The overall effect of this was to increase the amount of research funding devoted to understanding what autism is, what causes it and how to treat it.

Below are the ten most important advances in understanding autism that were made in 2012. Each is listed in the grouping of causes, then treatments. Parents with children diagnosed with autism or those who suspect that they may be at risk for a child with the condition should pay very careful attention to this list.

• The pre-symptom marker of autism was discovered.
• The CDC changes the estimated rate of autism’s prevalence to 1 in 88.
• Early intervention in children affected with autism allows their brain activity to be altered to resemble normal children.
• Trials suggest that the criteria used to diagnose autism needs to be changed in order to be reliable.
• The link between pollution and autism is better understood.
• Hundreds of seemingly small mutations can all be traced to autism.
• Further insight is provided into the link between immune system changes and autism.
• Peer support Is found to be more effective than traditional autism treatment approaches.
• Arbaclofen is hinted at being able to treat some of the very core symptoms associated with autism.
• Evidence shows that children transitioning into adulthood nee more support.

These advances do more than just help the public become aware of how prevalent autism really is. Some advances have helped to understand what causes autism in children, which means that treatments can then be planned.

The biggest news, however, is that this means parents can find some peace knowing that autism can be treated more successfully. That means there is hope with the proper treatment for a normal life.

In Canada at McGill University and the University of Montreal, researchers discovered similarities in an overproduction of proteins in the brain and autistic behavior. They could stop the autistic behavior in mice by reducing the production of this protein, called neuroligins (NLGNs) Neuroligins overproduce in the absence of the EIF4EBP2 gene.

Lead author of the study, Dr Nahum Sonenberg of McGill University’s Goodman Cancer Research Centre is an expert in the abnormal proteins that are produced in cancer cells. The researcher’s team has long studied these proteins on engineered mice that were susceptible to cancer cells. In their research, they noticed that the mechanisms used were similar to ASD. This is what Dr Sonenberg had to say:

“My lab is dedicated to elucidating the role of dysregulated protein synthesis in cancer etiology. However, our team was surprised to discover that similar mechanisms may be implicated in the development of ASD.”

They started their research by engineering the mice to exhibit different types of brain gene expression. They removed the EIF4EBP2 gene, which again, subsequently causes an overproduction of the proteins that induce autism-like behavior.

These proteins are necessary for regulating the connection of neurons, called synapses. However, the overproduction causes an imbalance of synaptic activity.

The researchers discovered they could reverse the effects of the genetically engineered mice. Additionally, they also used a non-replicating cancer virus that acted as a block to inhibit the synthesis of neuroligins.

The study was successful in showing that there may be a pharmacological answer to helping reverse autism, but the substances used on the test mice were considered too toxic for humans. There is optimism about further long-term projects to help find other alternative substances that could produce the same effect and is safe for humans.

The healing process of the gut is so important because the digestive tract is responsible for making the majority of serotonin in the body and helps to produce and regulate dopamine. Both of these neurotrasmitters are out of balance in children with autism. Also important is the gut’s responsibility for regulating inflammation and supporting healthy immune function.

A large number of children with autism have digestive issues. The gut is important in regulating inflammation and according to recent research, it is believed that autism is an inflammatory issue.  An effective regime that involves healing the gut can have a dramatic role in decreasing the inflammatory load and show remarkable progress in helping children recover language, social and cognitive function.

1. Remove or reduce foods using an Elimination Diet to see which food controls symptoms and which aggravates them.
2. A gluten-free and casein-free diet (gluten is the protein in wheat, and casein is the protein in milk).
3. Eliminate allergenic foods like eggs, fish, seafood, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy.
4. A low-carb ketogenic diet has been found to be effective for autistic children.
5. A yeast and sugar-free diet is helpful in some cases.
6. Some autistic children are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals therefore ensure that the child is getting an adequate amounts to aid their growth and treat symptoms.
7. Include a diet rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and cod liver oil.
8. A diet rich in fiber helps to alleviate and prevent constipation. Also include plenty of fluids and regular physical activity.
9. Probiotics help with gastro-intestinal problems because they contain healthy bacteria and can improve the micro flora in the digestive tract in many autistic children.
10. Digestive enzymes also help to aid digestion.

The onset of puberty can be a difficult time for autistic children.  Many experience more frequent and severe behavioral problems. Nearly 20% of those afflicted begin to experience seizures during puberty. This is believed to be the result of hormonal changes.

What to Expect:

• Unexpected rage or outbursts over small incidents.
• Disturbed sleep schedule.
• New food likes/aversions and odd cravings.
• Decreased appetite followed by a ferocious appetite.
• Overly affectionate.
• Desires to control family members and pets.
• Poor hygiene.
• Return of old behaviors.

Puberty can be really scary for autistic children and parents have a difficult time knowing how to explain their body changes to them.

Here are some tips:

• Start explaining to your preteen what bodily changes to expect before puberty hits.
• Explain what will happen to BOTH boys and girls during puberty, so they’re not surprised when they see their friends changing too.
• Show pictures of trusted, loved adults of both sexes – mom, dad, aunt, uncle – as babies, then children, then teens, then as adults. This allows them to see how the transformation has happened to everyone, and that it is a positive thing to go through.
• Explain bodily functions inherent to being a boy (hardening of the penis, ejaculation) and being a girl (menstrual cycle). If you have a daughter on the spectrum, it may be a good idea to have her wear a pad before she begins her period, so that she gets used to the sensory aspect of wearing the sanitary pad.

Body changes are scary for those who don’t like change. By telling them and showing them the changes that will happen, you can make it much easier for them.