Newly found genetic variation linked to autism Apr 29 2009, 7:56 PM EDT | Post edited: Apr 29 2009, 7:57 PM EDT "A newly identified genetic variant could account for up to 15 per cent of autism cases, say researchers who studied genes that are important in connecting brain cells..."
Read the whole of the CBSnews report here...
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/04/28/autism-genes.html#articlecomments
Will this news actually lead to a future reduction in the number of reported ASD cases? Will it help anyone already wit the condition? Perhaps, perhaps not. But hopefully, this reasonably positive news will not deflect our attention away from the potentially greater risk of chemical imbalances in sensitive brains, and the possible connection with so many unnatural substances in so much of our food and drink.
For those with robust brains, it's easy to dismiss the food notion. But would anyone argue that most of us have some degree of intolerances and that intolerance screening of children would have a generally helpful affect on wellbeing in society?
2. NAS responds to news of genetic variation links to Autism. Apr 30 2009, 4:51 AM EDT | Post edited: Apr 30 2009, 4:51 AM EDT The UK National Autistic Society (NAS) has responded to from www.nature.com that a newly identified genetic variant could account for up to 15 per cent of autism cases.
I hope that the NAS are OK that I reproduce some of what they said.
(Visit www.nas.org.uk for more understanding of Autism.)
On their page http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1918&a=19403 they said this on 29 April...
"There have been several reports in the media today about a breakthrough in the search for genetic links to autism.
The NAS welcomes authoritative research which might add to our knowledge and understanding of autism, and which could therefore be used to benefit people with autism in the UK; for example, by enabling earlier diagnosis so support can be put in place at an earlier stage.
Research into autism is constantly evolving but the exact causes are as yet still unknown. The studies published today in the Nature journal move us a step closer to understanding the genetic links to autism but they are not conclusive and there is a great deal more research to be done. Genetic testing for autism is still a very long way off, and in fact may never be possible as the nature of autism is so complex.
The difficulty of establishing gene involvement is compounded by the interaction of genes and by their interaction with environmental factors. Various studies over many years have sought to identify candidate genes but so far inconclusively.
Whilst it is important that this research continues, the NAS strongly believes it is also crucial that those living with the condition have access to appropriate advice and information, as the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to peoples lives. We continue to campaign for better support for all people affected by autism.
3. RE: Newly found genetic variation linked to autism Apr 30 2009, 4:57 AM EDT | Post edited: Apr 30 2009, 4:57 AM EDT 1 day later - and I can't find the article, or any comments about it, on the www.nature.com website any more. Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place? But perhaps it's an indication of how important it was to them? Psychosis diminished dramatically as a result of a glutamate-free diet Dec 20 2008, 8:56 AM EST | Post edited: Dec 20 2008, 8:56 AM EST The background to this connection is on its own page - "Mark's glutamate-free diet."
We have strong anecdotal evidence that, for our son who has suffered with Autism and a seizure condition, changing his diet has reversed serious schizophrenia. This evidence is supported by scientific facts. His medication has consequently been reduced and, 5 months on, he continues to be far better than when on the full dose.
In this time, we have also learnt many other things about drugs, food and behaviour.
For example there IS a scientific link between Valproate and excess glutamate, There IS a link between seizures and Glutamate. It's not just MSG that is the source of glutamate in our food - it's a major problem in thousands of products. Artificial sweeteners, eg Aspartame, may be more likely to make you PUT ON weight than lose it, and that they have really serious affects on the health of many people.
We also learnt that many in the food and drink industry deliberately disguise these toxins under different names.
And we have found many books and articles that give sensible, level headed information from a scientific an clinical perspective. (Some are referenced on this site.)
And there is more.
Ed Can diet really improve the symptoms of autism? Apr 30 2009, 7:36 PM EDT | Post edited: Apr 30 2009, 7:36 PM EDT (edit my post) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1160826/Can-diet-really-improve-symptoms-autism-Read-familys-story-decide.html
Read this family's story and decide
By Angela Epstein
Last updated at 1:34 AM on 10th March 2009
Mail online
Simone Sewell still shudders at the memory of the moment she was told her two-year-old daughter, Sienna, was autistic.
She and her husband, Geoff, sat in shock as the paediatrician spelt out the bleak future that awaited their first-born.
'The doctor said Sienna would never fall in love, marry or have an independent life,' recalls Simone. 'With no hope of a cure, we were more or less told to live with it.'
One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism' Apr 30 2009, 7:45 PM EDT | Post edited: Apr 30 2009, 7:45 PM EDT (edit my post) By Sue Reid
Last updated at 11:33 PM on 20th March 2009
Mail Online
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1163606/One-child-60-suffers-form-autism.html
Far more children have autism than previously thought, a study of British school pupils has found.
Researchers now believe as many as one in 60 children has some form of the condition.
The disturbing findings, which are due to be made public within weeks, mean that up to 216,000 children in the UK could suffer from an autistic condition, although many have not yet been diagnosed.
The research could have a major impact on public services in Britain with many more youngsters potentially needing a lifetime of special care.
Diabetes, psychosis and diet May 4 2009, 7:23 AM EDT | Post edited: May 4 2009, 7:23 AM EDT (edit my post) Hi Neil, thank you for posting this really interesting note.
The HBOT site is full of really good, balanced, information. and it will take me a good while to browse through it. I will pop another link on the main 'links' page on this site.
The subject of diabetes has quite an interest for me as I have a relative who has developed it. She is in her early 30s and has suffered with Schizophrenia since about 20. She is medicated nowadays and lives some kind of life, albeit very basic. Her food and drink habots are not good, and she is particualrly fond of diet drinks. I am convinced that her weight issue and her diabetes (if not the psychotic problem itself) are linked to diet n some way.
I also have an interest to find out more about the link between diabetes and the immune system. It's these areas that I think are very much common ground with autism, seizures and some forms of psychosis.
My family and I are users of aloe vera gel drinks and other aloe vera products and we know that it has a positive effect on the immune system. It is said that it helps balance the immune system. My wife totally controls her arthritis with it and we know that it has positive effects on psoriasis and damage to the stomach and colon.
The problem with giving it to my son is that he is so sensitive to changes in his brain chemistry that he reacts quite severly to it and we have yet to figure out an effective 'daily dose'.
By the way, any threads on this page will also automatcally appear on the 'dicussions' page.
Cheers
Ed Questions to ask about your medication May 7 2009, 4:03 PM EDT | Post edited: May 8 2009, 7:08 PM EDT (edit my post) When discussing treatment for a mental health condition with your GP, Psychiatrist or other specialist, you might consider asking some of these questions...
Before resorting to medication, is there a natural intervention, anecdotal or otherwise?
If I am to be medicated or vaccinated, what tests have been done on the drugs (including the ingredients and additives eg coating, colours, etc.) with people who have a similar set of conditions and treatments as me?
Is it possible to see the reported results of tests?
Is there an independent expert who can talk to me about the condition and any alternative treatments?
What will you do, after I start treatment, to ensure that we achieve an optimum balance for my quality of life? DETOX first! May 7 2009, 4:12 PM EDT | Post edited: Aug 26 2009, 4:34 PM EDT (edit my post) When we read what people say about how diet can help with your mental health the advice usually comes in one of two forms...
Things to ADD to your diet to enhance mental performance (like 'fatty acids' and so on)
Things to REMOVE from your diet to alleviate mental health problems.
Depending on your priorities, in general we think that it is best to start by REMOVING bad foods and drinks first. This is because GOOD stuff will be less effective while you are filled with BAD stuff.
Bad Stuff?? Well, we think that excitoxins like artifcial flavourings (eg MSG) and sweeteners (eg Asapartame) are really bwe steer clear.
Artificial colourings are also on the NONO list. Colours in the E101-132 range, with names like 'sunset yellow' (sounds really iffy, doesn't it! Read about it and decide for yourself.)
Caffeine - yes, no regular tea or coffee! Just cut it out and get to like water and one or two of the naturally caffeine free teas.
Once you have done these, you will be working from a better start position to understand what else, if anything, needs to be done.
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