Early Intervention May Help Autistic Toddlers

[dj-chefron]

Study Finds Comprehensive Home-Based Program Improves IQ, Language, Social Ability
By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDNov. 30, 2009 -- A new, home-based program for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that combines behavioral change techniques in a playful environment boosted the children's IQ, language ability, and social interaction skills more than a community-based program, according to a new study.

The home-based program included up to 20 hours a week of therapist intervention, plus the intervention of parents, who were taught the same skills.

''This intervention is designed to be appropriate for children as young as 12 months of age," says study researcher Geraldine Dawson, PhD, chief science officer of Autism Speaks, a science and advocacy organization. She conducted the research while a professor of psychology and director of the University of Washington's Autism Center, Seattle.

''We found that after two years the children who received the intervention had made significant gains in their IQ, their language ability, their adaptive behavior, and their social interaction," Dawson tells WebMD.

The IQ of children in the new home-based program -- called the Early Start Denver Model -- rose on average about 18 points after two years, she says. The IQ of the children in the community-based comparison group increased seven points.

''When you see an IQ gain that is this large, the child is much more likely to be able to enter a regular classroom and develop friendships," Dawson says.

The study is published online in the journal Pediatrics.
Read More
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20091130...

[mjoseph]

it will take alot more than just patience and money, both of which you need a bountiful supply of just to maintain. doesn't help that the number of diagnosed cases are increasing while root cause has yet to be addressed.

[Armento]

Chef. Check this out. Look like they're getting closer to isolating what in the brain causes autism.


http://www.examiner.com/x-4959-Speci...ism-Identified

[soulgarage]

My daughter was diagnosed with autism about 3 years ago now and she's 5 1/2. She is getting 19 hours a week of therapy and is only making very minor progress...... It's really heartbreaking. In 2008 I spent $24000 in therapy costs without government assistance. I did have a fundraiser for her back in January with DJ Gene King headlining. The spot was jumpin, but we were only able to raise $2500. A generous amount for the people that came out, but nowhere near enough. I'm hoping to have another in late January or in February so I'd like to find some dj's that would be willing to donate their time in support of the cause......
Much respect to Mr. King as he's a good friend and an even better person!

I hope they find what's causing autism in our children soon because no family should have to go through this.......

[TAD]

Chef. Check this out. Look like they're getting closer to isolating what in the brain causes autism.


http://www.examiner.com/x-4959-Speci...ism-Identified

from your link

Autism was one of most difficult illnesses The Center had attempted to analyze. If it hadn't been for so many parents insisting that vaccines were responsible for the condition, we might never have found the fact that the stabilizer in MMR and a few other vaccines is hydrolyzed gelatin; a substance that is approximately 21% glycine. It appears that, based on readily verifiable science, the use of that form of glycine triggers an imbalance between the amino acid neurotransmitters responsible for the absorption rate of certain classes of cells throughout the body. It is that wide-spread disruption that apparently results in the systemic problems that encompass the mind and the body characterized in today's 'classic' autism."

[Armento]

My daughter was diagnosed with autism about 3 years ago now and she's 5 1/2. She is getting 19 hours a week of therapy and is only making very minor progress...... It's really heartbreaking. In 2008 I spent $24000 in therapy costs without government assistance. I did have a fundraiser for her back in January with DJ Gene King headlining. The spot was jumpin, but we were only able to raise $2500. A generous amount for the people that came out, but nowhere near enough. I'm hoping to have another in late January or in February so I'd like to find some dj's that would be willing to donate their time in support of the cause......
Much respect to Mr. King as he's a good friend and an even better person!

I hope they find what's causing autism in our children soon because no family should have to go through this.......

it's really tough.. good luck to you.. i really wish the country made more of an effort in caring for its disabled. in israel the programs are so so impressive.

[dj-chefron]

from your link

I read Armens link and I still dont know.All I know is when my baby cant do the things that little boys should be doing at his age,well it hurts.

[Armento]

I read Armens link and I still dont know.All I know is when my baby cant do the things that little boys should be doing at his age,well it hurts.

the scientists will figure it out. i'm just hoping for our families that they'll be able to actually somewhat control the balance of these chemicals for grown autists

[TAD]

I read Armens link and I still dont know.All I know is when my baby cant do the things that little boys should be doing at his age,well it hurts.

sorry to hear about that.

[mjoseph]

in israel the programs are so so impressive.

because they actually make family and health priorities.

stay strong soulgarage!

[panklady]

I am curious about the link between a gluten-free diet & autism. I need to go read my magazine again & see what jumps out.

To those who have autism close to them...hang in there...I hope that eventually the world is unlocked to the family member dealing with it.

[MEP]

My daughter was diagnosed with autism about 3 years ago now and she's 5 1/2. She is getting 19 hours a week of therapy and is only making very minor progress...... It's really heartbreaking. In 2008 I spent $24000 in therapy costs without government assistance. I did have a fundraiser for her back in January with DJ Gene King headlining. The spot was jumpin, but we were only able to raise $2500. A generous amount for the people that came out, but nowhere near enough. I'm hoping to have another in late January or in February so I'd like to find some dj's that would be willing to donate their time in support of the cause......
Much respect to Mr. King as he's a good friend and an even better person!

I hope they find what's causing autism in our children soon because no family should have to go through this.......

SG...so sorry to hear about your experince with your daughters autism...I can't even imagine.

Have you thought about getting some assitance from private groups like "Autism Speaks"? PM me your email and/or address and I'd be happy to provide you with a list of resources (although you probably already have them).

Also, I'd be happy to provide you with a list of clinical trials (both medication and behavioral) in Autism research.

Researchers are close to isolating the gene but in the meantime, early identification and intervention are the best we have.

Peace

[MEP]

I am curious about the link between a gluten-free diet & autism. I need to go read my magazine again & see what jumps out.

To those who have autism close to them...hang in there...I hope that eventually the world is unlocked to the family member dealing with it.

There are some case studies regarding gluten-free diets and the improvement of some associated behaviors but at this time, there are no single interventions which significantly improve the core symtoms of autism (social, communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors)

In fact, the "digestion" link to autism has been long studied with the use of Secretin, a digestive hormone.

[soulgarage]

Thanks for all your good wishes as we soldier on.
Right now my family's thoughts and prayers are for the family of this little boy:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia...orey-dies.html

A tragic story indeed

[panklady]

There are some case studies regarding gluten-free diets and the improvement of some associated behaviors but at this time, there are no single interventions which significantly improve the core symtoms of autism (social, communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors)

In fact, the "digestion" link to autism has been long studied with the use of Secretin, a digestive hormone.

Good to know, MEP. Every little bit of research/testing helps.