Monthly Archives: December 2009
Study shows similar mercury levels in autistic children
It’s one of those stories that you hear relatively often in the world of Autism. For as many studies as there are supporting the idea that Mercury, a metal found in medication, dental fillings and water, has an affect on those with Autism, there is another study that disproves the theory. Though it’s known that one of the symptoms of Mercury Poisoning is impairment of speech, hearing, walking and other developmental elements, it’s not completely proven that it in fact causes Autism, despite its ability to cause developmental impairments in children.
A recent study done at the University of California-Davis aimed at comparing the mercury levels in children.
“We looked at blood-mercury levels in children who had autism and children who did not have autism,” said lead author Irva Hertz-Picciotto, a professor of environmental and occupational health.
“The bottom line is that blood-mercury levels in both populations were essentially the same. However, this analysis did not address a causal role, because we measured mercury after the diagnosis was made.”
The study itself focused on children ages 2-5 years old, and investigated their mercury intake in things such as fish consumption, nasal sprays, and vaccinations.
Children who had dental fillings made of mercury and were known to chew gum had higher mercury-blood levels. Also, children who consumed fresh water fish, such as tuna.
The study was carried out on 452 children: 249 were diagnosed as autistic, 143 were deemed to be developing normally and 60 showed retarded development such as Down Syndrome.
“Just as autism is complex, with great variation in severity and presentation, it is highly likely that its causes will be found to be equally complex. It’s time to abandon the idea that a single ‘smoking gun’ will emerge to explain why so many children are…
Study shows little connection between autism and MMR vaccine
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.”
New iPhone app aims at helping children with autism
When your child is diagnosed with autism, a million questions begin running through your mind. “How do I help him/her?” “How do I find a doctor that I know is qualified” “How am I going to pay for this?” “How can I effectively help my child in their development?” Many of these answers are dependent a variety of different factors and the nature of your specific situation.
Nowadays, whenever a “how-to” question is posed, typically one of two answers are given; A) ‘Google That’ or B) ‘There’s an app for that.”. The latter of course is referring to Apple’s revolutionary iPhone and iPod, both of which feature download-able applications (“apps”). There are apps available that assist you in a variety of tasks ranging from getting a cocktail recipe to ordering movie ticks and booking a hotel room. Even more impressive is the possibility that there will soon be an app available targeted to help children with autism.
Lisa Domican lives in Dublin, Ireland and is the mother of two children with Autism; Liam (11) and Grace (9). With both Liam and Grace, Lisa has practiced Picture Exchange Communication, also known as PECS which is an alternative form of communication that enables children to use pictures instead of words to create sentences and communicate.
“You are constantly having to replace loose cards and make new ones,” said Ms Domican. So out of that came the idea to develop an iPhone application that would make the process more efficient. Coincidentally, the application was created under the name “Grace”, her 9 year old daughter.
“With the iPhone, the screen looks like a Pecs book. It’s ok to have a four-year-old walking around with a Pecs book; it’s not ok for a 10 or 12-year-old. They’re very personal to the kids; it’s…
The Earlier The Better When It Comes To Autism Diagnosis
Countless children are sent to the principal’s office or given detention for their poor behavior or lacking social skills. It’s always assumed that these are “problem children” who come from “problem families” or who are never taught the proper way to act.
These are classic symptoms of Autism. Children with Autism often lack the social skills needed to maintain well behavior. This disorder and inability to develop skills is often noticeable in children younger than four years old.
Toddlers with Autism often do not respond as a child normally would to social situations. Typically at the age of 2 or 3, children begin to make friends. Autistic children often to not develop this social skill and seem a bit stand offish. Additionally, they may not respond to being hugged or shown affection from a parent or caregiver.
Autistic children also may develop a seemingly “obsessive” series of habits. For example, having to arrange things in a specific order and checking to make sure it remains that way several times. They also may have a slower speech progression. Autistic children sometimes have a limited vocabulary characterized by repeating the same words over and over again.
It’s worth mentioning that you may have a child who is simply shy, or who just takes a liking to a certain word and chooses to repeat it. There are even some children who are just naturally slower when it comes to developing speech. It’s usually when it’s a combination of these things that flags are raised.
If your child does develop a few of these common autism symptoms, or others such as unnatural attachment to objects, repetitive physical movements, or general lack of affection, it is strongly suggested that you bring it up with your physician as soon as you begin to notice it.
It’s…
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