1. Cappadocia MC, Weiss JA, Pepler D. {{Bullying Experiences Among Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (Apr 16)

Few studies have investigated bullying experiences among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, preliminary research suggests that children with ASD are at greater risk for being bullied than typically developing peers. The aim of the current study was to build an understanding of bullying experiences among children with ASD based on parent reports by examining rates of various forms of bullying, exploring the association between victimization and mental health problems, and investigating individual and contextual variables as correlates of victimization. Victimization was related to child age, internalizing and externalizing mental health problems, communication difficulties, and number of friends at school, as well as parent mental health problems. Bullying prevention and intervention strategies are discussed.

2. Guerini FR, Bolognesi E, Chiappedi M, Manca S, Ghezzo A, Agliardi C, Sotgiu S, Usai S, Matteoli M, Clerici M. {{SNAP-25 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with hyperactivity in autism spectrum disorders}}. {Pharmacol Res};2011 (Apr 8)

Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25kD (SNAP-25), a protein participating in the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and in calcium homeostasis, was recently involved in neuropsychiatric conditions. Because alterations affecting the homeostasis of calcium are described in patients affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD) we investigated a possible involvement of SNAP-25 in ASD by evaluating five SNAP-25 gene polymorphisms in a cohort of 67 ASD children. Data analyzed in relationship with clinical outcomes and compared to those of 205 healthy sex-matched children did not reveal significant differences. Further analyses nevertheless showed the presence of highly significant associations of the rs363043 (CT) genotype, localized in the intron 1 region that affects the transcription factor binding sites of the SNAP-25 gene, with both increasing CARS (p=0.001) and hyperactivity scores (p=0.006). The finding that polymorphisms of the SNAP-25 gene, a gene involved in neurotransmission and regulation of calcium homeostasis, are associated with the degree of hyperactivity in children with ASD, reinforces the hypothesis that alterations of these mechanisms play a pivotal role in the events leading to ASD-associated behavioral impairment. Modulation of these processes could result in novel therapeutic strategies.

3. Hewitson L. {{Author’s Response to « Autism and the amygdala: Commentary on Hewitson and coauthors (2010) »}}. {Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars)};2011;71(1):180-181.

4. Itzchak EB, Lahat E, Zachor DA. {{Advanced parental ages and low birth weight in autism spectrum disorders-Rates and effect on functioning}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2011 (Apr 15)

OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess the distribution of parental age and birth weight in a large cohort with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to compare them to Israeli national data. (2) To examine possible relationships between these risk factors and functioning. METHODS: The study included 529 participants diagnosed with ASD using standardized tests: the Autism Diagnosis Interview-Revised and the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule (ADOS). Medical, developmental and familial histories (gender, age, pregnancy and birth information, parental ages) were obtained. Autism severity was assessed using the new ADOS severity scale and adaptive skill using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. RESULTS: Advanced parental age was associated with ASD. In the older age range the percentages of mothers (35-44y) and fathers (30-40y) were significantly higher in the ASD cohort in comparison to the Israeli newborn data. The ASD cohort had significantly higher percentages of low birth weight (<2500g) and very low birth weight (VLBW<1500g) in comparison to the Israeli newborn data. Of these risk factors, only VLBW was associated with lower adaptive functioning. The group with VLBW had lower scores in daily living, socialization and motor skills in comparison to the >1500g group. Autism severity was not associated with advanced parental age or VLBW. CONCLUSIONS: The shift in parental age distribution and birth weight in our ASD cohort suggests that the increase in ASD prevalence in recent years might be associated with novel prenatal insults. An adverse fetal course resulting in VLBW may represent a « second hit » phenomenon, causing a poorer outcome.

5. Novella S, Hines T. {{Autism and the amygdala: Commentary on Hewitson and coauthors (2010)}}. {Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars)};2011;71(1):178-179.