Public release date: 5-Jun-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Lori Bassett lbassett@ggc.org 864-388-1061 Greenwood Genetic Center Greenwood, SC (June 5, 2013) - Researchers at the JC Self Research Institute of the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), along with collaborators from Biolog, Inc. in California, have reported an important discovery in the understanding of autism which was published this week in Molecular Autism. The study, led by GGC's Director of Research, Charles Schwartz, PhD and Staff Scientist, Luigi Boccuto, MD, found that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) showed significantly decreased metabolism of the amino acid L-tryptophan when compared to both typical controls and individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders. Cells from individuals with autism metabolized L-tryptophan at a decreased rate whereas cells from individuals without autism did not show this change. Researchers also measured the expression of genes that are known to be involved in L-tryptophan metabolism in a small subset of patients with autism and found they also expressed some of the genes at lower levels than those without autism. "The important and immediate implication of this work is the development of a simple, early blood screening test for autism by measuring the metabolism of L-tryptophan using Biolog's technology," … Continue reading →

GLADSTONE, NJ--(Marketwired - Jun 7, 2013) - The NFL Alumni Association will support a benefit event for the Autism Think Tank on June 28, 2013 in Gladstone, NJ, underscoring the organization's commitment to "Caring for Kids" in need. "Autism affects 1 in 50 children in the United States and 1 in 29 boys in New Jersey, and divorce rates are reported to be 89 percent in families affected by autism. In view of the seriousness and pervasiveness of autism, the NFL Alumni are honored to join this worthy fight," said Joe Pisarcik, Executive Director of the NFL Alumni. "The Autism Think Tank brings together leading specialists in different medical disciplines to create a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. As former NFL players we identify with that team approach, and we're happy to support that effort for the benefit of these kids and their loved ones." Since taking the reins as Executive Director in January, Mr. Pisarcik has re-energized the NFL Alumni Association. Founded in 1977, the Association is a non-profit, 501(c)(5) organization that serves as an advocate for greater quality-of-life benefits for all former NFL players, and creates programs to enhance the … Continue reading →

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jun 7, 2013) - On June 5, 2013 the International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICare4Autism) held the conference, "Autism: Cutting Edge Research and Promising Treatment Approaches," at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in conjunction with Montefiore Medical Center. From neurology to psychology and everything in between, the speakers presented studies on the many aspects of autism research and treatment methods. Dr. Eric Hollander, Director of the Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center and Chairman of the ICare4Autism Advisory Council, discussed Inflammation, Temperature and Personalized Therapeutics of ASD. Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital, presented her research, Taking a Fresh Look at Autism: Chronic Dynamic State, not Fixed Trait. Dr. Herbert is the Director of the TRANSCEND Research Program (Treatment Research and Neuroscience Evaluation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) with key interests in the concept of autism as a "dynamic encephalopathy (changeable) rather than a static encephalopathy (fixed for life)." Dr. Gary Steinman, Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, presented Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism at Birth. Dr. Steinman's studies suggest the potential for addressing autism … Continue reading →

By Mary Brophy Marcus HealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, June 5 (HealthDay News) -- Smelling essential oils, walking across textured surfaces, immersing hands in warm water -- these are just some of the therapeutic experiences that boys with autism had while participating in a small new study. The scientists wanted to learn how "sensory-motor" therapy compared to traditional behavioral therapy methods in boys with autism. Twenty-eight boys aged 3 to 12 and their parents participated in the six-month-long study, published online May 20 in Behavioral Neuroscience. The boys were split into two groups. Both groups of children participated in daily behavioral therapy, but 13 of the boys also received environmental enrichment, another term for sensory-motor therapy. The environmental enrichment therapy had a significant positive effect on these children with autism, the study authors said. "What we've done here for the first time is give humans a sensory-enriched environment and found out that a neurological disorder -- autism -- responds favorably. We saw a 600 percent greater likelihood of having a positive clinical outcome in individuals that had enriched environments compared to those receiving the standard care that children have been receiving for autism up to this point," said study author Michael Leon, … Continue reading →

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) becomes the first and only hospital in the country that offers In-Motion Robotic Therapy used primarily to provide rehabilitation treatment for stroke survivors. Experts used to think that if a region of the brain is damaged, its function is lost forever. However, new studies show that the brain can reorganize itself after an injury. Functions that are lost when nerve cells die can be taken over by other cells. This is the principle behind the In-Motion Robotic Therapy a revolutionary technology that helps patients relearn arm movements affected by stroke. This type of therapy can also be used to treat patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. CSMC Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Chair Dr. Ofelia Reyes explained that the In-Motion Robotics is a more cost-effective therapy because of its intensive nature such that results can be seen in a shorter period of time compared to standard stroke rehabilitation treatments. And as proven by actual cases of our patients, the effects are long-term and longer lasting. The treatment gives stroke and other neurological patients new hope for a better quality of life, she said. The rehabilitation expert cited the experience … Continue reading →