Autism Science Then and Now

       Several decades ago, there was a poor understanding of what Autism was. It was in the 1960's that it became recognized as a different entity from psychotic disorders. Since then, Autism has been a focus of many researches determined to find out its causes and how it can be treated. Those researches led us today to the knowledge that genetics and the environment are involved in its causation. However, it is not clear how and why while the number of affected children is continuously rising. And there is no known cure as yet.
     There are still a lot of stones to be unturned to discover all that we need to know about Autism and find the cure. If not the cure, a more effective way to treat it at least. Or ultimately, finding a way to prevent it.
     The medical field has not stop its quest. In fact, here are some of the recent findings and development from studies and researches scientists have been conducting.


Autism Risk Assessment Test (ARISk)
        ARISk is a genetic test introduced by IntraGen. It can identify the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders in children 6 months and older who have older siblings affected by the disorder. Genetics has been pointed out as a major factor in the development of ASD. According to studies, siblings of affected children are at higher risk to have the disorder compared to the general population.
      The ARISk is a non invasive test that utilizes a buccal swab and can be done in your doctors' clinic.
The benefits of this test having been able to identify the risk of  having  ASD, the child can be closely monitored for delays in developmental milestones and more importantly, intervention therapy if deemed necessary can be given which can result to better outcomes when initiated early.
      A genetic screen for Autism for children with no family history of ASD is being worked on by IntraGen.
     Visit ARISk for more information and how to avail of the test.

MSNP1AS  Gene
      MSNP1AS is a newly discovered Autism gene which is found 12 times higher than normal in brains of persons with Autism. This gene inhibits the production of a protein called moesin which is important to both early brain development and immune function. This discovery can lead scientists to embark on new research projects aimed to expound knowledge about this gene and find ways to improve symptoms of Autism if not preventing it from occurring.
To know more about this, read on the article A Noncoding RNA Antisense to Moesin at 5p14.1 in Autism

Oxytocin  in Autism
      Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland and can act as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is involved in social behavior as in recognition and bonding. A study done in 1998 found significantly lower levels of oxytocin in blood plasma of  children with Autism[1]. Another study done in 2003 found a decrease in occurrence of repetitive behaviors when oxytocin was administered intravenously to individuals with Autism[2]. Over the years until the present time, a number of other studies utilizing oxytocin to improve social behavior of autistic individuals have been done and yielded promising results. However, these results do not warrant the use of oxytocin to treat Autism today. There are still a lot of things to search for, prove and validate before something be used for therapeutic purposes. The knowledge derived from previous studies would be of help to many groups of scientists working on the possibility of using oxytocin as a treatment modality in Autism.

       Despite the numerous studies done on Autism and still a lot more going on, everything from its etiology to treatment remains inconclusive. Behavioral therapy and the use of highly controlled learning environments remained the cornerstone of treatment.    

      Knowing your child has Autism is heart breaking and the fact that there is no known cure for it (as yet) will tear you apart and the hardest thing to accept. It will leave parents a feeling of hopelessness. But parents of autistic children or any special needs parents for that matter should not stay that way for long. As parents, they are the  primary source of affection and care and most importantly, they are the stronghold that would help their children face the challenge life has given and to fight the battle they never chose.


Image Credit:
  DNA Helix in a Tube by Victor Habbick
  Father Giving Hand to a Child by TCJ2020

References:
   1. Modahl C, Green L, Fein D et al. (1998). "Plasma oxytocin levels in autistic children"
   2. Hollander E, Novotny S, Hanratty M et al.. (2003). "Oxytocin infusion reduces repetitive
          behaviors in adults with autism and Asperger's disorders"