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US Autism & Asperger Association, Inc.

June 25, 2008

Welcome to USAAA Weekly News, an email newsletter that addresses a range of topics on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger's Syndrome.

Exclusive to USAAA WeeklyNews

Observational study of biological and

dietetic treatments for Autism Spectrum disorders

Dra. Vallès, Barcelona, Spain

Summary: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a biological and dietetic treatment to attenuate the autism's symptoms.

This treatment it's been defined by three basic props:

The theory formulated by [] Shattock [who will be presenting at the USAAA 2008 International Conference in Austin, Texas, September 4-7] and Reichelt of peptide opioid excess. According to this, these peptides that result from the gluten and casein incomplete digestion, produce alterations in the neurotransmitters of the brain.

The theory of the yeast colonization in the intestine, by Dr. Shaw, that it entails, of a side a high production of neurotoxins and of the other one an increase of the intestinal permeability with the consequent intestinal dysfunction.

The theory formulated by Dr. Waring of the sulphurous components insufficient elimination by a deficiency of the phenylsulfurtransferase enzyme.

Conclusions: The improvement in the autism's symptoms after six months of treatment that the group of the study it has been globally experimenting, suggest that body detoxification diets, treatments of intestinal yeast and/or bacteria, correction of the metabolic errors using the diet and dietetic supplements, allows treat and improve autism symptoms. Then, it could be, very suitable to go deeply into the possibilities that these therapies offer to treat autism.

Click here for the entire study in a PDF file download.

Click here for the entire study in an html document.

Genetic Centers of America Launches Landmark, National Autism Evaluation and Treatment Program

WASHINGTON, DC – Newly published clinical practice guidelines in the journal of Genetics in Medicine,1 the official journal of the American Medical Association recognized board of the American College of Medical Genetics, recommends the routine evaluation and management of all patients diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by clinical geneticists. In response, the Genetic Centers of America has launched a landmark, national outreach program to provide clinical genetic services to the underserved population of persons diagnosed with an ASD.

For the first time, an American Medical Association certified board has formally recommended that all patients diagnosed with an ASD be seen and fully worked-up by a geneticist.

ASDs are a collection of symptoms, characterized by impaired socialization and communication in association with stereotypic behaviors. The reported incidence of ASDs has increased markedly over the past decade. In addition, lay and professional groups have paid great attention to ASDs. These circumstances have resulted in a marked increase in referrals to clinical geneticists for evaluation of persons with ASDs.

These guidelines should make it very difficult for any health plan or physician to deny children on the spectrum the full medical care to which they are entitled.”

According to the newly published practice guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics, “The primary role of the geneticist in this process is to define etiology, if possible, and to provide counseling and contribute to case management based on the results of such investigations.”

Click here for the entire article.

Click here for American College of Medical Genetics abstract

[Editor's Note: Most health insurance companies cover the genetic testing mentioned in this article]

Groundbreaking Class Action Settlement for Students with Disabilities

Parents Have until June 30 to File Claims

New York City. Advocates for Children of New York announced today the groundbreaking settlement of a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of parents of students with disabilities in New York City's public schools.

Click on the following link to read to entire article: http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/

Speaker Spotlight

Financial Planner and Attorney to present Life Planning Guide at USAAA conference

Beloff, CFP®

Beloff, CFP,Mr. Beloff will present "Life Planning: a Primer for Families with Special Children," at the USAAA 2008 International Conference in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, September 4th. "Life Planning: a Primer for Families with Special Children" is a guide to help families plan effectively for their special needs children by introducing them to the Letter of Intent and the Life Planning Notebook.

These two tools allow families to effectively communicate in writing their choices and dreams for their children on such major issues as guardianship, housing and finances while also providing an in depth instruction manual for future caregivers for their child.

Mr. Beloff is a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner who graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Albany in 1988 with degrees in Business and Math and was a Stone Scholar at Columbia Law School. After practicing corporate law in New York City for four years at a major international law firm, he provided information and marketing services to lawyers at LexisNexis and dale-Hubbell.

As a father of a child with disabilities, also gives back to the community by coordinating a fathers' support group in Greenwich, CT and by serving as Treasurer of Greenwich ARC. He also speaks regularly on financial planning issues for special needs families in local and national settings.

Click here to learn more about the 2008 Conference.

Speaker Spotlight

Biochemist to present Digestive Intervention at USAAA conference

Devin Houston, PhD

Dietary enzymes, while relatively new to the autism scene, are now considered mainstays in supporting good gastrointestinal health. As enzyme therapy is now incorporated into accepted treatment protocols, many more companies now offer competing enzyme products. Enzymes are very specific in their function, therefore; knowledge of different kinds of enzymes is necessary to adequately address specific digestive problems.

Dr. Devin Houston will present "Using Enzymes to Manage Food Intolerances" at the USAAA 2008 International Conference in Austin, Texas, on Friday, September 5th.

Protease enzymes are helpful in breaking down food proteins such as gluten, casein, soy, and cereals.

Dr. Houston obtained a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Dr. Houston's graduate work focused on how the aging process affected certain enzyme systems. Dr. Houston accepted a post-doctoral position at the University of Virginia where he became involved in several fields of research, including ligand-receptor interactions of the adenosine receptor, diabetes, and mechanisms of how cells respond to environmental signals. In 1990, Dr. Houston accepted a position at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. While there, he obtained the position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. Dr. Houston is the founder of Houston Nutraceuticals.

Click here to learn more about the 2008 Conference.

TIP of the Week

Traveling with your child

by Venice KIchura, suite101.com

Just because your child is autistic doesn't mean you can take him (or her) on a family vacation. It just takes more planning and preparation. Here are some tips....

Traveling with young children on vacation can be stressful. If you're the parent of a special needs child, it's even more challenging. However, with sufficient planning, even autistic children can have a positive experience while vacationing with their parents. It just takes more advance preparation when traveling with child with special needs.

Click here for entire article.

Other tips:

Prepare and plan well in advance.

Make lists on what items you need to take with you and always update that list the closer to the travel date.

Take a copy of his diagnosis with you.

Travel off-peak when the airports are quieter.

Take advantage of computerized check-ins.

Accelerate check-in and security clearance and talk with TSA for quick clearance avoiding waiting in lines.

Stay away from high traffic noisy areas.

Find children's books about going on vacation and read them several times, so your child knows what to expect.

Children on the autism spectrum are used to routine and structure. But while they need some structure, just let them be children and have fun.

If you visit family members, let them know what to expect from your child. Your child might have a meltdown and let your family know that you may have to leave early.

Always bring something familiar on your trip (favorite book, game).

Don't worry about what others think. They haven't walked in your shoes.

"While traveling by air, be prepared for any flight delays. Have plenty of reading materials, electronics, food, drinks, and other resources available for your children that will help in the transition from takeoff to landing. "

With sufficient planning, the child with autism can have a positive and enjoyable experience.

The following link is a good article for traveling to Disney: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/dis_aut2.htm

Consider avoiding theme parks if your child panics at the site of scary rides and is sensitive to sudden noises.

In This Issue:

Observational study of biological and dietetic treatments for Autism Spectrum disorders

Genetic Centers of America Launches Landmark, National Autism Evaluation and Treatment Program

Groundbreaking Class Action Settlement for Students with

Disabilities

Speaker Spotlight - Financial Planner and Attorney to present Life Planning Guide at USAAA conference

Speaker Spotlight -Biochemist to present Digestive Intervention at USAAA conference

TIP of the Week - Traveling with your child

2008 Conference - Register Now!

USAAA has officially launched its YouTube Video Channel. In the video above, learn from the experts about the USAAA conference. Many more videos will be launched in the next month. Be sure to subscribe to receive notices on new videos uploaded to the channel.

Click here to subscribe to the Official USAAA YouTube Video Channel. There is no cost to subscribe.

$1,000 prize in honor of service

Click here for more information

Click here for more information about USAAA Award Programs

The USAAA WeeklyNews® is made possible in part by generous donations from CARE Clinics™ and Oxy Health Corporation.

Madison and Irvine Clinics

Click here to learn more about Our Kids

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Click here to view the YouTube Video on the conference at The Official USAAA YouTube Video Channel

USAAA 2008 Annual International

Autism and Asperger Conference,

Austin, Texas, September 4-7, 2008

2008 Conference - Register Now!

Hotel reservations online now. Click here to reserve your room.

US Autism & Asperger Association, Inc. (USAAA) kicks off its third annual International Autism and Asperger Conference (and 5th overall conference since 2006) in Austin, Texas, September 4 - 7, 2008. Over thirty of the world's most renowned leading autism experts will present new interventions and new research in both education and medicine. The conference is presented in part by CARE Clinics and International Hyperbarics Association and will be held at the Hilton Austin Airport.

Inbox Readers' Comments are opinions from our subscribers. USAAA is not responsible for the content, accuracy or opinions expressed in this section.

USAAA WeeklyNews encourages readers to send guest columns for publication in our WeeklyNews. These op-eds should address timely topics of autism and Asperger's Syndrome to readers and must not exceed 600 words. Not all we receive can be published. Those that represent a well-reasoned argument, supported by evidence, in a concise and readable manner will receive priority.

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USAAA 2008 Annual International

Autism and Asperger Conference,

Austin, Texas, September 4-7, 2008

2008 Conference - Register Now!

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