Science roundup

Autism moms as stressed as soldiers

Mothers of teens and adults with autism are as stressed as combat soldiers, according to a study published in The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Researchers followed a group of mothers and their teen and adult children with autism for eight days, interviewing moms at the end of each day and on four days measuring hormone levels associated with stress. The level of chronic stress experienced by mothers was similar to that of combat soldiers and linked to problem behaviour in their kids.

Testing for Fragile X drug begins

A clinical trial of a medication to correct a neurochemical defect in Fragile X syndrome began at Seaside Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass. this month. Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. The work follows basic research that traced how an error in the Fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1) leads to changes in brain connections. A Canadian trial to test an antibiotic called minocycline is also underway. Surrey Place Centre researchers are studying whether the drug improves learning and reduces anxiety and behaviour problems.

Early intervention yields big gains

A program of intensive training aimed at toddlers with autism as young as a year old demonstrated better results in boosting IQ levels, communication skills and adaptive behaviour than the kind of care typically given, according to a clinical trial published in Pediatrics. In the study, 24 children aged 18 to 30 months received 20 hours a week of training from clinicians to encourage expression of positive emotions, promote eye contact and reward social interaction. A comparison group got typical care.

Celexa fails autism study

Celexa, a commonly-prescribed antidepressant for children with autism, was no more effective than a placebo at reducing compulsions, restricted interests and hand flapping, according to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. “We couldn’t believe our eyes,” says Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, a Bloorview child neurologist and one of the authors.

Brain disorders linked to cold hands

Skin temperature of the hands and feet of preschool children with brain damage who use wheelchairs was several degrees lower than in children without neurological disorders, according to a physiotherapy thesis from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. This may be because brain damage affects blood circulation. A small pilot study demonstrates that acupuncture may be effective in raising skin temperature in some children.

Imagination applies to pain control

Children who used guided imagery were almost three times as likely to reduce persistent stomach aches as children who received medical treatment alone, a study published in Pediatrics found. The guided imagery is a series of four biweekly 20-minute sessions and shorter 10-minute daily sessions recorded on CDs and used at home. The study concludes that guided imagery treatment plus medical care is superior to standard medical care alone.

Study shows writing deficit in autism

Children with autism have worse handwriting overall than typically developing children, and in particular have trouble forming letters, according to a study published in Neurology. The findings are indicative of a much larger problem with motor skills, which can include trouble holding a fork, buttoning a shirt or making subtle gestures and facial expressions.

Does fish oil alleviate autism?

Bloorview scientists will launch a clinical trial next month to study the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on preschoolers with autism. Thirty-five preschoolers will receive fish oil and 35 will receive a placebo over six months. “We want to see if the omega-3 fatty acids have an impact on the core symptoms of autism – social communication deficits and repetitive behaviours – and on associated symptoms like aggression and anxiety,” says Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, Bloorview child neurologist and scientist.

Innovation at Bloorview

Bloorview Research Institute