What in the World Is Going On May 2013 Edition

Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

A story that’s grabbing headlines this month is the Telford’s struggles with their adult son who has severe autism. Amanda Telford left her son at the Ottawa offices of Developmental Services Ontario, the Ontario government agency that connects adults with disabilities to services in the community because she said she can no longer care for him. Phillipe has complex needs and requires 24 hour supervision. The long waiting list for residential placements leaves families like the Telfords trying to manage on their own at home. Amanda Telford, social worker, said she and her husband ... more »

New Gene Variants Linked to Autism

In one of the largest-ever studies of genetics and autism, researchers have identified 24 new gene variants associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The work also confirms that 31 variants previously linked to the developmental disorder may serve as useful genetic markers for identifying those with the condition.

Understanding autism’s genetic roots is a priority, researchers say, since it may lead to earlier diagnosis and behavioral intervention, which can improve patient outcomes.

“Oftentimes findings like this get published in academic journals, but they don’t get translated into clinical use,” says Chuck Hensel, an author on the new research study, published in PLoS ONE, who is the senior manager of research at the genetic diagnostics company Lineagen. “Our goal,” Hensel says, “is to try to get these markers into the clinic.”

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What in the World is Going On January 2013 Edition

Written by Maureen Bennie  |  Autism Awareness Centre Inc. 

The big news this past month was the finalizing of the DSM-V which will be published May 2013. There was much discussion around the possibility of Asperger Syndrome no longer being classified as a separate diagnosis. Asperger Syndrome will now be a part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a new term added to the manual. ASD is a term already used by many experts in the field. The new category will include individuals with severe autism, who often don't talk or interact, as well as those with milder forms. Catherine Lord, an autism expert at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York... more »