Autistic Daily

BL 1961 on Flickr

Technically, it is referred to as the “Autism Spectrum Disorder” by some.

Could it be that autism, highly functional autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome are really just gradients of the same thing? A study in the upcoming issue of Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders examines this possibility.

“The histories of autism and Asperger’s Disorder (AD), based on original contributions by Kanner and Asperger, are reviewed in relation to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Their original articles appear to have influenced the distinction between AD and autism made in the DSM-IV. Based on up-to-date empirical research, however, it appears that AD and autism are not qualitatively distinct disorders, but are different quantitative manifestations of the same disorder.”

Apparently, there is debate over whether or not to separate autism and Asperger’s in the new revision of the DSM.

Doing so could have both positive and negative consequences. It’s often been thought that Asperger’s individuals are more functional, have more normal to above average intelligence, and can lead more normal lives that those diagnosed with autism.

Will a single label stigmatize those on the more functional end of the spectrum?

On the other hand, an Asperger diagnosed as autistic might open the doors for insurance and social programs previously available to those with a severe case of the syndrome.

via leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk

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A study comparing autistic and non-autistic children found differences in as many as 27 genetic regions between the two groups.

The study, published in the June 26 issue of PloS Genetics, found these differences consisted of missing and/or extra copies of DNA after comparing genetic samples from over 3,000 people and 900 families with samples from over 1,000 children without autism.

Two previously unreported genetic regions BZRAP1 and MDGA2, which are thought to regulate synaptic function and neurological development, respectively, were also discovered.

via modernmedicine.com

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thetransporters.com

The Transporters is a group of DVDs that teach children with autism how to recognize emotions like happiness and sadness.

Released in the United States this week, The Transporters places human faces on vehicles like buses and trolleys.

The DVD series was created by the Autism Research Center at Cambridge University, where the famed autism researcher Simon Baron-Cohen teaches and conducts research.

“To teach autistic children something they find difficult, we needed an autism-friendly format,” Baron-Cohen said.

It it known that autistic children often become fascinated by vehicles that move in a consistent manner, such as trains.

According to The Transporters website, just 15 minutes a day can lead to significant differences in children learning to recognize emotions.

via pottstownmercury.com

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Dr. Edward Carr, a pioneer researcher in autism and psychology at Stonybrook University was killed last week by an alleged drunk driver.

Dr. Carr is best known for his work on Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Because of Dr. Carr’s research, schools in the United States now know how to properly educate students with disabilities.

FBA allows the educator to understand the purpose behind an alleged “bad” behavior while PBS focuses on changing the child’s environment and  teaching the child how to get his or her needs fulfilled in a more productive manner.

For an example of such a time when FBA and PBS are needed, read this lovely explanation at the dailykos.com.

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http2007 on Flickr

Autism on the Seas is a cruise ship business dedicated to providing the cruise experience to individuals and families with autism and other developmental disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, and Down’s Syndrome.

Collaborating with Royal Carribean International, the group has been provides cruises since 2007 that offer destinations such as Alaska along with therapeutic tools tailored to those on the spectrum designed to prepare for the cruise like PECS-(Picture Exchange Communication System) or Social Stories.

From the website:

“A special “Social Story” has been created to assist our families traveling with children on the spectrum. The Social Story is designed to assist children with what they can expect on the first day of the cruise. A printable link to the Social Story is available to our guests approximately 2-4 weeks prior to their cruise. We are constantly working to improve our service and provide families with the tools to ensure a successful transition on their vacation.”

Flexible payment plans are available, so don’t the economy prevent you from sailing the seas!

via Portland Autism and Parenting Examiner

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lanchongzi on Flickr

A new study discussed at the Times of India suggests autistic children laugh differently than neurotypical ones.

In a paper titled, “Laughter Differs in Children with Autism: An Acoustic Analysis of Laughter Produced by Children with and without the Disorder,” researchers cited how children with autism produced what they described as “voice laughter” or very engaging laughter.

It’s thought that children with autism are laughing in response to feeling happy versus using it as a social tool to keep conversation going.

Not surprising, as most who have dealt with anyone on the spectrum know these individuals don’t always naturally engage in social rituals. Things such as giggling and laughter in response to jokes that may not be funny is a social skill that must be taught.

Researchers came to the conclusion after recording laughter from both autistic and non autistic children after interacting with the examiner.

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Circle of Moms

Yes, you could call it totally making up for the fact that we missed Autistic Pride day, but we’re featuring two stories on it today.

One 22-year old reflects on the experiences of having Asperger’s Syndrome. A few excerpts:

“Today is Autistic Pride Day.  I was not aware of this until this morning, when I went to look on Wikipedia for something and saw it highlighted under “On this day…”, located on the right-hand side of the page.”

“There was something else beneath the surface. I would use big, scientific words light-years ahead of my classmates. For example, throughout the first grade, I would say the word “posterior” while my peers said “butt”. While classmates tittered at the word “sex” as a dirty word, I would chase them around on the playground with a book in my hand that defined it as “gender”. I was very literal, and generally oblivious to social cues. I would frequently correct my elementary school teachers, something that would drive my first-grade teacher crazy.”

“We, the people of the autistic spectrum, all deserve to live free and equal lives. But in so many cases, the intolerance of others makes us feel consigned to a life apart. I do not accept this. WE do not accept this. So please, teach your children – in addition to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other characteristic, do not discriminate against the socially different. All of us are created equal.”

Read the rest of this entry at dailykos.com.

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Uh…(quick thinking to make up an excuse yields no good answer), yes we did!

If you’re bad about remembering names, birthdays, anniversaries, and the like, you’re in good company!

We missed Autistic Pride Day, which was June 18th, and resisted the urge to backdate this post to cover our butts.

Portland History Examiner Natalie Leavitt says:

“June 18th is Autistic Pride Day, a day that creates public awareness about Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. It was created by Aspies for Freedom, an organization that celebrates the neurodiversity of people and educates the public about Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The day is about changing the views of Autism and Asperger’s syndrome from a disease and disability to just a difference in neurological characteristics.”

Happy Belated!

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