1. Ronald A, Edelson LR, Asherson P, Saudino KJ. {{Exploring the Relationship Between Autistic-Like Traits and ADHD Behaviors in Early Childhood: Findings from a Community Twin Study of 2-Year-Olds}}. {J Abnorm Child Psychol};2009 (Nov 12)

Behaviors characteristic of autism and ADHD emerge in early childhood, yet research investigating their comorbidity has focused on older children. This study aimed to explore the nature of the relationship between autistic-like traits and ADHD behaviors in a community sample of 2-year-olds. Twins from the Boston University Twin Project (N = 312 pairs) were assessed by their parents on autistic-like traits and ADHD behaviors using the Childhood Behavior Checklist. Phenotypic analyses showed that after controlling for general cognitive ability and socioeconomic status, autistic-like traits (total scale as well as social and nonsocial subscales) correlated positively with ADHD behaviors (r = 0.23-0.26). Structural equation model-fitting analyses revealed that there were modest shared genetic influences between ADHD- and autistic traits (genetic correlation = 0.27) as well as some common environmental influences explaining their covariation. Implications for identifying shared biological pathways underlying autistic-like traits and ADHD behaviors are discussed.

2. Senel HG. {{Parents’ Views and Experiences About Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Their Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2009 (Nov 11)

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments have been increasing for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, 38 Turkish parents of children with ASD were surveyed related with their use of CAM treatments, experiences, and views for each treatment. They mentioned « Vitamins and minerals », « Special Diet », « Sensory Integration », « Other Dietary Supplements », and « Chelation » as five frequently used CAM treatments. Communication, learning, health, and behavior were the main four areas rated as « improved » after five CAM treatments. Negative sides of treatments were listed as being expensive, difficult to apply, or harmful. The parents’ views on some treatments have varied from great improvement to worse. Reported improvements were considerably higher than the negative sides of the treatments.