A recent research report from Dr. Christopher Walsh, chief of genetics at Children's Hospital Boston, published in the professional journal Science show that children with autism are not missing whole genes but are missing parts of DNA; the genes which in part lead to autism are turned off. The good news is that intense early intervention can to some degree turn those genes back on. Psst, just do not tell Michael Savage about these latest findings, as it would ruin his Medieval perspectives on autism.
The ramifications of this report are:
- there does not appear to be a genetic magic bullet on the horizon in the form of a vaccine that will prevent or treat autism
- autism is genetically-based, so arguments that autism is akin to a behavior disorder are unwarranted
- intense and individualized instruction, especially early in life are critical
- autism is truly a spectrum disorder and only over time will there be more understanding of the different sub-groups and more tailored treatments.
In my many years working with kids on the spectrum this definitely rings true. Early intervention is key and can do wonders for those especially on the milder end. It is great to have some support for genetics vs. behavior disorder. I look forward to the findings in future research.
Posted by: Robin | July 21, 2008 at 04:38 PM
great!
Posted by: yajing | July 21, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Hi,
Please consider visiting http://www.neoteny.org/?cat=7 to review a unique and unorthodox theory for the cause of autism.
Thank you,
Andrew Lehman
Posted by: Andrew | July 25, 2008 at 07:04 PM