Category: Blog Posts

From Turkey to Ireland, the news of the genetic link to Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders took the world by storm.  Within a few hours news agencies all over the world were announcing the discovery first published in Nature – an international weekly journal of science.

Scientists have identified a new gene variant (CDH10) that is highly common in autistic children. When researchers scrutinized the activity of the gene in the fetal brain, they discovered that it is most active in key regions that support language, speech and interpreting social behavior. These findings were published April 28 in the advance online edition of the journal Nature.

Previously, scientists believed that autism was a developmental disorder resulting from abnormal connections in the brain. However, this new research suggests that CDH10 plays a critical role in shaping the developing brain and may therefore contribute to a prenatal risk of autism.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) range from severe autism to mild Asperger’s syndrome.  In one of these new studies, of more than 10,000 people including those with ASD and their families, researchers found that genetic factors play a strong role in ASD.

I found this research fascinating because it confirms what I’ve observed in families that come to me for therapy. I find that frequently a child who is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome has an undiagnosed parent with the same disorder. Click here to learn more about adults with Asperger Syndrome.

The opportunity to travel and explore another culture is a once in a lifetime adventure for many young adults, but it is often off limits for Asperger youth.  Thankfully, more and more universities are establishing programs for Asperger teens.

I recently learned that USC University Center For Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) professionals have put together an adventure for students with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Thirteen days will be spent throughout England and Scotland with professionals from CHLA as well as graduate students who are experienced with students with AS. If you have AS and are between the ages of 16-20, this might be something to look into.

Apparently the goal of this trip is to boost independence and self–sufficiency. With many group activities, it will provide an opportunity to grow in a group environment as well as receive specific mentoring from staff members. There also lies the potential for making life-long friends with those who understand the personal struggles of Asperger Syndrome.

Please contact Beverly Daley, Ph.D. at bdaley@chla.usc.edu or (323) 361-2490 for more information.

Raun Kaufman, a Leader in the Field of Autism, Visits Portland

Saturday, April 11, 2009

A fascinating study at Bath University sheds some light on a possible reason why children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) have difficulties adjusting to change in their routine. Studies showed a low level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in children with AS. Normally, there is a surge in cortisol in the early morning hours, but that peak doesn’t occur for those with AS.

Mark Bronson, a psychologist at Bath University, commented, “Although these are early days, we think this difference in stress hormone levels could be really significant in explaining why children with AS are less able to react and cope with unexpected change.”

Bath and Bristol Universities plan to continue researching why children with AS find more situations stressful than other children. This will help parents and teachers comprehend what is happening and enable them to avoid adding unnecessary stress to the child.

For more information on this study, I recommend reading  an article on Psych Central entitled “New Theories of Autism, Asperger Syndrome”. Also visit my Frequently Asked Questions for more information on Asperger Syndrome.

Brenda Myles, founder of Autism Asperger Publishing Company and award winning author on autism, recently spoke at California University’s 2nd Annual P.E.P Rally and Autism Conference. She spoke to an audience of parents, educators, and providers who are dealing with autism. The conference focused on teaching young ones with autism how to overcome the challenges of interpreting communication and understanding others.
Myles spoke about the how autism hinders the ability to read non-verbal language and how those with autism think on a literal level. She also discussed the fact that children with autism need help with the “hidden curriculum” or unwritten rules of society that don’t come naturally.
I appreciated Myles realistic encouragement to this community. She said, “Teaching children with autism spectrum disorders about all of the unwritten rules of society seems an overwhelming task. I like to use the one-a-day method. If education professionals would teach one thing a day to a child with autism, they would cover 180 items a year. Other students will also benefit from the reminders. If parents of children with autism spectrum disorders would teach one thing each day, they would cover 365 items each year. Remember to grab the teachable moments because there are excellent ways to make sure they understand the hidden curriculum. These kids see the world so differently. Academic standards are only one piece of the puzzle. We can’t predict where anyone is going to be but we need to teach them ways to be successful in life. The potential is there.”
I am pleased that Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) is publishing my new book Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome:  GOING OVER THE EDGE?. AAPC provides a variety of books, research, and conferences. Their mission to provide practical solutions to all things related to autism based off the latest research available.

With autism on the rise, more and more information is being written for those with autism – including “Asperger Syndrome” – and their loved ones. I have been doing a lot of reading on autism and have come across some excellent books on the subject. Here are a few that I highly recommend picking up:

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s – John Elder Robison
Intense, funny, inspiring autobiography of a young man coming of age with “Asperger’s Syndrome.” You can’t possibly understand what goes on in the mind of someone with “Asperger’s Syndrome,” if you are neuro-typical. The normal rules do not apply. But Robison describes the inner workings of his mind in a way that shows the incredible structure of an “Aspergian” mind. This is an excellent book for anyone trying to love and understand a loved one with “Asperger’s Syndrome.”

Songs of the Gorilla Nation: My Journey Through Autism – Dawn Prince-Hughes
A most beautiful and painful look at the struggle the author has lived with as she comes to terms with her “Asperger’s Syndrome.” What is so important about this book is that it is a woman’s story. So much is written by parents about raising a child with “Asperger’s Syndrome.” More recently we have learned some about grown men with this developmental disorder. Time Magazine even referred to them as Geeks. But what about women with this disorder? Dawn Prince-Hughes paints a most inspiring story of her rebirth from a disturbed girl and teen into a woman who is a leader in her field, a supportive partner, and a loving mother.

Pretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger’s Syndrome – Liane Holliday Willey
I love this title! Pretending to be normal is the exact description of the lives of many with “Asperger’s Syndrome.” Pretending to be normal and never really being true to themselves. This book offers a better way to live one’s life. Not just for those suffering from “Asperger’s Syndrome,” this book helps their loved ones better understand the complexities of their “Asperger’s” loved ones.

 

Click here to learn about my book, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome:  GOING OVER THE EDGE?