Clinic Notes: More Evidence for Faulty Serotonin Genes

Another recent study in a mouse model finds that the level of the neural transmitter serotonin in the brain, which is under genetic control, reduces the serotonin levels at the synapse and may be responsible for Autism. This make since because medication which raise serotonin levels, the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) are helpful in children with autism.

Clinic Notes: Military Pilot Program for Autism Treatment Extended

Good news for military families with children. The Pentagon is extending Tricare’s insurance plan, which pays for 10 hours of ABA each week. Several members of Congress want to extend the coverage to military retirees and those on leave for medical reasons. Certainly a benefit they deserve after their sacrifice for our country.

Clinic Notes: As Society Adjusts to the Autism Epidemic

Those of us who work with children on the Autism Spectrum in clinical setting everyday sometimes forget that children with autism miss our on a lot of activities that other children find rewarding. I was delighted to see that Broadway offered an autism friendly production of “The Lion King” and many popular restaurant chains are having staff training to make eating out with a child with autism more enjoyable. Now I read that churches, synagogues, and mosques are also doing what they can to include families with autism and other special needs. Recently, a minister I knew called me and asked if iPads would keep children with autism occupied so their families could worship. I told him that should work and he brought five and is now interested in finding apps on religious topics the kids on the spectrum could use. Interestingly, public schools seem to have the most difficulty adapting to the autism epidemic. But then it is not really fair to require them to treat a neurological disorder without providing the resources.

Clinic Notes: Autism Diagnosis and Treatment Plan App

The majority of parents and other caregivers who bring their children to my clinic are drowning in a sea of autism information and misinformation. I have seen countless children diagnosed and misdiagnosed with autism and treated and mistreated by different therapies. I have watched children with autism grow into adulthood; and know how the story ends for children who get the recommended therapies and those who do not. So I have developed an app that covers issues with diagnosis and treatment. What works and what doesn’t and what parents have to do to give their child the best chance at being mainstreamed. Go to iTunes and find my Autism Dx and Treatment .