Autism Therapy: plasticity

definition of plasticity: In biology, refers to the ability of a living thing to undergo change or adapt. The plasticity of the brain is demonstrated when someone learns a new skill.

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How Can Early, Intensive Training Help a Genetic Disorder?
Pediatric Annals, by Altemeier, WA, and Altemeier LE, published in 2009, summarized Aug 12, 2009

Therapy during the early years of brain development may help children with autism develop more brain connections and better brain function.

In this report, the authors described how therapy during early childhood may help brain development. Therapy can help even if autism is a genetic disorder. The authors discussed how therapy can help neurons grow and connect in children with autism. This is because neurons connect and thrive when used, and fade away when not used. The authors describe the science behind the ability of the brain to grow and change. In this way, autism may be a result of "nature" from the person's genes, and "nurture" from therapy and the world the child grows in.


Environment Enrichment Alters Locomotor Behavior and Ventricular Volume in Mecp21lox Mice
Behavioral Brain Research, by Nag, N., Moriuchi JM, Peitzman CGK, Ward BC, Kolodny NH, and Berger_Sweeney JE, published in 2009, summarized Feb 9, 2009

An enriched environment may help young children to overcome some of the symptoms of autism.

Scientists have created a mouse model of Rett syndrome (a genetic form of autism). This mouse study looked to see if mice with Rett syndrome/autism are helped by being in fancy large cages with shavings, tunnels, climbing ladders, and a running wheel, all of which were changed weekly (enriched environment). The authors found that the fancy cages improved behavior and brain structure in normal mice and mice with autism. The brains of mice in the fancy cages were larger and had more neuronal connections and more brain growth factors when compared to the brains of mice in the normal cages. The mice in the fancy cages also moved more than the mice in the plain cages.


Early Behavioral Intervention, Brain Plasticity, and the Prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Development and Psychopathology, by Dawson, G., published in 2008, summarized Aug 13, 2008

Early intervention may be able to prevent autism.

This review article describes how it is possible to find infants who are at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provide therapy in order to prevent autism. The article focuses on early intensive behavioral therapy (such as applied behavior analysis - ABA) as a way to prevent and treat autism. Research now shows that between 75-95% of children who receive intensive behavioral intervention will speak by the age of five. The focus of early therapy is to alter the course of brain development. This happens as the infant moves and works within the parent-child bond.


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Man Who Suffered Head Trauma Turns His Struggles to Helping Children with Autism

Jan 6, 2011

Greg Marischen, who suffered a severe head injury, returned from his therapy determined to use the same therapy methods for children with autism. Robert Melillo, a NY doctor improved on those cognitive and physical therapies to create Hemispheric Integration Therapy (HIT), which lead to the growth of Brain Balance Achievement Centers. Marishen now directs a center in Ohio that helps not only his two sons, but other kids with developmental delays. “The program is all about the plasticity of the brain. After aggressive therapy focused on the weak areas of the brain, it has the ability to rewire itself and make those connections,” said Marischen.

Read original article: Kettering Native Helping Kids wIth Cognitive Health


Music and Dance as an Autism Therapy Aid

Jun 29, 2009

Joanne Lara, the creator of the music and dance based DVD, AUT-erobics paired with the Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation in Jamaica recently. AUT-erobics is the outcome of Lara's Autism Movement Therapy (AMT) intervention. AUT-erobics combines movement and music to increase motor skills and cognitive skills - Lara calls it, "innovative inter-hemispheric sensory integration strategies (neuro-plasticity)....designed to unlock and improve communication, cognitive and academic skills as well as increase social and behavioural awareness skills in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Maia Chung says the foundation will offer AUT-erobics for free to Jamaican parents who bring a blank DVD. The foundation is focused on making autism therapies available at the lowest cost to Jamaican children with autism.

Read original article.


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