SchaferAutismReport: Global Autism Collaboration Supports Novel Research: SAR Supplement

[Guest guest]

Supplement

Read at website

______________________________________________________

Global Autism Collaboration Supports Novel Research

An exciting research study under Dr. Theoharis Theoharides of the Tufts University School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics is being funded by the Global Autism Collaboration under the auspices of the Autism Research Institute (ARI). Dr. Theoharides is well known for his innovative work with mast cells. Mast cells represent resident cells of several types of tissues. They contain histamines and play a vital role in inflammation and allergy. Increasing evidence suggests that there are some generalized immune abnormalities in at least a subgroup of patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Neuroimmune findings in ASDs include: reactive astrogliosis and activated microglia; circulating antibodies to brain proteins; high tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production from

peripheral leukocytes; reduced serum transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1), which is inhibitory for mast cell maturation and activation; and increased serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which is also released from mast cells. Research has shown that nonallergic mast-cell activation might be involved in at least a subgroup of patients with ASDs. Many of the symptoms that characterize ASD patients are also present in patients with mastocytosis, a spectrum of rare disorders involving proliferation and activation of mast cells in the skin and other organs. Such symptoms include: allergies, behavioral problems, "brain fog," diarrhea, food intolerance, and skin reactions, often in the absence of positive skin testing. The Global Autism Collaboration is helping to support Dr. Theoharides in his study of biomarkers in peripheral blood and the expression of the uncoupling of mitochondrial protein 2 in children with ASDs,

with an ultimate purpose of effecting therapeutic interventions. ______________________________________________________ School is About to Start – Teaching Tips from Temple Grandin As the school year rapidly approaches, parents and teachers alike might benefit from reviewing "Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin." Temple Grandin credits much of her success to good teachers and parenting that kept her connected to the world. A prolific author and speaker and an inspiration to the autism community and beyond, Temple is sometimes referred to as the most famous person with autism in the world. She has been featured by People magazine, the New York Times, Forbes, 48 Hours, Larry King Live, and The Today Show. Temple was one of TIME magazine’s most

influential people in 2010 and was featured in an HBO movie about her life. We can all learn from Temple’s 28 teaching tips that include everything from helping others understand how individuals with autism think and process information to how to deal with fixations, sensory, and other processing issues: . www.autism.com/ind_teaching_tips.asp. ______________________________________________________ SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF We are pleased to introduce our readers to Humphrey, Esq. A board member of ARI, Dave is also the cofounder of the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), president of The Autism Forum, president of the Autism Coalition for Treatment (ACT!), a board member of the Northwest Autism Foundation (NWAF), and a member of the

national planning committee for Easter Seals. During law school, Dave Humphrey founded a public interest law firm called WashPIRG (Public Interest Research Group) based in Seattle, Washington. WashPIRG became the model for Ralph Nader's PIRG organizations across the county. This year, WashPIRG is celebrating its 30th year of public service. Having been a friend of Dr. Bernard Rimland's, Dave works with Steve Edelson to continue the legacy and vision of that great man. As Dave's mentor, Bernie instilled the urgency of treatment and truth being needed now and without compromise. Dave Humphrey feels that his strength is in trusting the autism community and the power of the movement of the families. He believes that the public at large must understand that the failure to provide treatment is a violation of the basic rights of those with autism. Dave joins in ARI's vision to bring a global standard of care and compassion to those with autism,

including allowing each person to be able to express their individuality with dignity.

Lenny Schafer editor@... The Schafer Autism Report is a non-profit corporation Unsubscribe: www.sarnet.org/frm/unsub2.htm

_______________________________________________

SARnets mailing list

SARnets@...

http://lists.igc.org/mailman/listinfo/sarnets

You can unsubscribe send email:

http://www.sarnet.org/frm/unsub2.htm

--

You are subscribed as:

deniseslist@...