Causes
In a Different Key – Interview with John Donvan and Caren Zucker
By Alex Plank on July 20, 2016
In Autism Talk TV Ep. 26, I speak with authors John Donvan and Caren Zucker about their bestselling book on the history of autism, In a Different Key: The Story of Autism. In addition to being authors, Donvan and Zucker have worked for ABC News, where Donvan is an Emmy award winning correspondent and Zucker […] What’s MSSNG in #Autism? – By John Elder Robison
By Alex Plank on December 10, 2014
Yesterday a new hashtag campaign appeared in my Twitter feed – #MSSNG. It seemed to refer to autism, and a new research project. I had an immediate reaction, based on my interpretation of the letters in the context of the autism discussion – I thought, Missing? Certainly not. We may be gifted or we may […] Autism Risk Rises With Age Of Father
By Alex Plank on September 5, 2006
The Washington Post Reports:Children born to fathers of advancing age are at significantly higher risk of developing autism compared with children born to younger fathers, according a comprehensive study published yesterday that offers surprising new insight into one of the most feared disorders of the brain.
The finding comes at a time of great controversy over autism in the United States, as a recent surge in diagnoses has fueled...
Study rules out vaccines as causes of autism
By Alex Plank on July 11, 2006
Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) like autism and Asperger Syndrome have been on the rise for years. Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccines and thimerosal-containing vaccines (which are approximately 50 percent ethylmercury) have been suggested as possible causes. A new McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) study, published in the scientific journal Pediatrics, assessed the link between childhood immunizations and PDD in 28,000 Quebec...MIT researchers to investigate autism
By Alex Plank on October 13, 2005
As per this article, MIT researchers will look at the genetic, molecular and behavioral aspects of autism. Funds for this research are from a $7.5 million dollar grant.Multiple Genetic ‘Flavors’ May Explain Autism
By Alex Plank on August 12, 2005
ScienceDaily.com reports: In a pair of studies, the researchers identify and characterize a number of mutations in the gene that regulate brain levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in breathing, digestion, sleep, appetite, blood vessel constriction, mood and impulsivity. About 25 percent of people with autism have elevated levels of serotonin in their blood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) drugs improve some of the...The Age of Autism: Gene suspects located
By Alex Plank on August 8, 2005
Jaiden.net reports: "We know autism is complex, and when I think of a complex trait I think of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions," she said. "And I am sure that's what's going on in autism if I had to bet -- a combination of both.
"I think there are going to be multiple different forms. Some forms have certain genes contributing to it and other forms have gene-environment type interactions."
Link to article
Study links regions of two chromosomes to susceptibility for Autism
By Alex Plank on June 7, 2005
Google News reports: EurekAlert, DC - 4 hours ago... A new Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study links regions of two chromosomes to susceptibility for a type of autism characterized by regression ...
Link to article
Childhood Autism ‘May Be Linked to Fatty Acids Deficiency’
By Alex Plank on May 31, 2005
Google News reports: Scotland on Sunday, UK - 3 hours agoThe exact causes of autism remain unknown, although it is thought genetic factors or a variety of conditions affecting brain development may play a role. ...
Link to article
Gene Mutated In Cancer Found In Some With Autism
By Alex Plank on May 29, 2005
Jaiden.net reports: A gene that is changed in many forms of cancer has also been found to show similar changes in some forms of autism, according to preliminary research.The gene, known as PTEN, was found to be changed, or mutated, in three of 18 people with larger than normal heads and autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder includes classical autism, Rett syndrome and other conditions. The study was led by researchers at The...
