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RESEARCH

* Genetic Link To Autism Found, Scientist Pooh-poohs Epidemic

* Letter on Autism and Genetics

* Quantifying Dimensions in Autism: A Factor-Analytic Study

* Glutamate Related To Learning and Memory

* Call For Abstracts - IMFAR 2002

LEGAL

* Parents of Autistic Kids Sue Drug Firms, Dental Groups

AWARENESS

* Families Donate Books On Autism

* Know Autism; Help Out

TREATMENT

* Free Monthly ABA Training in New York

* April Autism Media Events / DAN! Conference Heads-up

* Reader's Posts

Genetic Link To Autism Found, Scientist Pooh-poohs Epidemic

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Researchers at Utah State University have found a group of genes linked to the occurrence of autism.

The study, which will be published in this month's issue of Human Immunology, identifies an allele that migrates with the disease through families. The finding may help in treating the disorder.

"If they (professionals) can catch them (children with autism) early, they can take them from under-performers to mainstream students in school," said Anthony R. Torres, director in the immunogenetics laboratory in the Center for Persons with Disabilities at USU.

The genes are found on an area of the sixth chromosome known as human leukocyte antigens, or HLA. Torres said the tendency toward autism is inherited from the father.

"It tells us that autism has an immune component," he said.

Researchers have believed for quite some time that autism may be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The new findings point in the same direction.

"We can keep looking at the immune system in autism," Torres said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism occurs in at least one in 500 people and is four times more common in males than females. Torres said reported incidents are rising and estimates the number to be closer to six people out of every 1,000. But he said the higher number doesn't indicate an autism epidemic.

"That's due to better diagnostic criteria," he said.

Torres said USU has been studying autism for 16 or 17 years.

* * *

Letter on Autism and Genetics

This is in reply to the criticism leveled at the $6 million grant for genetic links to Autism articulated by Professor Bengtsson of the University of Lund and posted by rees@pp.sbbs.se.

In my opinion, the criticism leveled at the awarding of $6 million to research genetic links to Autism by the plant biologist fails to take into account two particulars about this problem.

Secondly, a genetic approach does not rule out incorporating environmental toxins into the experiment. While the relationship to toxins would almost certainly be researched after the identification of candidate "Autism genes", one can easily imagine either in vitro experiments using these human genes or in vivo ones using animal model homologues that could focus on problems arising from the presence of these contaminants.

I am not a geneticist. I do not know the particulars of the experiments that were awarded the $6 million. I am a graduate student researching catalytic nucleic acids. My interest in the subject is simply that my 3.5 year old son's vocabulary is a shadow of my 22 month old daughter's.

But I can say with certainty that an award of that magnitude will turn the heads of many PhDs who are currently focusing their labs' research elsewhere. Expect a cascade of interest in the very near future. Bravo to the committee granting the award.

-- J. Kenneth Wickiser

Yale MB&B Graduate Student

* * *

On Measuring Autism

"Quantifying Dimensions in Autism: A Factor-Analytic Study"

[Warning, the Professor here is very good with techno-speak so don't be surprised if you find yourself a little lost. After all, these research abstracts are not intended for lay publications.]

Peter Szatmari, M.D.; Chantal Mérette, M.D.; Susan E. Bryson, Ph.D.; Jacques Thivierge, M.D.; Marc-Andre Roy, M.D.; Mireille Cayer, M.Sc.; Michel Maziade, M.D. Dr. Szatmari is Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario; Dr. Bryson is with the Department of Psychology, York University; and Drs. Mérette, Thivierge, Roy, and Maziade and Ms. Cayer are with Le Centre de Recherche Universite Laval Robert-Giffard, Beauport, Québec. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2002;41:467-474

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether the phenotypic variation in autism and the related pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) is a unitary construct or whether it is composed of distinct dimensions of autistic symptoms and measures of level of functioning.

Method: One hundred twenty-nine children with autism and other forms of PDD from two samples with different inclusion criteria were assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales to measure level of functioning and the Autism Diagnostic Interview to measure severity of autistic behaviors. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed on each sample, separately and combined.

Results: Two factors emerged; one representing autistic symptoms and another representing level of functioning. The factor structure was remarkably similar and robust to variations in ascertainment and inclusion criteria between the samples. The validity of the distinction was supported by differences between males and females on the symptom factor, but not on the level of functioning factor. IQ was modestly correlated with level of functioning, but not with symptoms.

Conclusions: The phenotypic variation seen in autism/PDD is composed of at least two different dimensions of autistic symptoms and level of functioning. The implications of this dimensional heterogeneity for research, classification, and clinical practice are discussed.

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* * *

Glutamate Related To Learning and Memory

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Glutamate Related to Learning and Memory Researchers have determined that levels of transport molecules for glutamate increase during learning, suggesting that these molecules have an important role in the process. Their findings were reported in the February 2002 issue of Nature Neuroscience.

In the brain, several chemicals called neurotransmitters carry messages in the spaces connecting one nerve cell, or neuron, to the next, allowing the brain to function properly. Scientists believe that the strengthening of these connections by the neurotransmitter glutamate is a mechanism responsible for the storage of some memories.

A research team at the University of Houston (UH, Texas, USA;

"We knew that glutamate is involved in learning, but our study is the first to investigate the role of glutamate transporters and glutamate uptake in the learning and memory formation process," says UH biochemist Arnold Eskin, one of the authors of the study. "The job of glutamate transporters in the brain is two-fold. Clearing away neurotransmitters allows the next batch of chemical messengers to deliver a 'clean' signal between neurons. Also, in the case of glutamate, which desensitizes its receptors and kills nerve cells if too much hangs around too long, transport molecules are essential to maintaining effective transmission and a nontoxic environment in the brain." Copyright 2001 Medinews.com. All Rights Reserved.

* * *

Call For Abstracts - IMFAR 2002

International Meeting For Autism Research

Dear Autism Researcher:

We invite you to submit an abstract for presentation at the second annual International Meeting For Autism Research that will take place on November 1s and 2nd, in Orlando, Florida. All empirical research dealing with any aspect of the biology, psychology or treatment of autism will be acceptable for presentation.

Submission deadline is June 1, 2002. The address to which the abstract needs to be submitted, the Abstract Submission Form, as well as additional details about the meeting, will be available on the IMFAR web site

(IMFAR.ORG) no later than May 15. This web site will be continually updated over the next several months so please check it for information on Keynote Speakers, symposia organization, and other important information.

Since we are attempting to reach the largest number of autism researchers covering the broadest range of topics, we would appreciate it if you would forward this announcement to colleagues and students who might be interested in attending and presenting their research at this meeting.

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Parents of Autistic Kids Sue Drug Firms, Dental Groups

The parents of a group of children with autism on Wednesday sued several drug companies and dental associations in the United States for allegedly exposing their kids to the neurological disorder in vaccines and dental fillings containing mercury.

The American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association and drug firms American Home Products Corp., now known as Wyeth, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Johnson & Johnson and Armour Pharmaceutical were accused of, among other things, negligence in 11 lawsuits filed in an Atlanta court.

Georgia Power, a unit of utility giant Southern Co., was also listed as a defendant in the suits for allegedly releasing harmful mercury-containing emissions into the environment.

The families are seeking unspecified damages on behalf of their children. A similar lawsuit was filed against the companies and dental groups in the same court late on Tuesday. Six other suits are expected later this week.

Shawn Khorrami, an attorney for the families, said the dental groups had misled consumers by not telling them that amalgam fillings contained mercury and could, when implanted in women's mouths, expose fetuses and nursing infants to toxic levels of mercury.

The drug companies are being sued because they failed to warn parents that children receiving vaccines containing the mercury-based preservative Thimerosal were at higher risk for mercury poisoning, according to the suits.

Some scientists have linked mercury, a naturally occurring element, to autism, a neurological disease that can cause severe learning disabilities, impaired motor skills and repetitive behavior.

Amalgam fillings typically contain about 50 percent mercury.

'Hiding The Ball'

"These companies have been hiding the ball from the American public," said Khorrami, who noted that the nine children he represents, who range in age from 3 to 12, suffered from disabilities that would require lifelong care.

In a statement released to Reuters, the American Dental Association (ADA), which claims more than 141,000 members across the country, described the lawsuits as an "egregious" abuse of the legal system and said the claims had no merit.

"Actions like these mislead vulnerable people, using information with no scientific basis to give false hope to those with chronic, often incurable illnesses," it said.

Johnson & Johnson and Georgia Power said they had not yet had a chance to review the complaints in the lawsuits.

The ADA noted that questions about the safety of amalgam fillings had been answered to the satisfaction of major U.S. and international health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.

Earlier this year, the FDA reported that U.S. Public Health Service scientists had concluded that recently collected data did not support claims that people with amalgam fillings experienced problems, other than rare allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.

The Atlanta lawsuits came on the heels of another suit filed last month in Los Angeles on behalf of an autistic child against the ADA and the California Dental Association. Previous lawsuits had usually targeted drug companies.

Khorrami, one of the lawyers involved in the California case, did not rule out expanding future lawsuits to include individual dentists and other manufacturers of mercury-containing products.

* * *

Families Donate Books On Autism

Christie Atkins said she and other families donated books about autism to the Floyd County library on Tuesday to help others and to call attention to the disorder.

“I was trying to see what our family could do to help prevent some of the heart break we experienced,” she said. Atkins’ 10-year-old son, Douglas, is autistic. Autism is a disorder that affects part of the central nervous system, particularly language, cognitive and intellectual development and the ability to relate to others. It usually begins at birth or within the first 21?2 years of life.

On Tuesday, in recognition of April’s designation as National Autism Awareness Month, a group of families, including Atkins, donated more than a dozen books to the Rome-Floyd County Library on Riverside Parkway. Melanie Caldwell, the library’s collection development coordinator, accepted the books from local autistic children and their siblings.

Although the library is well- stocked with books, Caldwell said, people should make requests for the books that they deem pertinent at the library. She said she then researches the requests and the library will buy what materials it can. “I order thousands of books each year,” said Caldwell. And the Friends of the Library organization helps fund book purchases, she added.

Atkins said the books being donated have helped many families deal with the shock they often feel when the disorder is diagnosed in their children and the questions that arise after the diagnosis. “More information about autism is becoming available every day. These are things that helped us the most,” Atkins said. “There are a lot of things that help.

There are a lot of things that work.” Caldwell said it will take a couple of days to process the books at the library, but they should be available to the public by Thursday or Friday. “We’ll set up a display by the front desk for this month,” she said.

For more information on Atkins’ support group call 236-9572 or send e-mail to her at CLMAtkins@aol.com.

* * *

Know Autism; Help Out

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He was proudly wearing his black Zorro cape with the red lining and a black ball cap as he handed over the Easter basket he had brought me.

The smile was infectious, and David Zimmer had all the appearances of being a typical youngster caught up in the joy of the holiday as he pushed the gift toward me, then stepped back close to his mother's side.

Melissa Zimmer of Washington Twp., his mother, had explained to me earlier that David has a medical problem. She offered to share details because spotlighting her son's story might help spread understanding and support.

David, she said, suffers from autism.

"It is a devastating condition," Zimmer said. "We have been told that one of 500 children has some form of autism, and yet most people have no knowledge of it. The simplest definition of autism is that the brain is not wired correctly. Researchers do not know its cause, but many studies are being conducted on genetics, environment, diet and other factors."

Zimmer's son, who will turn 4 on April 17, was diagnosed in September.

"David was delayed in speech," she said. "But his doctor and speech therapists were not alarmed at first. Then the team at Centerville Preschool noticed other areas where David was underdeveloped. We began testing. It took several months of studies and tests at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and then the diagnosis."

Zimmer said the news was shocking, but the members of her family decided to face it together and support David in a strong and positive way. Her husband, Bill, works for a computer company. Of their four children - his older siblings are Chris, 8, Lisa, 6, and Drew, 5 - David is the only one fighting autism.

David was perfectly behaved, seemingly a bit nervous but otherwise smiling and friendly when his mother brought him for our meeting. It is not always that way, she said.

"He actually has behavior patterns of a 2-year-old," Zimmer said. "Taking him out in public can be a real nightmare. The stress of a new environment, noise, lights and people can throw him into a tailspin. When that happens, people stare at us and think that David is a brat.

"When folks see him acting up in a store, whining, crying, they think he is spoiled and wants another toy. They ask what can be wrong with the parents."

Zimmer said that often she finds herself explaining the situation to strangers.

"April is designated National Autism Awareness Month," she said. "So there is even more explaining going on this time of year. We feel it is important that people know and understand and can be supportive of David and the others who face this on a regular basis."

Zimmer said there are many types and degrees of autism, and some who fight it are unable to speak.

"We are thankful that David is verbal," she said. "And even though there is no known cure, he is making good progress at his school. His teachers and the staff at Centerville Preschool are so caring. His bus drivers and aides are a delight."

And of course, she said, David gets ultimate family support.

"We are committed Christians, and we all pray and work together," Zimmer said. "Bill and I have such a close marriage that we are able to balance each other's feelings."

Together, they all relish the smallest accomplishments that David makes. The most memorable moment so far happened on Sept. 14, Zimmer said.

"Out of the blue, after a very somber week, my dear son gave me the first kiss on my cheek. It was a mountaintop experience for me. I treasure that kiss and that moment," she said.

"We believe in miracles. And we pray that one day David will be healed. We know that God has a plan for David's life. We have our trust and hope in God."

* Dale Huffman wants your ideas. He'd like to hear your touching or funny stories from the home or the office, a chuckle or entertaining comment from your child or student, an emotional moment you shared, tales about good Samaritans or a special day coming up in your life. Send an e-mail to Dale at dale_huffman@coxohio.com or write to him at 45 S. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH 45402. Fax: 225-2489. Phone: 225-2272.

(C) 2002 Dayton Daily News. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved

* * *

Free Monthly ABA Training in New York

[FEAT does not rate, nor endorses care providers. This is for our reader's information only.]

Christina Burk, M.A., a consulting behavior analyst based in NY, is conducting a free monthly training series for professionals, parents, and novices interested in learning about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with emphasis on teaching verbal behavior (VB) to students with autism. The two-day workshops are intended for those who have never worked in ABA but are interested in being trained, those who already work as ABA staff but need a refresher or more specific training in teaching verbal behavior, and for parents of students with autism.

Each training series will last for two days; both full days are mandatory. Each training day will last for six to eight hours, likely from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM. Future follow up trainings will be held based on interest and availability.

Day 1 will consist mainly of background on the science of behavior analysis, teaching verbal behavior, effective teaching procedures, and using the ABLLS to guide instruction. Any remaining time will be spent role-playing in pairs to practice the teaching procedures. Day 2 will be intensive continued hands-on training (some with students with autism, if possible), Q & A, and perhaps a posttest on the material covered.

Additionally, if you are a parent in the Northeast looking for staff, please visit the below link for info on how to add your name to an employment list that will be distributed to workshop attendees.

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* * *

April Autism Media Events / DAN! Conference Heads-up

Tentatively Scheduled:

* April 5 -- Dateline (CBS)

* April 15 -- Karyn Seroussi on NBC's Today Show

* April or May issue of People Magazine

*****

The first DAN! Conference this year will be held on May 10 and 11 in Boston, Massachusetts. The speakers will include: Sidney Baker, M.D., Jayne Barese, R.N., Mark Blaxill, MBA, Kenneth Bock, M.D., Jeff Bradstreet, M.D., Timothy Buie, M.D., Ph.D., Jane El-Dahr, M.D, Barbara Loe Fisher, Sudhir Gupta, M.D., Ph.D. , Paul Hardy, M.D., Walter Herlihy, Ph.D., Amy Holmes, M.D., Woody McGinnis, M.D., Jon Pangborn, Ph.D., Karl Reichelt, M.D., Ph.D., Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Karyn Seroussi, Paul Shattock, Ph.D., Andrew Stoll, M.D., Andrew Wakefield, M.D., Rosemary Waring, Ph.D., and Carol Wester, MSN, CSN.

Topics will include: Neuro-toxic effects of and successful treatments for elevated mercury and other heavy metals, The role of immunizations in autism and how to decrease the risk, A fresh look at the epidemiological studies supporting the relationship between autism and thimerosal, The latest research on secretin, The MMR controversy, Nutritional strategies for improving health and cognitive function of the autistic child, The role of omega 3 fatty acids, and Understanding the immune system's role in autism.

A special evening session will be held on Thursday, May 9 for those attendees who arrive early.

The second DAN! 2002 Conference will be held in San Diego, California on October 25 to 27. Registration for this conference is not yet available.

[Thanks to Valeries list.]

* * *

Reader's Posts

jumps to current therapy, his current strengths and weaknesses. He has had

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We are attempting to figure our own taxes and would like to know some specifics on things we can deduct related to caring for our 4.5 yr old child with autism. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Sally sferlmann@midstate.edu

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Looking for other parents whose children are nearing "recovery" (not just "doing well," but actual recovery) with ABA and biomedical interventions--is there a listgroup for this? My 6 y.o. son is conversational, social and no longer diagnosable (and continues to improve with chelation), but still has issues that I attribute to his autism. Please e-mail me (Becky) at mbilek@aol.com

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My nephew is 5 y. o. and is autistic. For the last few months he has Been very violent towards his mother and one of his sisters. He now has a reputation at school for being aggressive and the other children stay away from him. They have suggested medication, but I would like to see other options before that one. Csmith@weisolutions.com.

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I need information on providers in the Fresno Area. An experienced tutor is going to be moving to that area at the end of the summer and wishes to make contact with agencies/organizations in that area. Suzanne cvfeat@aol.com

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Seeking to Contact Independent Autism Advocacy/Support Parent Groups If you are part of a parent group trying to get services for your child, sharing resources, offering support, etc. or know of such a group, please send to this newsletter the group's name, if you have one, an overland mail address and a phone number. We already have some of you listed on the FEAT website, but it is sorely in need of an update. Some autism groups are building a nationwide advocacy network and everyone doing advocacy needs to be plugged in. Contact Lenny Schafer at editor@feat.org before April 15.)

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APRIL 21, 2002 - 12 Noon to 5pm

THIRD NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY:

"The Power of ONE! I.D.E.A."

FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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FEAT'S "Night of Caring" April 27

Sacramento FEAT is holding its' 9th Annual "Night of Caring" Dinner and Auction fundraiser on April 27, 2002. If you have been helped by the FEAT and the Daily Newsletter and would like to show your appreciation you can by supporting our fundraiser. Make an auction contribution or sponsorship donation. Please call 916-843-1536 for more information. Thank you.

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