HBOT Autism Trial Demonstrates Clinical Improvements In Autistic Children

The US National Institutes of Health have released a summary report of a "Controlled Trial of the Clinical Effects of Hyperbaric Therapy in Autistic Children" by Dr. Daniel Rossignol last updated in July 2007 which purports to demonstrate that HBOT may improve symptoms in autistic children. The trial used HBOT in 18 children between the ages of 2 and 7 with DSM-IV Autistic Disorder diagnoses (PDD-NOS and Asperger's Syndrome were excluded). Dr. Rossignol claims that the trial demonstrates significant clinical improvements in the autistic children on several standardized scales.

The trial has some limitations in that most of the scales were parent-rated but the parents were not blinded to the fact that their children were receiving HBOT. There was no placebo or control group. The NIH summary indicates that these factors could lead to bias and that the improvements could have been due to chance or the natural development of the children and suggests the need for a double-blind controlled study.

autism

Autism and Lead Poisoning Update

I commented on possible connections between autism and lead poisoning on October 13, 2007 in Autism and Lead Poisoning. I had referenced articles which discussed a lead/autism connection in some cases. I also included the following excerpt from the Ontario Environment Ministry page Lead and Drinking Water - Questions and Answers which discusses the impact of lead poisoning on learning capacity and intellectual development:

How does lead in water affect health? Young children are more sensitive to the effects of lead because they are still developing and able to absorb ingested lead more easily than adults. Long-term exposure to lead above the standards may increase the risk of subtle impairment of learning capacity and intellectual development. Pregnant women need to limit their lead intake as much as possible to protect the fetus.

Also highlighted in that comment was the article Autism and Autistic Symptoms Associated with Childhood Lead Poisoning, Journal of Applied Research, authors Theodore I. Lidsky, PhD , Department of Psychobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York and Jay S. Schneider, PhD Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That article featured two case studies of children who, during periods of severe lead poisoning, developed autism or autistic symptoms.

I mention a possible lead/autism connection again at this time because of news of yet another recall of lead contaminated toys and the announcement by Health Canada that it is sponsoring a pilot study aimed at measuring the long-term accumulation of lead in people's bones, something that cannot be determined by more commonly used blood tests, but that still poses a potential health risk. The National Post, author Tom Blackwell, has a good article on the announcement Recall of toys sparks study on lead risks and some related articles in the sidebar of the article page.

The NP article also includes criticism of Health Canada's lead investigation effort by lead safety advocate Kelly O'Grady who argues that HC should sponsor studies that focus on the most vulnerable - children under six years of age:

"It's kind of bizarre," said Ms. O'Grady, head of the group The First Six Years. "Health Canada is going in all the back doors, instead of looking at the elephant in the living room."

Mr. Blackwell also reports that:

Just in the past two weeks, the regulator [ Health Canada] publicized recalls of 35,000 plastic charm bracelets, 2,200 necklaces, 770 pendants and 575 sets of doll clothing, all imported from East Asia and all containing lead above the allowable limit. Such items are considered a danger to smaller children who might put them in their mouths.

Whether lead exposure is a causal agent in autism causes or simply causes "autistic like symptoms" and impairs learning capacity and intellectual development it is long past time that Health Canada and other public health authorities began to make a more sustained effort on two fronts. One, to immediately and thoroughly work at eliminating exposure to lead poisoning, particularly amongst children and pregnant women and two, began more thorough research into the role of lead and other environmental toxins into the development of autism and other neurological disorders. As Lidsky and Schneider concluded in their study:

The two case histories presented here, as well as the reports of autistic symptoms in children with disorders that produce brain lesions or encephalopa- thy, indicate that there are multiple causes of autism. Further, the ability of brain infections and lead poisoning to produce such symptoms highlights the importance of environmental factors in the etiology of *autism*.

The ability of *lead* *poisoning* to induce symptoms of *autism* is also relevant to cases of preexisting pervasive developmental disorders irrespective of etiology. Such individuals have a greater propensity to engage in pica and, as a result, are more likely to become *lead* poisoned.

In such cases, *lead* poisoning can be expected not only to negatively impact neurocognitive functioning, but also to potentially exacerbate the preexisting symptoms of *autism*

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University of Toronto and Kyoto University Joint Stem Cell Research

Canadian and Japanese scientists, from the University of Toronto and Kyoto University signed a joint stem cell research agreement in October 2008. It is hoped that the joint research venture will jump start stem cell research into cystic fibrosis and other conditions, including autism. Dr. William Stanford, associate director of the University of Toronto's Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering hopes that cell-based therapies can be developed more rapidly to address the underlying causes, not just the symptoms, of these disorders. The October agreement called for the Canadian and Japanese scientists to meet every three months to discuss their findings so their initial meetings should commence in early 2009.

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Real Autism Help Is On The Way Across Europe

BBC Photo of Dr. Mickey Keenan

"There has been a significant increase in the prevalence rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder worldwide and some studies have found that as many as 12 in every 1,000 children in Europe may have the disorder. Applied behavioural analysis has consistently emerged as the most appropriate and effective treatment to help children with autism however, the number of trained professional behaviour analysts is very low throughout Europe. One of the aims of this project is to address this need for suitably qualified professionals who can design, implement, and monitor programs that address individual needs of children with autism."

Dr. Mickey Keenan, University of Ulster, BBC News

Dr. Mickey Keenan is a real, world class, autism hero. Unlike some "autism experts" Dr. Keenan has actually worked with autistic children from all points of the autism spectrum. He has been recognized for his academic writing, his work with autistic children and their families and his public advocacy. Dr. Keenan has helped dispel some of the misinformation about Applied Behavioral Analysis circulating in the mainstream media.

In this latest project Dr. Keenan, the Psychology Department of the University of Ulster, PEAT (Parents Education as Autism Therapists) and a team of international experts are translating into German, Spanish and Norwegian a DVD, "The Simple Steps", which uses footage of PEAT parents and their children to educate other parents on Autism Spectrum Disorder. The DVD features recorded teaching sessions of parents using Applied Behavioral Analysis with their children. An aim of the project is to assist professionals involved with design, implementation, and monitoring of programs that address individual needs of children with autism.

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Conor and Dad Have An Unexpected Day At Home

Roads were icy around Fredericton today and the aide who works with Conor, and several others, were unable to get to school so Conor came home with Dad who worked out of the house for the day. After lunch we enjoyed a nice walk on the trail.

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An Information Request To Kent Heckenlively At Age of Autism About His ACE Pathway Investigation

Kent Heckenlively
Age of Autism

Dear Mr. Heckenlively

How is your investigation of the ACE Pathway "Investigational" Study of stealth adapted/monkey viruses going? You had indicated that you hoped to give your own personal report by Thanksgiving.

Have your expectations been confirmed? You had stated:

I wonder what the odds ratio would be for the finding of Dr. Martin’s simian cytomegalovirus in our children with autism. I expect it would be similarly high.

Have you been able to locate any articles by researchers - other than Dr W John Martin and Reverend BJ McKelvie - (1) which confirm the existence of stealth adapted viruses and (2) which indicate that these SAV's cause, or contribute to, autism?

Have you been able to confirm that the ACE Pathway Investigational Study has been approved by Health Canada and the FDA as stated by some persons involved with the study? If so can you provide a link to the protocol established by these agencies for the conduct of the study?

I look forward to your answers to these questions and to the results of your investigation.

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty, Esq.
Fredericton New Brunswick Canada

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Study Suggests Post-Natal, Environmental Causes of Autism

"Our results suggest that FKPB12 regulates neuron signaling that curbs the manifestation of traits observed in several neurological disorders including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia.These disorders are widely believed to be "determined in utero by genetic hormonal and environmental factors. Because our study indicates that postnatal release of mTOR activity can result in certain perseverative behaviors, it challenges the idea that some aspects of these conditions are developmentally predetermined."

- AFP, NYU neuroscientist Dr. Eric Klann

Autism clearly has a strong genetic component. Some believe it is entirely genetic with no environmental causes or factors. Those who subscribe to the "entirely genetic" belief find it easy to believe that the astonishing rise in the numbers of autism disorder diagnoses is due entirely to diagnostic definition changes, enhanced public awareness and other social factors. If they are wrong in their beliefs, and if scientific researchers and health authorities refuse to investigate potential environmental causes or triggers of autism then possible treatments, cures or enhancements of the lives of autistic people will be sacrificed on the alter of such unwarranted certainty.

From the erroneous and harmful "Refrigerator Mother" beliefs of Bettelheim to the belief that autism arises solely from genetic factors our popular understanding of, and ability to treat and cure, autism disorders have been restricted by simplistic, single factor explanations of the complex group of pervasive developmental, or autism spectrum, disorders. Recently though there has begun an autism research paradigm shift based on the view that:

"autism is not a rare disorder with a constant rate but frequent condition with a rising incidence. It is a combination of environmental influence and genetic vulnerabilities. It is both preventable and treatable, not by any one method but by a combination of behavioral and biomedical approaches. Autistic kids are not defective, they are sick but otherwise normal kids, and thus, recoverable."

A significant example of the autism research paradigm shift can be seen in the recent study authored by researchers at New York University's Center for Neural Science and the Baylor College of Medicine and published in Neuron,Volume 60, Issue 5, 832-845, 10 December 2008. The researchers studied the effects on mice of removal of the FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12) which regulates an enzyme (mTOR) involved in learning and memorization. mTOR affects the the ability to change behavior and regulates connections between neurons thereby playing a key role in learning and memorization.

As stated on AFP News, removal of FKBP12 from the brains of mice late in development reduced the mice's capacity to analyze, respond and adapt to new situations. In one example the FKBP12 removed mice, once they learned a path through a maze, had difficulty learning how to travel through a different version of the maze. The AFP article describes this phenomenon as "enhanced perseveration, or pathological repetition, ... often observed in individuals suffering from autism or other neurological disorders".

The Autism Research Paradigm Shift is a central component of the Autism Knowledge Revolution now taking place. Hopefully, that revolution in learning and understanding autism disorders will not be derailed or slowed by the world's current economic crisis ... or by ideologies, agendas and simplistic views of autism disorders.

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Conor Happy Just To Get Outdoors Today

After being stuck in the house with a day of heavy cold rain Conor was happy just to get outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine today.


autism

Embattled Governor Blagojevich Signs Autism Bill Into Law

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has a lot of troubles to deal with at the moment, having been arrested on corruption charges, his chief of staff resigning, the Illinois Attorney General asking the Illinois Supreme Court to remove him from office and President-elect Barack Obama and Democratic Senators and other politicians demanding he step down from office. The Governor is staying put, for now.

Today, as reported on Fox News, Governor Blagojevich signed into law the autism bill requiring that insurers cover autism treatment stating:

"Families of children with autism have a right to access the treatment their children need and today that has finally become a reality in Illinois," Blagojevich said in a statement.

"I have continued to fight for this cause and I am pleased to sign this bill into law today," he added.

Whatever happens to the Governor, whatever he has done, or not done, he has acted to better the lives of autistic children and their families in Illinois today and in his continued efforts to secure the passage of this autism legislation.

Well done Governor Blagojevich.

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On Autism twitter Day Please .... Keep It Real

To all the autism tweeters I hope that you enjoy yourselves and learn something helpful on Autism twitter Day but please promote realistic autism awareness while you are at it. Two points to remember:

1. Autistic Disorder is first of all ... a mental disorder. (Source DSM-IV; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, 299.0 Autistic Disorder)

2. Autistic Disorder is characterized by various social, communication and behavioral delays, impairments and abnormal functioning. (Source DSM-IV; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, 299.0 Autistic Disorder)

eg.

(A) qualitative impairment in social interaction...

(B) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following: 1. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
2. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
3. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
4. lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

(C) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, ...

(II) Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (A) social interaction
(B) language as used in social communication
(C) symbolic or imaginative play

Have fun tweeting on Autism twitter Day. Hopefully parents will find some useful information to help their autistic children.

Please KEEP IT REAL on Autism twitter Day.

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What Does "Positive" Autism Awareness Mean?

What exactly does "positive" autism awareness mean? Is that concept consistent with "realistic" autism awareness?

I have already expressed my concern that the realities and challenges faced by the severely autistic may not be reflected on Autism twitter Day next Tuesday, December 16. Bonnie/AutismFamily, the force behind Autism Twitter Day, responded to those concerns by reference to her own child.

Still I can't help but wonder when I see the adjective "positive" used to describe autism awareness whether it is an attempt to censor the discussion, to promote an unrealistic, feel good picture of autism like that promoted on Autism Vox, LeftBrain/Right Brain and other "Autism" Hub, neurodiversity sites.

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ABA, the Autism Spectrum and Conor's Schoolwork

There are some who forget that "autism" as that term is now used refers to a spectrum of disorders that reflect deficits in social, communication, behavioral ... and intellectual skills. Not everyone with an autism spectrum disorder will attend Simon's Rock College for gifted youth, collaborate with neuroscientists or appear on CNN and CBC to promote an agenda for all "autistics". But success is relative.

Conor has autistic disorder assessed with profound developmental delays. He did not receive 40 hours per week of ABA from ages 2 to 5. He has received ABA intervention in school for the past 4 years and he has an excellent aide trained at the UNB-CEL Autism Intervention Training program. Unlike some who appear in the media regularly and bash ABA Conor has actual first hand exposure to ABA. Conor enjoys ABA intervention, looks forward to school where he receives ABA and to visits from his therapist. And Conor has learned a great deal via ABA methods.

The pictures above are pages from Conor's school work that came home recently in his lunch bag. As you can see he has been doing a lot of work on subtraction. Today he is scheduled to be in the school kitchen making nachos.

We appreciate all of Conor's support at Nashwaaksis Middle School, especially his excellent aide and resource and methods team, and from School District 18.

We commend the government of New Brunswick which is making our small province one of the best places in North America for an autistic child to attend school.

Most of all we are proud of Conor and the progress he has made. Conor is happy when he attends school and for that we are very, very happy.

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Conor Loves the Snow

I took these pictures of Conor enjoying the snow, literally rolling in the snow, five days ago and forgot about them until tonight. I walked to the Superstore with Conor along the Nashwaaksis trail and the rain picked up. Much of Sunday's snow is now gone. But not to worry, this being Canada Conor will have lots more snow to enjoy before too long. And he will enjoy it all like most Canadian children do.

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An Open Autism Letter To Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff

Dear Mr. Rae and Mr. Ignatieff

I am the father of a 12 year old boy diagnosed with autistic disorder and assessed with profound developmental delays living in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I know you both are busy challenging for the leadership of the Liberal Party. I hope you both have time though to consider the importance of health and education issues to Canada's future and, if one of you becomes Liberal leader and Prime Minister, do not simply use the Constitution as a shield to avoid development of national policies in these two areas vital to the lives of Canadians as Stephen Harper has done.

In particular I ask that each of you, should you ultimately become Prime Minister, introduce a real National Autism Strategy for Canada. Not the existing "slap in the face" strategy of the Harper government but a real National Autism Strategy that helps all regions of the country deliver evidence based effective autism interventions during the pre-school and school years and permits adult autistic persons to live in decent residential accommodations and participate to the fullest extent of their abilities in Canadian society.

The beginning of such a strategy was outlined in Bill C-304, the private member's bill introduced by Charlottetown MP, and steadfast autism advocate, Shawn Murphy. That bill included amendment of the Canada Health Act to provide financing for autism treatment wherever autistic children reside in Canada:


BILL C-304

An Act to provide for the development of a
national strategy for the treatment of
autism and to amend the Canada Health
Act

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate and House of Commons
of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the National
Strategy for the Treatment of Autism Act.


NATIONAL CONFERENCE

2. The Minister of Health shall, before
December 31, 2006, convene a conference of
all provincial and territorial ministers responsible
for health for the purpose of working
together to develop a national strategy for the
treatment of autism. The Minister shall, before
December 31, 2007, table a report in both
Houses of Parliament specifying a plan of action
developed in collaboration with the provincial
and territorial ministers for the purpose of
implementing that strategy.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CANADA
HEALTH ACT

3. Section 2 of the Canada Health Act is
renumbered as subsection 2(1) and is
amended by adding the following:

(2) For the purposes of this Act, services
that are medically necessary or required under
this Act include Applied Behavioural Analysis
(ABA) and Intensive Behavioural Intervention
(IBI) for persons suffering from Autism Spectrum
Disorder.

Mr. Ignatieff, you voted in support of Bill C-304. I hope, should you accede to the Prime Minister's office that you will act on that expression of support for a badly needed national autism strategy.

Mr. Rae, you were not a sitting member of the Commons at that time but, having twice had the privilege of meeting you and discussing autism issues with you I know you have taken the time to inform yourself about, and shown interest in, the challenges facing autistic Canadians and their families. I hope that should you become Liberal leader and perhaps Prime Minister that you
would introduce as a government bill Shawn Murphy's private member's bill C-304.

I realize that you both have great issues on your minds. I hope you both have room in your hearts, and considerable intellects, for autistic Canadians.

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton New Brunswick

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Autism Twitter Day Should Include Severe, Low Functioning, Autistic Disorder Realities

December 16, 2008 will be Autism Twitter Day, an excellent idea from Bonnie Sayers/autism family.

I hope though that Autism Twitter Day, in an effort to be positive, does not exclude the severely autistic - those persons with Autistic Disorder who are low functioning and cognitively impaired.


On Autism Twitter Day let us not forget those persons with Autistic Disorder who live their adult lives dependent on the care of others, some in full institutional care. Let us not forget those autistic persons who do not appear regularly in the mainstream media to espouse grand agendas. Let us not forget those persons with autistic disorder who bite or otherwise injure themselves or wander away from their homes, some found safely some not. Let us not forget those autistic persons whose families can no longer help them and care for them and are left with no choice but to give them up to the care of the state.

On Autism Twitter Day let us not forget those for whom the "autism" spectrum is named.

Let us include those with severe Autistic Disorder on Autism Twitter Day,

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