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Pre-seminar discussion
Author : System, 2 Oct 2004 14:36
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Genetic cause for autism
Author : James Dalkeith, 3 Oct 2004 18:37
Finally, there seems to be a real commitment (I mean real financing for research ona large scale) to discovering a genetic cause for autism - or discounting same.
What is your view on how long until we start to make real progress on identifying the genes, and further to finding a "cure"? And please note the "cure" - I know many of my fellow delegates will believe that is the wrong term to use!! |
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Author : Anthony Bailey, 4 Oct 2004 11:43
Dear James,
Thank you for your question. We have known since the mid 1970's that genes are likely to play an important role in the development of ASD and specific studies to identify the susceptibility genes have been underway since the mid 1990's. There is reasonable agreement amongst many of the research groups active in this area as to where one or two of the susceptibility genes might be located, but as yet no gene has been identified that has been found to be involved across several different studies. As you point out a lot of research effort is focussing on this effort and there is now considerable collaboration between groups to pool information and resources. Given that investment I very much hope that one of the susceptibility genes wilol be identified over the next few years, but equally the rate of progress may be much more rapid: it really is impossible to put an accurate date on the process at this stage.
Best wishes
Tony
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Genes??
Author : alex, 4 Oct 2004 13:39
How can you be looking for genetic cause when we do not even know what Autism is - or whether it is only one cause, or one difficulty?
Autism diagnosis is no more than the description of a number of behavioral symptoms drawn from a list.
Also, genetic evolution takes forever - yet the incidence of this unknown quantity called autism has increased rapidly in recent times.
That suggests very clearly we should be looking to the environment and its toxic nature which is different now as from the past.
Of the recurring cases of autism in one family, whilst indications suggest genetic predisposition, everyone has predisposition to something, and less so to others.
This does not alter the environmental factor to those particular pre-disposition factors.
Also, the autistic people today are not being helped adequately, they are increasingly viewed as intereresting for research. This is terribly inhumane.
I suppose it depends on whether one's priorities are for careers, or humanity to vulnerable autistic people ...
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The Neanderthal Hybrid Hypothesis
Author : Larry, 4 Oct 2004 17:10
I'm curious what your thoughts on the Neanderthal Hybrid Hypothesis are? The
idea being that humans are a hybrid species, and autism is simply the result of getting
somewhat more of the Neanderthal genes (expecially brain related) than normal.
Several arguments for it:
Average neanderthal brain sizes and autistic brain sizes are about the same.
Neanderthal developed more quickly physically than modern humans. The conflict between
two development programs might result in missed brain connections. Many like myself
reach physical maturity around age 16, the age of physical maturity for Neanderthal. The
delayed development often seen mentally could be the result of nerve connections having
to find there way in a brain thats grown much faster than designed. The brain then having
to slowly complete connections, or find alternative routes. In my own case I learned to read
in 4th grade, but quickly shot up to the 12th grade level once it started to work.
Neanderthal was largely a carnivore. Its hardly surprising that we might find the textures
of many vegetables repulsive, nor that many autistic children would tend to eat only meat,
or in some cases only carbs. Studies show that our Seratonin levels fluctuate extremely
due to carb consumption. Genetics from a species not used to encountering carbohydrates
in the diet to any large degree?
In addition consider the ketogenic diet in autism and epilepsy, a diet not unlike what neanderthal
would have eaten. Consider the effect of L-Carnosine (a meat derived dipeptide) in autism,
(it has changed my life). The theraputic dose would be available in the Neanderthals mostly meat
diet. Likewise L-Carnitine deficiency is also quite common in autism, another meat derived
substance.
Consider the countless differences one finds in the literature. A tendency toward perfect
pitch, a difficulty making out the human voice, a difficulty seeing the human face unless
properly surrounded by hair (the difference is quite impressive when hair is brought within
1/8th inch of the eyes). A tendency toward extremely cuddlyness amongst those of us who
can deal with touch, possibly a way to deal with a cold climate sans furnace? More metabolic
differences than you can count on all yours fingers and toes.
Extreme curiousity of the sort cats and other predators exhibit.
A different social structure. Respect for ability, but no interest in those who climbed the
social ladder to stardom or power. An innate resistance to domination by such people.
Infact if you look at those who shook up society, its not uncommon to find a typical
autistic childhood behind them.
Last and not least we are born feeling like we are on the wrong planet. Yet when there are
enough of us together this feeling is gone. We are social misfits to this world, but not to
each other.
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chances of non-autistic sibling having autistic offspring
Author : Debbie Dayton, 4 Oct 2004 11:48
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Sleep disturbance in ASD/Aspergers & Autism
Author : Dr Jeremy Black (GP), 4 Oct 2004 13:50
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Asperger's but no difficulties in reading facial expression
Author : Laura, 4 Oct 2004 14:13
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Okay aside from genetics do you believe there are other factors at work here
Author : Carol Johnston, 4 Oct 2004 14:17
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Mercury - differences in connectivity between particular brain regions
Author : Dan, 4 Oct 2004 14:24
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Asperger's Sybdrome and Early Onset Bipolar Disorder
Author : Vicci Morris, 4 Oct 2004 14:39
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Why is there no assistance for adults with Asperger's Syndrome?
Author : Matthew, 4 Oct 2004 15:08
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Buying a property
Author : Sjöjungfru, 4 Oct 2004 17:11
Are there any sources of support for getting onto the property ladder? You only need to watch the numerous property programmes on TV to realise that even the most neurotypical of neurotypicals with supportive partners find buying a property very stressful. So what about people with Asperger syndrome? Is it assumed that if we can hold down a job we can jolly well get off our backsides and go it alone? Where are Kirstie and Phil for the autistic community?
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Biological causes of "tantrums" in Autism?
Author : , 4 Oct 2004 17:36
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Diet Intervention
Author : Pat, 4 Oct 2004 17:47
On behalf of a parent with a young adult son with autism: does diet intervention really have a beneficial effect? If so, what guidelines would you suggest when deciding which diet is best?
How effective are supplements? eg vitamin B6? I would appreciate it if you cold give us some direction. |
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aspergers
Author : susan booth, 4 Oct 2004 20:06
My son is 13 years old. He has had chronic bowel problems from birth. He has been treated with 30ml of Senakot for a number of years. I am increasingly concerned that this problem hasn't been resolved. My son will not even contemplate eradicating dairy from his diet. He is a huge fruit eater. I have been advised that he should have a biopsy to check the enzymes in his small and large intestine.
The thought of an injection causes my son to become extremely, stressed not allowing anyone near him. It has been suggested that I change from Senakot to Movicol.
Is there any advice you can give on how I can resolve this long-term and very upsetting condition which my son has to contend with?
Another point, my son also has sleep problems and takes 10mg of melatonin, however, this is becoming less and less effective and he can still be found awake at 2.00 a.m. Who would I need to speak to concerning sleep disturbances to find out the root causes?
Many thanks
S. Booth |
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Interaction beween genes and environment
Author : Margaret Collins, 4 Oct 2004 21:43
Dear Professor Bailey, long before I knew my son had autism I knew he had been exposed to high levels of lead in infancy (and probably before birth). We had hair analysis done after he developed Infantile Spasms. The results that came back showed we both had massive amounts of lead in our hair. I showed these to the GP who said hair analysis was unreliable, but ordered a blood test just to see. My baby's blood lead level at 10+ months corrected age was at twice the current paediatric reference level (and researchers into effects of lead on children's IQ and reading ability want the current reference level cut in half). This worrying finding was left "hanging in the air" - no-one in the NHS knew what to do with it. I was advised by the "alternative" organisation that had carried out the hair test to stop breastfeeding at once. I was given no advice by the NHS. Not long after I had stopped nursing, my son's hair lead and blood lead levels had both declined by about half. My son had been premature (although a good weight and with no apparent problems apart from jaundice) and had suffered a severe local adverse reaction to the first DTPHib (which he recieved at only two weeks corrected age). He suffered a severe general reaction to the second dose. His third dose of first year vaccines left out the pertussis element, but he still received 25mcg of mercury in the DT and possibly another 25mcg with the Hib. Unfortunately, it is known that the damaging effects of either lead or mercury are made much worse when they are both present. Do you know anyone in the UK looking into this sort of thing, please? Researchers in the US say that there is commonly a genetic problem found in autistic children which leads to impairment of (or total inability to) excrete heavy metals from the body. This sounds as though it could be very relevant in this case! (Why was he getting so much lead from me, too - a genetic weakness leading to it being stored in the bones and only excreted along with the calcium during prgnancy and lactation? - I still have frozen samples of milk, kept in case anyone wants to test their lead content some day). |
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Interaction beween genes and environment
Author : Margaret Collins, 4 Oct 2004 21:43
Dear Professor Bailey, long before I knew my son had autism I knew he had been exposed to high levels of lead in infancy (and probably before birth). We had hair analysis done after he developed Infantile Spasms. The results that came back showed we both had massive amounts of lead in our hair. I showed these to the GP who said hair analysis was unreliable, but ordered a blood test just to see. My baby's blood lead level at 10+ months corrected age was at twice the current paediatric reference level (and researchers into effects of lead on children's IQ and reading ability want the current reference level cut in half). This worrying finding was left "hanging in the air" - no-one in the NHS knew what to do with it. I was advised by the "alternative" organisation that had carried out the hair test to stop breastfeeding at once. I was given no advice by the NHS. Not long after I had stopped nursing, my son's hair lead and blood lead levels had both declined by about half. My son had been premature (although a good weight and with no apparent problems apart from jaundice) and had suffered a severe local adverse reaction to the first DTPHib (which he recieved at only two weeks corrected age). He suffered a severe general reaction to the second dose. His third dose of first year vaccines left out the pertussis element, but he still received 25mcg of mercury in the DT and possibly another 25mcg with the Hib. Unfortunately, it is known that the damaging effects of either lead or mercury are made much worse when they are both present. Do you know anyone in the UK looking into this sort of thing, please? Researchers in the US say that there is commonly a genetic problem found in autistic children which leads to impairment of (or total inability to) excrete heavy metals from the body. This sounds as though it could be very relevant in this case! (Why was he getting so much lead from me, too - a genetic weakness leading to it being stored in the bones and only excreted along with the calcium during prgnancy and lactation? - I still have frozen samples of milk, kept in case anyone wants to test their lead content some day). |
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Asperger's and Mood Disorder
Author : Alta Rens, 4 Oct 2004 21:46
I am working with a 12-year old male student who is diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD (medicated with Ritalin). Over the past year we have noted changes in mood. He frequently goes home crying, becomes very clingy and dependent on his mother and talks about wanting to die. This behaviour can change unpredictably to what seems like manic behaviour. If prevented from doing something e.g., having his cat present in the room, he becomes so fixated on the cat that his agitation levels rise to the point where he can become physically aggressive towards others. This behaviour is often accompanied by laughter and lots of energy. He is currently treated with Tegretal in an attempt to manage this behaviour but we have not noted significant improvements. There appears to be similarities between the executive functioning difficulties associated with Asperger's and Bipolar Disorder. Is it possible for a co-occurrence of Asperger's and Bipolar? Is there a clear way to differentiate between the two disorders? |
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Peptides
Author : G Steadman, 4 Oct 2004 22:02
Could I have some professional input here on the research being carried out around the world inc UK on the presence of petides in the urine of ASD individuals. Just how close is this to becoming published in peer reviewed journals? Many GP's, even consultants are disregarding its worth I believe without hesitation. No smoke without fire? |
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asperger genes or environment?
Author : elaine moore, 4 Oct 2004 22:55
I am an adult with aspergers and my 5 year old son has been provisionally diagnosed as having aspergers as well. My question is simple: my son is not apparently as affected as I am, so is it possible that he hes "learned" some autistic-type behaviours from me rather than physically inherited it? No one has as yet been willing or able to answer this question for me. |
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PDD-NOS
Author : Stacey, 4 Oct 2004 23:35
My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS because he met most but not all the criteria for Asperger's. He is high functioning and attends public school with a teaching assistant. Any suggestions for the future regarding education? He also has hyperlexia, which I am told is extremely common in high functioning autistic children, which makes it extremely difficult to understand how much of what he reads he actually comprehends.
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autism genetics
Author : michelle boles, 5 Oct 2004 0:30
Dear Professor,
We have a 14 yr old who is gradually deteriorating.he is severley intellectually impaired,has developed Cerebral palsy,low muscle tone,scoliosis, high myopia increased risk of retina detachment,has had a MACE operation,has a Bard peg, no communication. Are all these things common in these children, basicaly can you suggest anything. We see a genetic spec in brisbane australia and he is stumped. Thank you michelle |
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Great people at risk
Author : fran williams, 5 Oct 2004 12:28
It is probably, if not certain, that some of the greatest scientists and engineers have had ASD. Our civilization doesn't evolve at a steady pace but in leaps and many of these people have been responsible for these leaps of progress. If a genetic basis for autism is discovered and people wth ASD start to be 'bred out' couldn't this be a disaster for all of us? |
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Self harm and autism
Author : Linda Edge, 5 Oct 2004 17:01
My Grandson is 6 years old, he has severe autism with many of the classic symptoms. He does not speak except for odd words that come only to disappear again.
He hits himself on his thighs and arms and sometimes the face to such an extent that he bruises himself. This is usually when something doesn't happen for him, for example, he cannot get a toy to stand as he wants it to. He is also very self-directed and will start hitting himself if he cannot get his own way or if anyone interferes in his play. |
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Are you going to reply to my posts ?
Author : M.Casey, 5 Oct 2004 17:38
Dear Prof.Bailey,
I am still interested in knowing your opinions on the two posts I have made so far: the post on Amy Nelson's pre-natal screening and my 'Where is the Autistic Voice ?'
M.Casey |
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autism and communication disorder
Author : kathy coleman, 5 Oct 2004 18:12
Dear Professor Bailey, My son is high-functioning autistic and 16 years old. I just discovered my son has a severe auditory processing problem, in fact hes been compensating all of his life. He also has a communication disorder, sometimes the words do not some out correctly. Can this disorder get any better and does it have something to do with his auitory processing problem? Hes a sophomore in high school, in all regular classes with an IEP and resource room for one on one. Hes been on the honor role on his own for the past 3 years. Unfortunately he has not passed his ISTEPS yet, but he is close. When people meet him, they do not even know he is autistic. I did a year and a half of secretin injections and it saved his life. Hes doing so much better than other teens with the same disability. Thank you for your help.
Kathy Coleman |
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Autism and Tics
Author : gaye sherman, 5 Oct 2004 21:10
Can you give me a good resource or suggestions for suporting Autistic individuals diagnosed with tics? |
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