Autism Therapy: neurodevelopmental disorders

definition of neurodevelopmental disorders: Disorders related to brain and nervous system development.

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Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Fish Oils and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Pediatric Review, by Brulotte, J., Bukutu C., and Vohra S., published in 2009, summarized Mar 23, 2010

Fish oil therapy may help learning and behavior in some children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.

This review describes the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the course and outcome of problems with the brain. The authors note that studies have been mixed as to whether or not children with autism have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. There have been only a few studies that have looked at the use of omega-3 fatty acids as treatment for autism and these studies have been small and lasted only a short amount of time. Omega-3 fatty acids have a good safety profile, but they may cause nausea, nose bleeds, and a fishy burp. While doses of 3 grams of fish oil per day are considered safe for adults, parents should talk with their child’s doctor about the best dose for a child.


Therapeutic Interventions in Autism – A Brief Review for the Primary Care Physician
Mo Med, by Beversdorf, D., published in 2008, summarized Jan 22, 2009

Early diagnosis and early intervention may be especially important for the treatment of autism as opposed to other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Autism is likely to grow to be a fairly common part of a doctor's practice. This review article is written for doctors and describes common autism therapies. The goal of autism therapy is to improve quality of life and decrease core autism symptoms. There are many education interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) that are designed for very young children with autism. ABA therapy is used to bring about changes in the child's behavior.


Neuroprotection and Enhancement of Neurite Outgrowth with Small Molecular Weight Compounds from Screens of Chemical Libraries
International Review of Neurobiology, by Dwyer, DS, and Dickson A., published in 2007, summarized May 24, 2007

New drugs for autism will likely focus on helping the brains of people with autism to use energy better.

The brains of people with autism tend to grow and mature differently than other people. Scientists so far know of only a few drugs that may be able to help correct these differences. The drug therapies that do exist now, however, only seem to be able to help a little bit. The authors of this review focus on neurodevelopmental disorders (schizophrenia, Rett syndrome, and autism) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer'??s, Parkinson's, and Huntington'??s). They report that as scientists work to find new drug treatments for both of these types of brain problems, research will focus on finding drugs that can protect the brain and cause the brain to grow.


Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Therapeutic Potential
Current Pharmaceutical Design, by Hill, JM, published in 2007, summarized May 21, 2007

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) may some day be a good therapy for children with autism.

VIP is made by the body and is important for the growth of the baby'??s brain during pregnancy. This review article describes the research showing that VIP may work as a therapy for people with autism. For example, VIP has helped baby mice with brain problems. Mouse studies have shown that VIP may also be able to help with learning and memory problems. Drug companies need to work out a way that VIP can be given to the child such that it stays in the body for a long enough time and it gets into the brain. When this work has been done, then tests in humans can begin to see if VIP will be a good treatment for autism and other problems with the brain.


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Drug Therapy May Improve Language and Social Skills in Children with Autism

Oct 6, 2011

This article focuses on a new study using the drug propranolol to help increase social skills and language in people with autism. Propranolol is typically used to treat high blood pressure, control heart rate, and reduce test anxiety. Dr. David Beversdorf, MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and his group are the first to study the potential benefits of this drug on autism in a controlled manner. They believe the drug acts on the brains of people with autism to assist in language and communication. In earlier studies, researchers discovered that propranolol helped with word unscrambling and word fluency. In follow-up studies, Beversdorf hopes to be able to discover who with autism will respond favorably to the drug.

Read original article: Promising Drug Treatment for Improving Language, Social Function in People with Autism


Teen with Autism Uses Talents to Help Others

May 23, 2011

Michael Wang, a high school senior with autism, has added Courtwarming King to his list of achievements. “Being crowned Courtwarming King shows people with autism can have special gifts," Wang said. "People with autism can change things." Meg Wang, his mom and a pediatrician at Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Green Meadows Pediatrics Clinic, knew after his diagnosis, at age 2, that she had a small window of time to work with Michael using applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. She also reinforced Michael’s social interactions having friends over for play dates. She practiced telephone conversations with him and used social stories to increase peer interactions. Besides his school activities such as the breakdancing club and yearbook staff, Michael is very involved with the youth group at his church. He plans to attend college to become a preschool teacher.

Read original article: Rock Bridge's Michael Wang Transforms Social Struggles Into Strengths


Travelling with Autism: Some Summer Travel Tips

Jun 18, 2009

Summer travel can be stressful - long lines, crowds, and noise - and it may be even more difficult with children with autism. Nicole Beurkens, M.Ed., a Neurodevelopmental Disorders Specialist, offers some tips to make travel less stressful and more fun for the entire family. For example, she recommends seeing if there are special accommodations that can be made for a child with autism - many theme parks will do this. She suggests maintaining as normal a routine as possible while on the road and bringing your child's favorite activities along. Most important, is to manage the family and the child's expectations: "It is important to find balance between the things people in the family want to do and the things your child with a disability is able to do, in order to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved."

Read original article.


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