1. Coskun M, Bozkurt H, Zoroglu S. {{Possible lamotrigine-induced mania in a child with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy}}. {J Clin Psychopharmacol};2009 (Oct);29(5):508-509.
2. Coury D, Jones NE, Klatka K, Winklosky B, Perrin JM. {{Healthcare for children with autism: the Autism Treatment Network}}. {Curr Opin Pediatr};2009 (Sep 9)
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of a neurodevelopmental disorders affecting social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. ASD is a heterogeneous group of disorders, often accompanied by associated medical issues. Thus, the development of effective treatments is a complex task requiring consideration of diverse etiologic and phenotypic characteristics. Recent attention to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in ASD children has led to the formation of a new international collaboration to improve autism care, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN). RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous studies have highlighted the high prevalence of gastrointestinal and sleep disorders among ASD children. Problems in communication – including being nonverbal – make the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions more difficult. Although a number of studies suggest links between neurologic impairments and gastrointestinal dysfunction and disordered sleep, these relationships remain unproven. Recent work by the ATN has begun the development of clinical guidelines in these areas, based on clinical consensus, adapting the model developed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. New funding has also supported the network’s development of a robust clinical research program focused on improving the physical health and care of children with ASD. These efforts promise more systematic and consistent approaches to diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. SUMMARY: Improved understanding of the underlying pathology of ASD and associated conditions, and the development of a common purpose across multiple treating sites, can improve the consistent and coordinated healthcare of children with autism.
3. Maenner MJ, Arneson CL, Durkin MS. {{Socioeconomic disparity in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in Wisconsin}}. {Wmj};2009 (Aug);108(5):253-255.
BACKGROUND: The number of children receiving services for autism spectrum disorders in Wisconsin and nationally has steadily increased in recent years. The Wisconsin Surveillance of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities System was developed to study the prevalence of and risk factors for autism spectrum disorders. This analysis of Wisconsin surveillance data examined whether autism prevalence is positively associated with socioeconomic status. METHODS: Surveillance methods developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to determine the number of 8-year-old children with an autism spectrum disorder in a 10-county area of southeastern Wisconsin in 2002. Socioeconomic status quintiles were created based on census block group indicators. Autism prevalence was computed for each socioeconomic status quintile of the population. RESULTS: Using educational attainment as an indicator of socioeconomic status, autism spectrum disorder prevalence increased from 2.6 per 1000 in the lowest to 6.8 per 1000 in the highest education quintile. The prevalence ratio for the highest to lowest education quintile was 2.6:1 (95% confidence interval: 1.6, 4.5). Using median household income as an indicator of socioeconomic status produced similar results. CONCLUSION: Autism spectrum disorder prevalence is positively associated with socioeconomic status based on population-based surveillance in Wisconsin.
4. Shepherd J, Garza VM, De Leon OA. {{Waxing-and-Waning Catatonia After Intermittent Exposure to Aripiprazole in a Case of Autism and Bipolar Disorder}}. {J Clin Psychopharmacol};2009 (Oct);29(5):503-504.
