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View this fantastic video about Autism, and $1.00 is donated to Autism charities!
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first
three years of life, affecting 1 in 150 children. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the
normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction
and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties
in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play
activities. One should keep in mind, however, that autism is a spectrum disorder
and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why
early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting
from one of the many specialized intervention programs. (Source:
Autism Society of America)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities
defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of
unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning,
paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities
of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age
of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls. (Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Awareness Ribbon Graphic courtesy of
www.designbycher.com.
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Autism And Lyme Disease Are Connected, Lyme-Induced Autism Study Finds -
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:00:00 PDT
Lyme disease may play a role in causing autism according to a recent study published in Medical Hypothesis, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. A team of five physicians led by Robert Bransfield, M.D., analyzed the two diseases and discovered a connection based on epidemiological findings, symptom similarities, case reports, and laboratory test results. The Lyme-Induced Autism (LIA) Foundation has paved the way for studies such as this one.
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Researchers Link Early Stem Cell Mutation To Autism -
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT
In a breakthrough scientific study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism. The study demonstrated that mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein in neural stem cells had smaller brains, fewer nerve cells and showed behaviors similar to those seen in humans with a form of autism known as Rett Syndrome.
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NIMH Funds Pitt Researchers To Find Best Treatments For Children With Autism And ADHD Symptoms -
Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 PDT
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC have received $3 million from the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct a national study of the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with autism spectrum disorders.
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Autistic Man, Who Is Also Kidney Transplant Recipient, Found In Woods -
Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:00:00 PDT
Keith Kennedy, 25, was found by a firefighter "conscious and alert" about one mile a camp he wandered away from one week ago. Keith is not only autistic, he is also a kidney transplant recipient and is on medication to make sure his kidney is not rejected by his body. Keith's family were concerned he might not be able to cope without his anti-rejection medication which he has had to take since 1995.
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UCLA Mouse Study Offers Hope For Correcting How Autism Disrupts Brain -
Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:00:00 PDT
UCLA researchers discovered that an FDA-approved drug reverses the brain dysfunction inflicted by a genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Because half of TSC patients also suffer from autism, the findings offer new hope for addressing learning disorders due to autism. Nature Medicine publishes the findings in its online June 22 edition.
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