Rapamycin and Autism

Autism Treatment: Rapamycin - A New Drug to Reverse Autism’s Effects

UCLA researchers have discovered that an FDA-approved drug reverses the brain dysfunction caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC); because half of TSC patients also suffer from autism the researchers are hopeful the treatment can address associated learning disorders. The journal Nature Medicine published the findings in its June 22 online edition.

The scientists used the drug rapamycin on mice models of TSC; rapamycin is well-known for targeting an enzyme involved in creating proteins needed for memory. The same enzyme is also regulated by TSC proteins.

“This is the first study to demonstrate that the drug rapamycin can repair learning deficits related to a genetic mutation that causes autism in humans. The same mutation in animals produces learning disorders, which we were able to eliminate in adult mice,” said lead investigator Alcino Silva, professor of neurobiology and psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Our work and other recent studies suggest that some forms of mental retardation can be reversed, even in the adult brain.”

[FULL ARTICLE]

Related:

• Autism Treatment: Rapamycin - A New Drug to Reverse Autism’s Effects
• Autism Vox rapamycin

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Autism

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Feeding the Brain

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is quite popular in the treatment of autism. A study performed on the effects of Omega-3 supplementation on autistic behaviors showed improvement in sleep, cognition, overall health, social interaction, and eye contact.

Three types of Omega-3 fatty acids are a-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids compete with each other and it is important to keep them in the proper ratio: the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 1:1. Primary sources of Omega-3s are fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, while Omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, soy, and safflower and in margarine. Most Americans consume far too many Omega-6 fatty acids and not enough Omega-3 fatty acids, disrupting the balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3. Many experts believe that the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 consumed by most Americans is 20:1 and some up to 50:1! We are in desperate need of Omega-3 supplementation!

Flax seeds, walnuts, and some dark, leafy vegetables contain ALA. Cold water oily fish such as wild salmon, cod, and sardines are excellent sources of DHA and EPA. (Note, only wild fish should be consumed - farm raised fish are problematic for many reasons, including their high levels of Omega-6 and lower levels of Omega-3s.) Cod liver oil and fish oil are very concentrated sources of DHA and EPA. These oils should be purified to be free from detectable levels of mercury, lead, PCBs and other contaminants. They should also contain vitamin E to prevent oxidation of the oils.

[FULL STORY]

Related:

• Omega 3's help with meds
• Bio Medical Approach - Essential Fatty Acids
• “Fans” Lower Risk of Sudden Baby Death (SIDS)
• immune boosting foods
• Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids help with Mental Health?

Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) for Autism?

Boy, do I have a wacky one for you today, whacky tobaccy that is. Cannabis instead used to treat autism? Moms and Dads are not allowed to raid the family stash.

Cannabis Change "Crazy" Say Lib-Dems - Doctors agree

"Antidepressant drugs are among the most prescribed medications but their adverse side effects can often be paradoxically lethal with suicide being prominent."

But hang on a moment. According to our Prime Minister Gordon Brown, cannabis is lethal, isn't it?

Not according to Doctor leveque it isn't.

He continues, "I have a surprise for some people. The U.S. Govt says cannabis as an alleged drug causes euphoria (a medical condition) which surprise surprise causes "euphoria", (a side effect), which in itself, is addicting."

"Imagine," continues Dr Leveque. "A very safe replacement for amphetamine, once the most prescribed and addicting mood stimulants, (think "Ritalin") being replaced with cannabis?" As it already is in many parts of the US, in the treatment of children with ADHD/ADD , Autism and Aspergers syndrome.

[FULL STORY]

Related:

• Autism Research Institute - Medical marijuana: a valuable
• Autism and Medical Marijuana
• 
  

Early Intervention Models: ABA / Applied Behavioral Analysis

ABCNews has some great information on Autism treatments.

• What Is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?
Dr. McGee answers the question: 'What Is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?'
• What Is Discrete-Trial ABA?
• What If My Child Doesn't Enjoy Rewards?
• ABA vs. Developmental Approach?
• What Is 'Floor-Time Therapy'?
• What Is The Denver Model?
• What Is The TEAACH Model?

Magic Dolphin Autism Therapy

Swimming With Dolphins - Health Benefits For All

The dolphin's 'healing' powers have been attributed to a range of factors. Some theories believe it is merely the dolphin's affection and tolerance that brings such positive results. Other rumors suggest that the dolphin's natural sonar actually triggers a healing response from within the human body.

Related:

• Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Is DAT Dangerous? (Great Penn & Teller Videos on Dolphins)
  

Jacob's Lessons - Free Online ABA Activities

Great website for kids on the autism spectrum,
Jacob's Lessons - Free Online ABA Activities and toddler education.
Description from the site:

The activities on this website were originally created to give my
toddler a fun introduction to the computer. It grew into a terrific
interactive experience for us as well. My wife is a behavior analyst
who works with children on the autism spectrum and she began using the
activities with her students. She discovered that Jacob's Lessons is an
effective way to teach young children with autism beginning computer
skills, and is useful as a complement to their Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) programming. These activities were created so that the
adult works with the child during the lesson, not as an independent
activity for the child, although some of the children will be able to
do some of the lessons on their own. New lessons and modification of
current lessons will be done with your input-please use the button
below to comment, ask a question, or suggest new content for Jacob's
Lessons!

• Introduction.
• Learn to associate a number with that many objects.
• Learn to use the mouse by helping the bee color the flower.
• Contact Jacob's Dad
• Learn to use the mouse with the simplest of coloring books.
• Receptive Labeling
• Matching Pictures
• Matching Colors
• Matching Shapes
• Matching Category
• Perspective Skill Game Watch the frog's eyes
• Reading and Phonics
  

Nintendo Wii Therapy for Autism?

Real workout, virtual world
Autistic students take to Nintendo sports at Patterson Mill Middle/H.S.

By Cassandra A. Fortin Special to The Sun

Jean Tyrrell wanted to find activities that would allow students in the autism program at Patterson Mill Middle/High School to be more physically active during the school day.

After researching some ideas, Tyrrell said she purchased a Nintendo Wii video game console with a grant that she received.

"The kids really like Wii," said Tyrrell, a physical-education teacher. "And I think it's great. It gives the children with autism an age-appropriate leisure activity to do."

Since the game was purchased, the children have all learned to play it, said Carolyn Trovinger, who teaches the middle school autism program.

On a recent afternoon, Trovinger's students played baseball on the Wii, which features digital sensors and allows people to virtually play sports and games.

Journey Phanouvong, 12, of Belcamp made a base hit, and then clapped and cheered.

Daniel Quinn, 11, of Edgewood hit the ball and didn't want to stop playing when his turn was over.

"Some of the students would love to play Wii all day long," Tyrrell said. "We can't let them do that. So we put Wii on their daily schedule right after lunch time. That way, they know exactly when they can play."

The game is simple, so all the students can play, said Robin Yates, who teaches the high school program for autism. Each student has a different level of autism - a developmental disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication - and a different level of play. And the game allows the autistic students to play at their own pace, she said.

Despite the limited time the students have to play the game - one period a day - there are benefits for autistic children, said Trovinger.

[FULL STORY]

Related:

• Autistic Children like to Wii
• Consider the Nintendo Wii for Kids with Autism - Autism Spectrum
• Nintendo Wii and Autism
• Using the Wii Therapeutically in a School Setting
• Real workout, virtual world - Baltimore Sun
• Why Not a Wii?
  

Resources for Autism, Attachment, Data Collection, DIR Floortime: Strong Sitting

Resources for Autism, Attachment, Data Collection, DIR Floortime: Strong Sitting

Autism Service Dogs

Mother of child with autism hopes to raise funds

By Jill Doss-Raines
The Dispatch

Some of life's simplest tasks are impossible for Misty Brown to accomplish with her son, Colby.

She cannot simply run into a grocery store to buy milk or bread if he is with her. A trip to Wal-Mart is out of the question, as are trips to most public places.

Three-year-old Colby has autism, a neurological disorder affecting one in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys. Autism is a complex disability affecting normal functioning of the brain in many areas including social development, language/communication and/or sensory issues.

For some reason, public places are a sure way to begin a meltdown for Colby. He'll throw himself on the floor, screaming until his mom picks him up. Even then, he cannot be comforted most of the time, and Brown has to leave the store.

With low verbal ability, which is a common symptom in children with autism, Colby is not able to communicate to his mom what is so irritating, frightening or overstimulating for him. Is it the lighting, the smell, the feel of the shopping cart? Brown doesn't know. She does know she has to find a way to help Colby deal with public situations, and she thinks she has found it - a service dog.

Unfortunately, the specially trained service dogs for people with autism cost $7,000. And like most treatments for autistic individuals, it is not covered by insurance.

[FULL STORY]

Related:

• Compassionate Paws
• ASDA: Autism Services Dogs of America
• Service Dog Brings Bright Future For Corey
• Service dog changes life for Fairbanks girl with autism
• Family seeks funds for autism service dog
• Service Dog Placements for Children with Autism
• Paws4Ability
• ABC News: Service Dogs May Help Autistic Children
• Michael Ewing’s family fundraising for Autism Service Dog
• Are Service Dogs Austic kids best friends?
• Dogs - a Powerful Medicine for Autistic Children