The Imperial College of London and the University of South Australia have recently been doing research studies on Autism. Although their findings are primitive in nature, they may some day be the source of a prominent discovery. Researchers found that urine samples taken from individuals with autism, differed in bacterial and chemical composition something they cal “distinctive urinary metabolic fingerprint”. This finding alludes to, a simple non-invasive urine examination for autism testing, as a possibility for detection/diagnosing, if indeed it proves to be accurate. A discovery of this magnitude will bring significant implications for early identification and intervention. Having a test that could objectively determine Autism via testing, rather than subjectively via behavioral observation, would yield more concise results and earlier diagnosing of this condition. And thus, possibilities of improving a child’s prognosis for success in both academic and social life skill development, would be increased. This news is rather exciting to us, and to all who are involved in the Autistic community. Be aware that this is something that has only been hypothesized as of yet. To read the full article, please click on the link below. http://scienceblog.com/34718/autism-finding-could-lead-to-simple-urine-test-for-the-condition/

Autism is on the rise and it is important that both professionals and parents learn more about possible causal factors and co-occurring issues with this difficult diagnosis that we are faced with. It is only when we learn more that we can better our treatment methodology to increase the therapeutic effects of intervention. Generally, Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is impairment in the development of the brain and/or central nervous system. ASD is known to impair social, communication, and behavioral skills. Symptomatic behaviors include repetitive physical/verbal behaviors and social awkwardness. Recent publications are gearing their focus to the differences in brain functioning of the typical child and the individual with Autism. On a positive note, some accounts, describe individuals in the spectrum to have typical or enhanced basic attention, sensory perception, simple memory and visuospatial processing. Unfortunately, complex sensory, motor, memory, and language skills are impaired. It has been found that the higher functioning more integrative skills are the ones that are affected in these individuals. Research has found that there may be more than just a vast disturbance in information processing in the brain. A new theory on Autism points to difficulty in neuronal organization of the…