Autism
Microglial Activation and Increased Microglial Density Observed in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Autism
Background: In the neurodevelopmental disorder autism, several neuroimmune abnormalities have been reported. However, it is unknown whether microglial somal volume or density are altered in the cortex and whether any alteration is associated with age or other potential covariates.Methods: Microglia in sections from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of nonmacrencephalic male cases with autism (n = 13) and control cases (n = 9) were visualized via ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 immunohistochemistry.
A brief summary of the articles appearing in this issue of Biological Psychiatry
Pagnamenta et al. (pages 320–328) describe the genomic characterization of a family with two rare microdeletions disrupting the gene DOCK4, which codes for a protein called “dedicated to cytokines-4”, and CNTNAP5, a gene that codes for “contactin associated protein-like 5”. Consistent with prior reports, CNTNAP5 deletion segregated with autism. In contrast, the DOCK4 deletion was present in multiple individuals without autism, but this gene microdeletion co-segregated with reading difficulties.
Neurobehavioral Abnormalities in First-Degree Relatives of Individuals With Autism [Original Article]
Context Studying sensorimotor and neurocognitive impairments in unaffected family members of individuals with autism may help identify familial pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the disorder.
Objective To determine whether atypical sensorimotor or neurocognitive characteristics associated with autism are present in first-degree relatives of individuals with autism.
Design Case-control comparison of neurobehavioral functions.
Setting University medical center.
Another Purported Alternative Therapy for Autism Called Out
The Autism Birth Cohort: a paradigm for gene–environment–timing research
The Autism Birth Cohort: a paradigm for gene–environment–timing research
Molecular Psychiatry 15,
676 (July 2010). doi:10.1038/mp.2009.143
Authors: C Stoltenberg, S Schjølberg, M Bresnahan, M Hornig, D Hirtz, C Dahl, K K Lie, T Reichborn-Kjennerud, P Schreuder, E Alsaker, A-S Øyen, P Magnus, P Surén, E Susser
& W I Lipkin
[Comment] Testing autism interventions: trials and tribulations
In The Lancet today, Jonathan Green and colleagues report results from a multisite randomised trial in children with autism. The investigators compared a parent-training technique that targeted enhancement of the child's social-communication skills (two of the three core deficits in autism) with treatment as usual. The primary outcome was the social-communication score from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), a widely used diagnostic tool. Secondary outcomes included parent–child interaction, child language, social communication, and measures of adaptive functioning.
[Articles] Parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in children with autism (PACT): a randomised controlled trial
Results of small trials suggest that early interventions for social communication are effective for the treatment of autism in children. We therefore investigated the efficacy of such an intervention in a larger trial.
In a World of Their Own: Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism
Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social and communication impairments, as well as repetitive interests and activities. The five PDD include Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorders, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD Not Otherwise Specified. Children and adolescents diagnosed with PDDs often suffer from a number of target symptoms that require pharmacologic treatment. Symptoms frequently include hyperactivity and inattention, ritualistic and repetitive behavior, and irritability (aggression, self-injury, tantrums). The purpose of this presentation is to review the diagnosis and treatment of PDDs.
Association analysis of CNTNAP2 polymorphisms with autism in the Chinese Han population
Objectives: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and genetic factors play an important role in its pathogenesis.
Analysis of 9p24 and 11p12-13 regions in autism spectrum disorders: rs1340513 in the JMJD2C gene is associated with ASDs in Finnish sample
Objective: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often show obsessive repetitive symptoms that are characteristic to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aberrant glutamate function has been suggested to a risk for both ASDs and OCD.