Autism

Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also include the related conditions Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS, which have fewer signs and symptoms. Autism has a strong genetic basis, although the genetics of autism are complex and it is unclear whether ASD is explained more by multigene interactions or by rare mutations. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Controversies surround other proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or childhood vaccines; the vaccine hypotheses are biologically implausible and lack any convincing scientific evidence. The prevalence of ASD is about 6 per 1,000 people, with about four times as many males as females. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved. Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing autism should be tolerated as a difference and not treated as a disorder.

Siblings Autism Risk Much Higher Than Thought

Media Article Link: 
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/15/earlyshow/living/parenting/main2009234...

CBS’ “Early Show” aired an Aug. 15 segment and KNBC-Channel 4 broadcast a report Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 on new research suggesting that a baby born into a family with an older autistic sibling has a 19 times higher chance of also developing autism.  Ted Hutman, an assistant professor of psychiatry and principal investigator for the site at the Center for Autism Research and Treatment within UCLA’s Semel Institute, was interviewed about the findings and their significance for parents.   A CBS NewsPath story on the study also aired on more than 130 CBS affiliate stations nationwide.  

Genes, autism and brain structure

Media Article Link: 
http://www.bionews.org.uk/page_95415.asp

Medscape Medical News and BioNews (U.K.) reported May 31, Prensa Libre (Guatemala) reported May 29, Digital Journal reported May 28, Ivanhoe News, De Pers (Netherlands) and 35 NBC-TV affiliates reported May 27, and Europa Press (Madrid), JPNN (Jakarta) and Mass Device report

Autism changes molecular structure of the brain, UCLA study finds

For decades, autism researchers have faced a baffling riddle: how to unravel a disorder that leaves no known physical trace as it develops in the brain. Now a UCLA study is the first to reveal how the disorder makes its mark at the molecular level, resulting in an autistic brain that differs dramatically in structure from a healthy one. Published May 25 in the advance online edition of Nature, the findings provide new insight into how genes and proteins go awry in autism to alter the mind. The discovery also identifies a new line of attack for researchers, who currently face a vast array of potential fronts for tackling the neurological disease and identifying its diverse causes.

Autistic brains' 'genes differ'

Media Article Link: 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13539922

UCLA research revealing how autism leaves an unexpected molecular signature on the brain was reported May 25 by BBC News, TIME, WebMD, HealthDay News, Bloomberg News

Dr. Drew

Media Article Link: 
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1104/22/ddhln.01.html

Dr. Shafali Jeste, assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry, was interviewed April 22 on CNN's “Dr. Drew” program about the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and how families cope with children who suffer from these disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Genetic Testing

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Genetic Testing

Why is genetic testing important in Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The onset of ASD occurs in the first few years of life and affects approximately 1 in 110 children (MMWR Surveill Summ. 2009 Dec 18;58(10): 1-20).  Studies have shown that 10-15% of people with an ASD have an abnormal genetic result that explains the cause of their ASD.  Early detection and accurate diagnosis are critical because:

Autism 90-Day Prevention Program

Media Article Link: 
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/04/20/autism-90-day-prevention-program/

Dr. Shafali Jeste, assistant professor in neurology and psychiatry, was featured in a CBS report that aired April 20 on several affiliates, including locally on KCBS-Channel 2 and KCAL-Channel 9. She discussed her research to understand brain functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and in infants at risk for ASD.