Tag Archives: autism studies
New Study Confirms Risk Of Autism Higher In Siblings Of Those With ASD
Studies focused on the siblings of children who have Autism aren’t new. In fact, there have been dozens of studies, most of them smaller scaled on the brothers and sisters of children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These studies are done in hopes to get headway on finding the true cause of Autism, and thereby hopefully finding preventative tools as well.
Neurotherapy and Autism
When the devastating news is delivered to a parent that their child has Autism, one of the first questions asked is “what do we do?”. One of the first things some doctors do is write a prescription for a medication. While there is no cure for Autism, and there is no medication that specifically treats Autism itself, there are medications that can treat some of the symptoms of autism; depression, mood swings, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and hyperactivity. A lot of these medications of side effects themselves, so one is left with the thought “is this really worth it?” Though not often spoken about, there are other effective treatments available.
There is a non-medicinal, non-invasive, effective and safe option available. The option is Neurotherapy.
What is Neurotherapy?
Neurotherapy, also called Neuro Feedback Training or Brainwave Biofeedback, is used to attempt to change the dysfunctional brainwave patterns of the autistic child towards normal. Research and clinical practice indicates that this approach can improve cognitive deficits, concentration, impulse control, depression, anxiety and seizure disorders. Neurotherapy is only used with high functioning children with Autism to improve attention deficits and Learning difficulties. (via)
How does Neurotherapy Work?
Neurotherapy can be compared to Physical Therapy for the brain. Typically, sensors are placed on the scalp and on each ear. Then, high-tech computer screens display brain waves within seconds of them occuring. Usually we cannot control our brainwaves, but when we are able to see them, it makes us more conscious of them. With practice it becomes commonplace to be able to control one’s brainwaves into a healthier pattern.
Is Neurotherapy Effective?
As with anything, you have to look at it on a case by case basis. Because it is specifically targeting the symptoms of Learning Disabilities and attention deficits, it is used with High…
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.”
Is Age More Than A Number In Autism?
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…
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