they incorporate that into their diet. And what that does is it eliminates a lot of the heavy metals within the body," said Dr. Borio.
Dr. Borio is currently treating about 50 children. Kari Fitzgerald says it something her son will continue to do.
"It's definitely a big part of the whole and it's really helped a lot," Fitzgerald said.
A support group called Healing Autism CNY meets every other week at Dr. Borio's office.
"It makes him feel better, so he looks forward to coming here ‘cause he knows that he's going to feel better afterwards," said Aidan's mother, Kari Fitzgerald.
Cicero-based chiropractor Dr. Joe Borio says chiropractic treatment helps balance out the nervous system and ignite the brain in autistic children.
"When you adjust the spine, you actually stimulate certain parts of the brain and actually turn some of those switches on," said Dr. Borio.
Aidan's mother says the effects for him are immediate. She says it calms self stimulatory behaviors, like hand flapping, and increases eye contact and motor skills.
"It's a definite difference in how his behavior is. He is able to pay attention better. He's able to focus better," said Fitzgerald.
Dr. Borio says the chiropractic adjustments are a part of a broader program, which includes diet and other remedies.
"We certainly eliminate wheat and eliminate dairy in all autistic children," Dr. Borio said.
Dr. Borio says he also uses volcanic ash, approved by both the FDA and CDC, to detox children, since some believe autism could be related to a toxicity of metals.
"That's introduced in a powder form. Kids take about a half a teaspoon a day and they incorporate that into their diet. And what that does is it eliminates a lot of the heavy metals within the body," said Dr. Borio.
Dr. Borio is currently treating about 50 children. Kari Fitzgerald says it something her son will continue to do.
"It's definitely a big part of the whole and it's really helped a lot," Fitzgerald said.
A support group called Healing Autism CNY meets every other week at Dr. Borio's office.
Friday, October 24, 2008
10 Myths About Autism Experts Examine Misconceptions About Autism
10 Myths About Autism
Experts Examine Misconceptions About Autism
By LARA SALAHI
ABC News Medical Unit
Oct. 23, 2008
As the number of Americans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders climbs, so, too, does the number of questions surrounding this disorder. Namely, what is autism, and what is causing a rise in autism diagnoses among adults and children nationwide?
Amid these questions, television shows and magazines feature a barrage of stories and imagery -- families rallying for and against vaccines, debates between medical experts pointing to both genetic and environmental causes, and images of individuals diagnosed with autism who struggle to speak and function independently, while others can interact with others and are able to hold jobs. For many, these competing messages may make this already complex condition even more confusing.
Fortunately, doctors and researchers are learning more about the causes and characteristics of autism.
The following are answers to 10 common myths, that may help us better recognize the range of symptoms we call autism spectrum disorders.
Myth: Autism is an emotional or mental health disorder.
While physical or social behaviors of individuals with autism may suggest that they have a psychological disorder, autism is actually a biological illness that affects the brain's growth and development.
"In the case of autism, the parts of the brain that are most affected seem to impact three areas of functioning," said Michael Alessandri, executive director of the University of Miami's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. "Social behavior, communication and restricted and repetitive rituals and routines are ways that the child or the adult with autism interact with the environment."
Although autism is now understood to be a neurodevelopmental disorder, Alessandri, an expert for ABCNews.com's OnCall+ Autism section, said autism can still be considered a complex disorder because its range of symptoms is so diverse.
"Scientists and clinicians now understand that autism is not a singular entity, but rather, a variety of syndromes that ... create the autism spectrum disorders," said Alessandri.
Myth: There is an autism epidemic.
The word "epidemic" often implies a sudden burst in the number of individuals within a fixed time who have, in this case, autism.
Although the CDC reports that one out of 150 children born have an autism spectrum disorder, some experts are quick to question whether a surge in autism cases is actually occurring. Some are more likely to link the upshot of numbers to the combination of a broader definition of autism, a wider spectrum, and an earlier diagnosis.
"The condition has not become more widespread, but there is more diagnosis of autism," said Dr. Bob Marion, director of Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Sheila Wagner, assistant director of the Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta, added that more awareness of symptoms has allowed more people to identify individuals who have autism.
"There's a lot of media exposure to autism, in television and movies," said Wagner. "This has made [autism] more recognizable in the lay population."
Myth: Autism can be cured.
Some parents may allude to a certain diet, medicine, or set of behavioral treatments that have cured their autistic children, where other parents may try the same mode of treatment and see no results. While there are treatments created to improve an autistic child's ability, there is no known cure for autism.
"We do know that with early intervention with younger children and Applied Behavioral Analysis, we can improve a child's functioning," said Marion.
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one form of therapy for newly diagnosed children. It includes repeating behavioral activities to improve a child's social and physical functions.
According to Marion, there is no blanket treatment for autism, and it is up to the individual's doctor to assess what treatment will offer the best benefit for each autistic child.
In some cases, Marion said, behaviors, including eye contact, interaction with others and development of language skills, will significantly improve -- but the underlying biological disorder will not change.
"And that is definitely not a cure," he said.
Myth: Autism is the result of cold and unemotional parents.
In the 1940s, Austrian doctor Bruno Bettelheim theorized that autism was a result of parents, especially mothers, who did not love their children. Children in such situations would withdraw and become autistic, Bettelheim believed.
However, researchers have thawed the "refrigerator mother" theory. According to medical experts, a child's autism diagnosis has nothing to do with how the child is raised.
"We don't know if there are any things that a parent can do or not do, conclusively, will determine whether their child gets autism or not," said Dr. Daniel Geshwind, director of UCLA's neurogenetics program and center for autism research. "Most of the evidence right now points to there being a very strong genetic predisposition in most cases of autism, but not all."
Myth: Individuals with autism always have hidden or exceptional talents.
Stephen Wiltshire, 34, is best known as the human camera. He can replicate architectural designs and landscapes down to each blade of grass -- even if he is only given one opportunity to observe the area he is drawing. Wiltshire has reproduced panoramic scenes of Tokyo, Rome and London by memory after one short helicopter ride over each of the cities.
Wiltshire is an autistic savant. That is, he has extraordinary cognitive skills that allow him to recall details of designs, numbers and measurements that are normally considered too difficult to remember.
The concept of an autistic individual as a savant may have been popularized by Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie "Rain Man."
But while Marion acknowledges that there is a minority group of individuals with autism who have unusual islets of skills, savants are an unrealistic portrayal of the majority of individuals on the spectrum. He said most do not have talents or skills that distinguish themselves by extraordinary talents.
"There are strengths and weaknesses in every child," said Marion. "It's important for every child with autism to have a multidisciplinary evaluation by health professionals who have experience in assessing a child's skills and deficits, to come up with an educational plan that will benefit the child the most."
Myth: Repetitive or ritualistic behaviors should be stopped.
One of the classic indicators of autism is repetitive and ritualistic behaviors, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), a physician's tool to diagnose autism.
While these behaviors -- which can include hand flapping, banging on walls or rocking back and forth -- may seem odd, they do have a purpose: they can be calming; they can feel good; and they may help the individual communicate with others, said Wagner.
Repetitive behaviors may only pose a problem if they begin interfering in family life or if they prevent those with autism from functioning independently, Wagner added.
However, according to Dr. Pauline Filipek, associate professor of pediatrics and neurology at the University of California, Irvine, a child may learn to outgrow repetitive behaviors.
"Often, as an individual gets older, they learn that such behaviors make them stand out in society, and they learn to miniaturize those behaviors," said Filipek.
Myth: Individuals with autism are unable to build social relationships.
"This is a generalization and needs to be individualized because the spectrum is so wide," said Marion.
In short, social relationships are possible for some individuals on the autism spectrum, but not for others on the most severe end of the spectrum, Marion said.
The DSM IV, which includes diagnosing guidelines for autism, lists "impairment in social interaction" as one indication that an individual can have an autism spectrum disorder. But not every child on the autism spectrum will have the same degree of difficulty connecting with others.
"At the most severe end of the spectrum, yes, that's true," said Marion. "But there is a multitude of children who have friends, and even some who do have close relationships."
Myth: Autistic individuals are a danger to society.
"It is a disservice to think that all people with autism are dangerous," said Wagner.
The idea rises from numerous news stories of individuals diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a high form of autism, who have been accused of burglary and, at times, murder.
However, if you look at the entire population of people on the autism spectrum, the number of people involved in crime is small, said Wagner. If someone with autism were to act out, it may be due to frustration or perhaps physical or emotional overstimulation, not necessarily malice, she said.
Experts Examine Misconceptions About Autism
By LARA SALAHI
ABC News Medical Unit
Oct. 23, 2008
As the number of Americans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders climbs, so, too, does the number of questions surrounding this disorder. Namely, what is autism, and what is causing a rise in autism diagnoses among adults and children nationwide?
Amid these questions, television shows and magazines feature a barrage of stories and imagery -- families rallying for and against vaccines, debates between medical experts pointing to both genetic and environmental causes, and images of individuals diagnosed with autism who struggle to speak and function independently, while others can interact with others and are able to hold jobs. For many, these competing messages may make this already complex condition even more confusing.
Fortunately, doctors and researchers are learning more about the causes and characteristics of autism.
The following are answers to 10 common myths, that may help us better recognize the range of symptoms we call autism spectrum disorders.
Myth: Autism is an emotional or mental health disorder.
While physical or social behaviors of individuals with autism may suggest that they have a psychological disorder, autism is actually a biological illness that affects the brain's growth and development.
"In the case of autism, the parts of the brain that are most affected seem to impact three areas of functioning," said Michael Alessandri, executive director of the University of Miami's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. "Social behavior, communication and restricted and repetitive rituals and routines are ways that the child or the adult with autism interact with the environment."
Although autism is now understood to be a neurodevelopmental disorder, Alessandri, an expert for ABCNews.com's OnCall+ Autism section, said autism can still be considered a complex disorder because its range of symptoms is so diverse.
"Scientists and clinicians now understand that autism is not a singular entity, but rather, a variety of syndromes that ... create the autism spectrum disorders," said Alessandri.
Myth: There is an autism epidemic.
The word "epidemic" often implies a sudden burst in the number of individuals within a fixed time who have, in this case, autism.
Although the CDC reports that one out of 150 children born have an autism spectrum disorder, some experts are quick to question whether a surge in autism cases is actually occurring. Some are more likely to link the upshot of numbers to the combination of a broader definition of autism, a wider spectrum, and an earlier diagnosis.
"The condition has not become more widespread, but there is more diagnosis of autism," said Dr. Bob Marion, director of Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Sheila Wagner, assistant director of the Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta, added that more awareness of symptoms has allowed more people to identify individuals who have autism.
"There's a lot of media exposure to autism, in television and movies," said Wagner. "This has made [autism] more recognizable in the lay population."
Myth: Autism can be cured.
Some parents may allude to a certain diet, medicine, or set of behavioral treatments that have cured their autistic children, where other parents may try the same mode of treatment and see no results. While there are treatments created to improve an autistic child's ability, there is no known cure for autism.
"We do know that with early intervention with younger children and Applied Behavioral Analysis, we can improve a child's functioning," said Marion.
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one form of therapy for newly diagnosed children. It includes repeating behavioral activities to improve a child's social and physical functions.
According to Marion, there is no blanket treatment for autism, and it is up to the individual's doctor to assess what treatment will offer the best benefit for each autistic child.
In some cases, Marion said, behaviors, including eye contact, interaction with others and development of language skills, will significantly improve -- but the underlying biological disorder will not change.
"And that is definitely not a cure," he said.
Myth: Autism is the result of cold and unemotional parents.
In the 1940s, Austrian doctor Bruno Bettelheim theorized that autism was a result of parents, especially mothers, who did not love their children. Children in such situations would withdraw and become autistic, Bettelheim believed.
However, researchers have thawed the "refrigerator mother" theory. According to medical experts, a child's autism diagnosis has nothing to do with how the child is raised.
"We don't know if there are any things that a parent can do or not do, conclusively, will determine whether their child gets autism or not," said Dr. Daniel Geshwind, director of UCLA's neurogenetics program and center for autism research. "Most of the evidence right now points to there being a very strong genetic predisposition in most cases of autism, but not all."
Myth: Individuals with autism always have hidden or exceptional talents.
Stephen Wiltshire, 34, is best known as the human camera. He can replicate architectural designs and landscapes down to each blade of grass -- even if he is only given one opportunity to observe the area he is drawing. Wiltshire has reproduced panoramic scenes of Tokyo, Rome and London by memory after one short helicopter ride over each of the cities.
Wiltshire is an autistic savant. That is, he has extraordinary cognitive skills that allow him to recall details of designs, numbers and measurements that are normally considered too difficult to remember.
The concept of an autistic individual as a savant may have been popularized by Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie "Rain Man."
But while Marion acknowledges that there is a minority group of individuals with autism who have unusual islets of skills, savants are an unrealistic portrayal of the majority of individuals on the spectrum. He said most do not have talents or skills that distinguish themselves by extraordinary talents.
"There are strengths and weaknesses in every child," said Marion. "It's important for every child with autism to have a multidisciplinary evaluation by health professionals who have experience in assessing a child's skills and deficits, to come up with an educational plan that will benefit the child the most."
Myth: Repetitive or ritualistic behaviors should be stopped.
One of the classic indicators of autism is repetitive and ritualistic behaviors, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), a physician's tool to diagnose autism.
While these behaviors -- which can include hand flapping, banging on walls or rocking back and forth -- may seem odd, they do have a purpose: they can be calming; they can feel good; and they may help the individual communicate with others, said Wagner.
Repetitive behaviors may only pose a problem if they begin interfering in family life or if they prevent those with autism from functioning independently, Wagner added.
However, according to Dr. Pauline Filipek, associate professor of pediatrics and neurology at the University of California, Irvine, a child may learn to outgrow repetitive behaviors.
"Often, as an individual gets older, they learn that such behaviors make them stand out in society, and they learn to miniaturize those behaviors," said Filipek.
Myth: Individuals with autism are unable to build social relationships.
"This is a generalization and needs to be individualized because the spectrum is so wide," said Marion.
In short, social relationships are possible for some individuals on the autism spectrum, but not for others on the most severe end of the spectrum, Marion said.
The DSM IV, which includes diagnosing guidelines for autism, lists "impairment in social interaction" as one indication that an individual can have an autism spectrum disorder. But not every child on the autism spectrum will have the same degree of difficulty connecting with others.
"At the most severe end of the spectrum, yes, that's true," said Marion. "But there is a multitude of children who have friends, and even some who do have close relationships."
Myth: Autistic individuals are a danger to society.
"It is a disservice to think that all people with autism are dangerous," said Wagner.
The idea rises from numerous news stories of individuals diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a high form of autism, who have been accused of burglary and, at times, murder.
However, if you look at the entire population of people on the autism spectrum, the number of people involved in crime is small, said Wagner. If someone with autism were to act out, it may be due to frustration or perhaps physical or emotional overstimulation, not necessarily malice, she said.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Look, Ma, no training wheels
Innovative program teaches youngsters with special needs how to ride a bike
Thursday, July 31, 2008
By Doug Oster, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Zach Spanos rode his specially designed bike three-quarters of the way around the indoor track, then stopped. With a big smile, he flashed the thumbs-up sign to his mother, who watched from the balcony.
The 8-year-old from Mt. Lebanon is one of 40 children with special needs from the Pittsburgh region who took part in Lose the Training Wheels, a national program that uses innovative techniques to teach bike riding.
"These kids are able to ride a two-wheel bike -- they just don't know it yet," said Sharon Gretz, of Indiana Township, a coordinator for the Special Kids Network of Pennsylvania. Her job is to support new programs for youth who have conditions such as autism and Down syndrome.
She helped a group of parents organized by Zach's mom, Timme Spanos, make this event happen, along with the Children's Institute, which was the sponsoring organization for the Amazing Bike Camp held last week in the Iceoplex at Southpointe in Cecil.
"It's a rite of passage for young people to be able to do this," Mrs. Gretz said. "By being able to ride a regular two-wheel bicycle that looks just like their neighbor's bike, it helps them become more integrated and involved in the community with their peers."
Campers paid $175 to attend the camp. Some scholarships were available for children in need. Eighty percent of kids who participate nationwide are able to ride a bike independently by week's end. In some camps, every student will be riding by the end of the five-day program.
The children are taught on a bike equipped with special tires on the back and a handle that volunteers use to help steady the rider. The wheels are solid rubber and shaped to keep the bike upright, although they allow it to rock back and forth. Gradually, as the rider progresses and gets a feel for balancing, the wheels are replaced with progressively thinner tires. By the time the thinnest set of wheels is installed, most riders are on their way.
The teaching style of Lose the Training Wheels is what attracted Amy Guthrie, of Squirrel Hill, to the program. Her son Ben, 10, took off on the bike right away. "Hopefully, he'll continue to have that confidence," she said. "It's a really interesting process because it's so intuitive. Instead of teaching, the student discovers the balance."
Her family has struggled to get Ben to ride without training wheels, and she smiled as her competitive son actually was racing another boy around the track. "I like going fast," he said with a grin.
Sharon Colantonio held a clipboard, evaluating each of the riders to determine their progress. During the school year, she teaches at the School for the Blind in St. Louis, where she lives. For the past three summers, she has worked for Lose the Training Wheels as floor supervisor for the 75-minute sessions.
"When they make that transition to two wheels, their world explodes," she said. "They have opportunities to work with and be part of a peer group they have for so long been excluded from. It gives the family an opportunity to do something together."
Heidi Curtis is the mechanic and technician for the bikes, making sure everything keeps rolling. Ms. Curtis, 21, of Chicago, is an eight-year veteran of the program.
"You get them on those two wheels and it just amazes you. You'll see this huge change, and just seeing the smiles on their faces, that's what I get out of it."
Her favorite success story is about a boy who learned to ride during the week. The next day, his parents couldn't find him in the house, then he walked through the front door with breakfast for everyone from McDonald's. "His parents ended up locking up the bike at night," she said, laughing.
Some riders slowly worked their way around the track, getting a feel for the new bike, but others gave their volunteers a workout.
Cooper Quigley, 7, who lives in Chicago but will move to Peters next month, was very comfortable on his bike. "Because it kind of reminds me of races, like Speed Racer," he said.
The volunteer paired with Cooper, Laura Bradley, of Canonsburg, ran for the entire session, her face flushed after the workout. "Looks like I'm going to get in shape," Ms. Bradley, a special education major at California University, said with a laugh.
Cooper's mother, Laura, held back tears as she watched her son race around the course. "It was emotional. It was nice to see him having so much fun, doing really well and having some optimism that he's going to get this and have success."
Mrs. Spanos, who founded the parent group that brought Lose the Training Wheels to southwestern Pennsylvania, was overjoyed to see her son do so well riding around the track. "It was wonderful," she said.
Her son has a type of autism and is nonverbal, but words weren't needed as Zach smiled and pointed during the riding session. It's been a struggle to get Zach to take off his training wheels at home, and Mrs. Spanos believes learning to ride a bike on his own is an important step for him. "It's not something you just learn today," she said. "It's something that he can carry on for the rest of his life. Not only is it exercise, it's transportation, it's the social element; he's able to ride with the typical peers in his neighborhood."
John Liebrock, of McCandless, was on the balcony watching his 14-year-old son, Stephen, ride a bike longer than he ever had before. "We've tried to get him to ride a bike with his brother and sister, and he just won't do it," he said. Stephen is very athletic, participating in skiing, basketball, baseball, soccer and swimming. "You name it and he does it, except for riding a bike," Mr. Liebrock said.
He watched as Stephen rode for more than an hour, when normally he would stay on a bike for only two minutes. "It was wonderful ... he was having a good time, speeding right along," he said.
Stephen concurred, "I like it. I like going fast."
Katelyn Schultz, 15, of Crafton, has had a lot of trouble learning to ride a bike, according to her mother, Jeanine, who helped bring Lose the Training Wheels to The Iceoplex.
Katelyn is the only one in the family who can't ride a bike, so she rides along on a tandem with her dad.
"We've tried nonstop [to teach her]," Mrs. Schultz said. "Every time the ground becomes uneven, she becomes very frightened. We've always had an issue with the balance."
But Katelyn did fine on the specially designed bike, and her mother was thrilled. "It was very exciting," she said.
Her mother asked, "Do you think you'll be riding a two-wheel bike by Friday?" Katelyn smiled and nodded.
Every participant received a new Trek bike courtesy of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. The bikes were handpicked to custom fit each child.
Mrs. Gretz wants to make this an annual event, but she needs other parents to form a planning committee that will be mentored by this year's parents.
She wants every child who comes through the camp to go home with something more than the ability to ride a bike.
"If they feel 'I'm good, I can do things'... If they can come out with that, wow, we have given them a real gift."
For more information about the camp or how to help for next year's event, call Jane Keim at the Children's Institute at 412-420-2209.
Doug Oster can be reached at doster@post-gazette.com or 724-772-9177.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
By Doug Oster, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Zach Spanos rode his specially designed bike three-quarters of the way around the indoor track, then stopped. With a big smile, he flashed the thumbs-up sign to his mother, who watched from the balcony.
The 8-year-old from Mt. Lebanon is one of 40 children with special needs from the Pittsburgh region who took part in Lose the Training Wheels, a national program that uses innovative techniques to teach bike riding.
"These kids are able to ride a two-wheel bike -- they just don't know it yet," said Sharon Gretz, of Indiana Township, a coordinator for the Special Kids Network of Pennsylvania. Her job is to support new programs for youth who have conditions such as autism and Down syndrome.
She helped a group of parents organized by Zach's mom, Timme Spanos, make this event happen, along with the Children's Institute, which was the sponsoring organization for the Amazing Bike Camp held last week in the Iceoplex at Southpointe in Cecil.
"It's a rite of passage for young people to be able to do this," Mrs. Gretz said. "By being able to ride a regular two-wheel bicycle that looks just like their neighbor's bike, it helps them become more integrated and involved in the community with their peers."
Campers paid $175 to attend the camp. Some scholarships were available for children in need. Eighty percent of kids who participate nationwide are able to ride a bike independently by week's end. In some camps, every student will be riding by the end of the five-day program.
The children are taught on a bike equipped with special tires on the back and a handle that volunteers use to help steady the rider. The wheels are solid rubber and shaped to keep the bike upright, although they allow it to rock back and forth. Gradually, as the rider progresses and gets a feel for balancing, the wheels are replaced with progressively thinner tires. By the time the thinnest set of wheels is installed, most riders are on their way.
The teaching style of Lose the Training Wheels is what attracted Amy Guthrie, of Squirrel Hill, to the program. Her son Ben, 10, took off on the bike right away. "Hopefully, he'll continue to have that confidence," she said. "It's a really interesting process because it's so intuitive. Instead of teaching, the student discovers the balance."
Her family has struggled to get Ben to ride without training wheels, and she smiled as her competitive son actually was racing another boy around the track. "I like going fast," he said with a grin.
Sharon Colantonio held a clipboard, evaluating each of the riders to determine their progress. During the school year, she teaches at the School for the Blind in St. Louis, where she lives. For the past three summers, she has worked for Lose the Training Wheels as floor supervisor for the 75-minute sessions.
"When they make that transition to two wheels, their world explodes," she said. "They have opportunities to work with and be part of a peer group they have for so long been excluded from. It gives the family an opportunity to do something together."
Heidi Curtis is the mechanic and technician for the bikes, making sure everything keeps rolling. Ms. Curtis, 21, of Chicago, is an eight-year veteran of the program.
"You get them on those two wheels and it just amazes you. You'll see this huge change, and just seeing the smiles on their faces, that's what I get out of it."
Her favorite success story is about a boy who learned to ride during the week. The next day, his parents couldn't find him in the house, then he walked through the front door with breakfast for everyone from McDonald's. "His parents ended up locking up the bike at night," she said, laughing.
Some riders slowly worked their way around the track, getting a feel for the new bike, but others gave their volunteers a workout.
Cooper Quigley, 7, who lives in Chicago but will move to Peters next month, was very comfortable on his bike. "Because it kind of reminds me of races, like Speed Racer," he said.
The volunteer paired with Cooper, Laura Bradley, of Canonsburg, ran for the entire session, her face flushed after the workout. "Looks like I'm going to get in shape," Ms. Bradley, a special education major at California University, said with a laugh.
Cooper's mother, Laura, held back tears as she watched her son race around the course. "It was emotional. It was nice to see him having so much fun, doing really well and having some optimism that he's going to get this and have success."
Mrs. Spanos, who founded the parent group that brought Lose the Training Wheels to southwestern Pennsylvania, was overjoyed to see her son do so well riding around the track. "It was wonderful," she said.
Her son has a type of autism and is nonverbal, but words weren't needed as Zach smiled and pointed during the riding session. It's been a struggle to get Zach to take off his training wheels at home, and Mrs. Spanos believes learning to ride a bike on his own is an important step for him. "It's not something you just learn today," she said. "It's something that he can carry on for the rest of his life. Not only is it exercise, it's transportation, it's the social element; he's able to ride with the typical peers in his neighborhood."
John Liebrock, of McCandless, was on the balcony watching his 14-year-old son, Stephen, ride a bike longer than he ever had before. "We've tried to get him to ride a bike with his brother and sister, and he just won't do it," he said. Stephen is very athletic, participating in skiing, basketball, baseball, soccer and swimming. "You name it and he does it, except for riding a bike," Mr. Liebrock said.
He watched as Stephen rode for more than an hour, when normally he would stay on a bike for only two minutes. "It was wonderful ... he was having a good time, speeding right along," he said.
Stephen concurred, "I like it. I like going fast."
Katelyn Schultz, 15, of Crafton, has had a lot of trouble learning to ride a bike, according to her mother, Jeanine, who helped bring Lose the Training Wheels to The Iceoplex.
Katelyn is the only one in the family who can't ride a bike, so she rides along on a tandem with her dad.
"We've tried nonstop [to teach her]," Mrs. Schultz said. "Every time the ground becomes uneven, she becomes very frightened. We've always had an issue with the balance."
But Katelyn did fine on the specially designed bike, and her mother was thrilled. "It was very exciting," she said.
Her mother asked, "Do you think you'll be riding a two-wheel bike by Friday?" Katelyn smiled and nodded.
Every participant received a new Trek bike courtesy of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. The bikes were handpicked to custom fit each child.
Mrs. Gretz wants to make this an annual event, but she needs other parents to form a planning committee that will be mentored by this year's parents.
She wants every child who comes through the camp to go home with something more than the ability to ride a bike.
"If they feel 'I'm good, I can do things'... If they can come out with that, wow, we have given them a real gift."
For more information about the camp or how to help for next year's event, call Jane Keim at the Children's Institute at 412-420-2209.
Doug Oster can be reached at doster@post-gazette.com or 724-772-9177.
Lifewatch: Listening training
DETROIT -- You hear what's going on around you, but are you really listening?
There is a new teaching tool that helps kids pay more attention to what's going on around them, and it can be especially helpful for kids with autism.
Some say, if you can change the way you listen, you'll change your life.
11-year-old Ian wants to be a skate boarding champ, and 14-year-old Jessica wants to be an actress.
But the question is, will listening training help them succeed?
9-year-old Ray is getting his first taste of listening training at the New Medical Foundation in Farmington Hills.
Enlisten is a computer based program that is supposed to train the ear to distinguish between language, music, and noise.
Ray's mom is hoping this will help him connect with people.
"I'm hoping because he will be a better listener he will be more aware of his environment. He'll make better eye contact he'll be able to work quicker," said Ray's mom.
Diane Cotman is the director of the New Medical Foundation.
She feels passionately about the listening technology after doing it herself. But seeing an autistic child break out of her shell really convinced her.
"In only 2 months she was able to hug her parents, and in the life of an autistic family that's life transforming," said Cotman.
The testing involves listening to a series of beeps, which helps determine your listening strengths and weaknesses.
After testing, the training involves weeks or months of listening to different sounds. There have been books written on listening training, but this is still very new.
Reported by Kristy Ondo
There is a new teaching tool that helps kids pay more attention to what's going on around them, and it can be especially helpful for kids with autism.
Some say, if you can change the way you listen, you'll change your life.
11-year-old Ian wants to be a skate boarding champ, and 14-year-old Jessica wants to be an actress.
But the question is, will listening training help them succeed?
9-year-old Ray is getting his first taste of listening training at the New Medical Foundation in Farmington Hills.
Enlisten is a computer based program that is supposed to train the ear to distinguish between language, music, and noise.
Ray's mom is hoping this will help him connect with people.
"I'm hoping because he will be a better listener he will be more aware of his environment. He'll make better eye contact he'll be able to work quicker," said Ray's mom.
Diane Cotman is the director of the New Medical Foundation.
She feels passionately about the listening technology after doing it herself. But seeing an autistic child break out of her shell really convinced her.
"In only 2 months she was able to hug her parents, and in the life of an autistic family that's life transforming," said Cotman.
The testing involves listening to a series of beeps, which helps determine your listening strengths and weaknesses.
After testing, the training involves weeks or months of listening to different sounds. There have been books written on listening training, but this is still very new.
Reported by Kristy Ondo
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