Tourette syndrome (also Tourette's syndrome or TS) is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of motor and phonic tics. Treatment of Tourette syndrome has the goal of managing symptoms to achieve optimum functioning, rather than eliminating symptoms; not all persons with Tourette's require treatment, and there is no cure or universally effective medication.[1][2][3] Explanation and reassurance alone are often sufficient treatment;[2] education is an important part of any treatment plan.[4] Tourette syndrome patients may exhibit symptoms of other comorbid conditions along with their motor and phonic tics. Associated conditions include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), learning disabilities and sleep disorders.[3] Patients who have ADHD along with Tourette's may also have problems with disruptive behaviors, overall functioning, and cognitive function. Co-occurring OCD can also be a source of impairment, necessitating treatment. Not all persons with tics will also have other conditions and not all persons with tics require treatment, but when comorbid disorders are present, they often require treatment. Stimulants (like Adderall and Ritalin) are underused in the treatment of ADHD when tics are also present because of fears that they increase tics.[5][6] Experimental treatments like deep brain stimulation, nicotine, cannabis … Continue reading →

Clara Bergs, 10, sits with her therapist in Toronto in October 2012. CITYNEWS Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often referred to as autism, is a neurobiological condition that can affect the gastrointestinal, immune, hepatic, endocrine and nervous systems. Since the disorder affects brain development, many living with autism have communication and social interaction problems, and exhibit repetitive behaviours. According to Autism Canada Foundation, children with autism often have intellectual strengths and skills that overshadow the developmental problems. Some of the strengths include: Some of the developmental issues include: Health Canada says some of the signs emerge in a child between 12-24 months of age. However, the agency says autism develops differently in each person. Some of the signs include: Click here for a list of other signs. Various standardized tests and screening tools are used to diagnose autism. In Canada, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the standard screening tool. Autism is the most common neurological disorder affecting children and one of the most common developmental disabilities affecting Canadians, Autism Ontario says on its website, adding that it is the third-most common developmental disorder. See original here: Autism FAQ: What is it, signs, diagnosis and treatment … Continue reading →

When Geraldine Dawson stepped into a waiting area in her laboratory to greet Joseph Zdrilich and Claire Lim, researcher and parents did not know one another. But already they were allies in a quest at Duke to discover new autism treatments. Andy, the couples energetic five-year-old, was diagnosed with autism the year before. Sometimes he tuned into toys more than people. Not all his words were intelligible. Children who met Andy on the playground did not always stick around to play. Its heartbreaking to watch, says Zdrilich. So the parents volunteered their son for an experimental study exploring whether umbilical-cord blood can help heal the brains of people with autism. The study is one of several linked to Dukes new Center for Autism and Brain Development, which Dawson directs. No one knows if the unique mix of cells in cord blood can treat autism. But Lim and Zdrilich were intrigued by preliminary research at Duke, a worldwide innovator in cord-blood medical therapies, suggesting that the cells might help. For them, a long-shot inquiry with a potentially huge payoff was worth the time and effort. We want to do everything we can to help him, Andys father says. That same logic … Continue reading →

GREENVILLE, S.C. (PRWEB) March 19, 2015 Project HOPE Foundation and Institute for Behavioral Training (IBT) today announced a partnership to provide training resources to South Carolina parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are waiting for therapy services. Project HOPE Foundation has been serving the South Carolina autism community for almost 20 years. IBT has trained over 5,000 people across the U.S. and other countries since 2013. The training resources include parent training workshops across the state as well as online tools that provide parents and caregivers with in-depth training on ASD, applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavior management techniques, and other important topics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions announcement on March 27, 2014, autism impacts one in 68 children and one in 42 boys. Rates of autism in South Carolina are consistent with these statistics. The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) indicates that there are over 1,200 families waiting for services for their children diagnosed with ASD. Project HOPE Foundation and the Institute for Behavioral Training were awarded a $125,000 DDSN training grant to provide training for South Carolina families that are waiting. "At Hope Reach we frequently impress … Continue reading →

By - Associated Press - Thursday, March 19, 2015 PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill that would mandate that certain insurance plans cover a costly but effective treatment for children with autism. Daugaard signed the measure on Thursday. The Legislature last week passed the compromise measure that would require certain insurance plans to pay for applied behavior analysis therapy. It has not been required of insurers in South Dakota but is in 38 other states. The bill requires coverage of ABA therapy only by providers who have a masters or doctoral degree. Some parents say that severely restricts the number of providers they can use and had pushed for a broader version of the proposal lawmakers eventually passed. But the bill establishes a workgroup that will determine how the state should expand coverage moving forward. More: Daugaard signs autism therapy coverage compromise measure … Continue reading →

Sacramento, Calif. (PRWEB) March 18, 2015 Randi Hagerman, medical director of the UC Davis MIND Institute, has received the prestigious International Sisley-Lejeune Award 2014 from the Paris-based Jrme Lejeune Foundation, for her groundbreaking work developing targeted treatments for individuals with fragile X syndrome, a leading cause of intellectual disability and the leading single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder. The award recognizes significant accomplishments in therapeutic research for Down syndrome or other genetic intellectual disabilities for researchers who have 'contributed to creating knowledge of these pathologies and the discovery of treatments and cures.' The Jrme Lejeune Foundation was founded by Jrme Lejeune, discoverer of the cause of Down syndrome, which in 1958 he renamed trisomy 21, to accurately describe the genetic abnormality. Hagerman received the award in Paris on March 10, in an event timed to coincide with World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. The award comes with a 30,000, or $33,855 prize, and a lecture. "I am very positive about new targeted treatments that have the potential to reverse intellectual disability at a variety of ages, including childhood, adolescence and even in adulthood. My work will continue for this very important goal," said Hagerman, distinguished professor of pediatrics and Endowed Chair … Continue reading →