Researchers have identified a rare, hereditary form of autism that might be treatable. The announcement came after identifiying a similar genetic mutation among six children. The children, who lack an enzyme that prevents essential amino acides from being depleted,are all of Middle Eastern descent, and each has parents who are first cousins. Nature writes that according to the research,Mice lacking this gene developed neurological problems related to autism that were reversed by dietary changes. Although scientists are not sure why lacking this enzyme causes autism, they have found that the mice were treated within days of receiving a diet enriched in branched-chain amino acids. Nature reports that although the discovery shows potential for new treatment options, it is not definitive: This might represent the first treatable form of autism, says Joseph Gleeson, a child neurologist at the University of California, San Diego, who led the study. That is both heartening to families with autism, and also I think revealing of the underlying mechanisms of autism. He emphasizes, however, that the mutations are likely to account for only a very small proportion of autism cases. We dont anticipate this is going to have implications for patients in general with autism, says … Continue reading →

It would have broken any childs heart: the note sent from the Moscow Aquarium last April to teachers who tried to organize a visit with a group of autistic children read: Refused. Visitors do not like to see the disabled it disappoints them. It is unacceptable. Devastating though it may have been, its but one example of the difficulties autistic children face in a conservative, often intolerant Russia. And while efforts are being made in the battle against autism, experts and those on the frontlines agree that Russia is still a long way from success and so they look abroad for advice. On American websites, it says that around age one or one-and-a-half, the symptoms begin appearing, says Lev Tolkachev, whose 5-year-old daughter is autistic, on the sidelines of a September 10 seminar at RIA Novosti featuring international experts on autism. But unfortunately, the majority of parents in Russia say, So what if a child doesnt start talking until age five? Thats a huge catastrophe. Tolkachev is one of the many Russians who brave the storm of raising autistic children in Russia as best they can. But frustrated with the lack of dedicated, appropriate care in Russia coupled with societys … Continue reading →

Local stroke survivor talks amazing recovery and determination Local stroke survivor talks amazing recovery and determination Updated: Monday, September 10 2012 12:50 PM EDT2012-09-10 16:50:10 GMT The Chicago White Sox paid special tribute to a number of local stroke survivors this weekend, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the nation's third leading cause of death. The Chicago White Sox paid special tribute to a number of local stroke survivors this weekend, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the nation's third leading cause of death. First Lady Michelle Obama stopped by Dr. Oz's NYC studios to talk about her fight against childhood obesity, and to show how the first family gets their exercise. Dr. Oz explains. First Lady Michelle Obama stopped by Dr. Oz's NYC studios to talk about her fight against childhood obesity, and to show how the first family gets their exercise. Dr. Oz explains. Updated: Sunday, September 9 2012 6:00 PM EDT2012-09-09 22:00:16 GMT The number of people with West Nile virus in Lake County now stands at five according to the county's Health Department. The number of people with West Nile virus in Lake County now stands at five according to … Continue reading →