Lt. Gov. Brian Calley wasnt shy about his first-hand experience in raising a child with autism. His 6-year-old daughter Reagan has dealt with the disorder, giving Calleys family much insight how difficult diagnosis and treatment is for autism. We knew as her parents that something was different and we didnt know what it was, he said. Calley spoke to about 50 people at the Mid-Michigan Childrens Museum in Saginaw recently about new state legislation that forces insurance companies in Michigan to cover treatment. The autism insurance reform, which was signed in April 2012, became effective on Oct. 15, 2012. Calley said more than 15,000 children in Michigan are currently diagnosed with autism and will have access to evidence-based treatment. He expects the treatments to save the state billions because treatment can restore typical function in 50 percent of those with autism. Speaking from experience, he said it can be difficult to expect anything positive from the difficulties that come with raising a child with autism. But effective treatment offers hope, he said. Fighting low expectations is very, very difficult yet the potential is so remarkable, he said. Although it has been several months since the reform became effective, there are … Continue reading →

SALT LAKE CITY A new genetic test may lead to a more accurate diagnosis for individuals with autism spectrum disorder by looking at key genetic markers. Geneticists say that a more accurate diagnosis leads to better treatment and support because families know more about what theyre dealing with. The new test is a product of a Utah company called Lineagan. The test has already changed things for some Utah families. Brigitte Kracl said she questioned whether she had done something wrong to cause her sons developmental disorder. Days after a test at the Lineagan labs, she discovered her son Cameron was not actually autistic. Her son actually has a rare genetic disorder called angelman syndrome, which seems similar to autism. Despite these similarities, the treatment and medications can be very different. Kracl said dealing with the disorder requires patience and a focus on the positive. You have these milestones with an infant, and every one that we would miss, it kind of broke your heart, she said. Now we know were not going to hit this milestone, so dont focus on it. Dont worry about it. Focus on what he can do. Lineagan markets its test primarily to pediatricians who … Continue reading →

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is able to speak and understand people around him as he recovers from a stroke he suffered in December, a doctor responsible for his medical care said Sunday. In an interview, Dr. Najmaldin Karim described the improvement in the president's health as encouraging. Karim is a neurosurgeon who is also governor of the Iraqi province of Kirkuk. He oversees Talabani's medical care when he is in Iraq, although the president is currently in Germany for treatment. "He's improving. He's talking. He's conversing. He understands when he's spoken to. It's a good development," Karim said. "We're very encouraged and excited by this." Karim said he is in daily contact with Talabani's German medical team. He is hopeful Talabani will be able to return to Iraq, but acknowledged that any decision rests with the doctors treating him in Europe. "We'll have to just take it one day at a time," he said. AP The 79-year-old Talabani was rushed to a hospital late on Dec. 17 after suffering a stroke. Few specific details have been released about his health, fueling intense speculation about the seriousness of his condition and his ability to continue with his job. He was flown … Continue reading →

BAGHDAD (AP) Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is able to speak and understand people around him as he recovers from a stroke he suffered in December, a doctor responsible for his medical care said Sunday. In an interview, Dr. Najmaldin Karim described the improvement in the president's health as encouraging. Karim is a neurosurgeon who is also governor of the Iraqi province of Kirkuk. He oversees Talabani's medical care when he is in Iraq, although the president is currently in Germany for treatment. "He's improving. He's talking. He's conversing. He understands when he's spoken to. It's a good development," Karim said. "We're very encouraged and excited by this." Karim said he is in daily contact with Talabani's German medical team. He is hopeful Talabani will be able to return to Iraq, but acknowledged that any decision rests with the doctors treating him in Europe. "We'll have to just take it one day at a time," he said. The 79-year-old Talabani was rushed to a hospital late on Dec. 17 after suffering a stroke. Few specific details have been released about his health, fueling intense speculation about the seriousness of his condition and his ability to continue with his job. He was … Continue reading →

New Delhi, Feb. 24: Novel genetic mutations in malaria parasites and an infected population without symptoms observed for the first time in Bengal may hamper efforts to control a lethal form of malaria, researchers have said. The genetic mutations appear linked to drug resistance in malaria parasites and highlight the need to revise the existing primary treatment strategy, said scientists at Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, who spotted the mutations have. In an independent study, researchers at the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine have detected a tribal population in Purulia district infected with the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, but without any symptoms whatsoever of the disease. While doctors have sporadically reported cases of such asymptomatic infections earlier from states with high malaria prevalence, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa, scientists say this is the first report from Bengal. "Asymptomatic infected persons remain a hidden reservoir of the parasite," said Swagata Ganguly, a medical researcher and a member of the CSTM team. "They don't seek treatment and facilitate transmission of the parasite." The CSTM team led by Ardhendu Maji examined about 1,040 members of a tribal population in a forested area of Purulia in June 2012 and found that about eight per cent … Continue reading →