Autism poses a difficult challenge to researchers, both because of its complexity and variability among people, and because of the current limitations in our understanding of how the brain works. Although the cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is still an unanswered question, there are promising recent advances in research that offer new hope.

The goal of this section is to present recent publications related to science and ASD. We welcome your questions and suggestions, and will do our best to obtain the applicable permission from publishers and authors that will allow us to publish interesting articles and information in this section.

Primary Care for Children with Autism (American Family Physician, February 15, 2010)

PAUL S. CARBONE, MD
MEGAN FARLEY, PhD
TOBY DAVIS, DO

The earliest sign of autism in children is the delayed attainment of social skill milestones, including joint attention, social orienting, and pretend play. Language impairment is a common, but less specific, sign of autism. Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests may not be noted until after social skill and communication impairments are exhibited. Physicians should perform developmental surveillance at all well-child visits, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends administering an autism-specific screening tool at the 18- and 24-month visits.

Link: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0215/p453.html

Fishing Expeditions and Autism: A Big Catch for Genetic Research?

by John Medina, Ph.D.

Click here to download the article

Permission granted by CMPMedica. Copyright 2009. Psychiatric Times. All rights reserved.

Food Allergy Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs: Focus Group of Parents, Physicians and the General Public

by Gupta R.,S., et al.

Abstract:

Food allergy prevalence is increasing in US children. Presently, the primary means of preventing potentially fatal reactions are avoidance of allergens, prompt recognition of food allergy reactions, and knowledge about food allergy reaction treatments. Focus groups were held as a preliminary step in the development of validated survey instruments to assess food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of parents, physicians, and the general public.

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/8/36

© 2008 Gupta et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Send your suggestions of interesting articles to: info@autismsocietyofwa.org