1. Abbey D. {{Helping families find the best evidence: CAM therapies for autism spectrum disorders and Asperger’s Disorder}}. J{ Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):200-202.
Family-Centered Care provides a forum for sharing information about basic components of caring for children and families, including respect, information sharing, collaboration, family-to-family support, and confidence building.
2. Bellando J, Lopez M. {{The school nurse’s role in treatment of the student with autism spectrum disorders}}.{ J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):173-182.
PURPOSE: Some healthcare concerns have been found to be commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Identification and treatment of these medical issues can improve the functioning of the child with ASD. This article will offer practical suggestions for the school nurse. CONCLUSIONS: As a « front-line » medical professional in the schools, the school nurse is positioned to provide guidance on implementing interventions for the student with ASD. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: By being knowledgeable about current research and treatment options for the various associated medical conditions, the school nurse can help the student achieve academic success in the school setting.
3. Ben Shalom D. {{The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Integration in Autism}}. {Neuroscientist};2009 (Jul 17)
This article offers a unifying theoretical interpretation of known abnormalities in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in four psychological domains, namely emotion, memory, sensation-perception, and motor skills. It proposes that in all four domains three levels of processing can be identified: a basic level, an integrative level, and a « logical » or higher-order level. It also notes that in typically developing people, there is evidence that the integrative level is subserved by subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex. The major argument of the article is to propose and argue that the integrative level in all four domains is responsible for common atypicalities in people with ASDs.
4. Benayed R, Choi J, Matteson PG, Gharani N, Kamdar S, Brzustowicz LM, Millonig JH. {{Autism-Associated Haplotype Affects the Regulation of the Homeobox Gene, ENGRAILED 2}}. {Biol Psychiatry};2009 (Jul 16)
BACKGROUND: Association analysis identified the homeobox transcription factor, ENGRAILED 2 (EN2), as a possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD) susceptibility gene (ASD [MIM 608636]; EN2 [MIM 131310]). The common alleles (underlined) of two intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1861972 (A/G) and rs1861973 (C/T), are over-transmitted to affected individuals both singly and as a haplotype in three separate datasets (518 families total, haplotype p = .00000035). METHODS: Further support that EN2 is a possible ASD susceptibility gene requires the identification of a risk allele, a DNA variant that is consistently associated with ASD but is also functional. To identify possible risk alleles, additional association analysis and linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping were performed. Candidate polymorphisms were then tested for functional differences by luciferase (Luc) reporter transfections and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). RESULTS: Association analysis of additional EN2 polymorphisms and LD mapping with Hapmap SNPs identified the rs1861972-rs1861973 haplotype as the most appropriate candidate to test for functional differences. Luciferase reporters for the two common rs1861972-rs1861973 haplotypes (A-C and G-T) were then transfected into human and rat cell lines as well as primary mouse neuronal cultures. In all cases the A-C haplotype resulted in a significant increase in Luc levels (p < .005). The EMSAs were then performed, and nuclear factors were bound specifically to the A and C alleles of both SNPs. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the A-C haplotype is functional and, together with the association and LD mapping results, supports EN2 as a likely ASD susceptibility gene and the A-C haplotype as a possible risk allele.
5. Miller L, Reynolds J. {{Autism and vaccination-the current evidence}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):166-172.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to review relevant background literature regarding the evidence linking thimerosal-containing vaccine and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism. CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous scientific studies have not identified links between autism and either thimerosal-containing vaccine or the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses are often in the position of providing advice regarding vaccines in their formal practice areas as well as in their daily lives. Families need current and credible evidence to make decisions for their children. Excellent vaccine information resources are available online.
6. Minagawa-Kawai Y, Naoi N, Kikuchi N, Yamamoto JI, Nakamura K, Kojima S. {{Cerebral laterality for phonemic and prosodic cue decoding in children with autism}}. {Neuroreport};2009 (Jul 16)
This study examined the cerebral functional lateralization, from a phonological perspective, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children (TDC). With near infrared spectroscopy, we measured auditory evoked-responses in the temporal areas to phonemic and prosodic contrasts in word contexts. The results of TDC showed stronger left-dominant and right-dominant responses to phonemic and prosodic differences, respectively. Furthermore, although ASD children displayed similar tendencies, the functional asymmetry for phonemic changes was relatively weak, suggesting less-specialized left-brain functions. The typical asymmetry for the prosodic condition was further discussed in terms of acoustic-physical perceptual ability of ASD children. The study revealed differential neural recruitment in decoding phonetic cues between ASD children and TDC and verified the applicability of near infrared spectroscopy as a suitable neuroimaging method for children with developmental disorders.
7. Mraz KD, Dixon J, Dumont-Mathieu T, Fein D. {{Accelerated head and body growth in infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: a comparative study of optimal outcome children}}. {J Child Neurol};2009 (Jul);24(7):833-845.
Previous research has demonstrated accelerated head and body growth during infancy in children with autism spectrum disorders. No study has yet examined head growth in children who lose their autism spectrum disorder diagnoses. Head circumference, length, and weight growth during infancy for 24 children who maintained their diagnoses were compared with 15 children who lost their diagnoses, and to 37 typically developing controls. Results showed that head circumference and weight growth were significantly greater in both autism spectrum disorder groups compared with controls, with no significant differences between autism spectrum disorder groups. However, when length and weight were controlled for, accelerated head growth remained significant in the children who lost their diagnoses. Findings suggest that children who lose their autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and children who maintain their diagnoses show similar head circumference, length, and weight growth trajectories during infancy, although subtle differences in body growth between groups may exist.
8. Phetrasuwan S, Miles MS, Mesibov GB, Robinson C. {{Defining autism spectrum disorders}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):206-209.
9. Phetrasuwan S, Shandor Miles M. {{Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):157-165.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to describe the sources of parenting stress in mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and examine the relationship between parenting stress and maternal psychological status (depression and well-being). DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used. Data were collected via mailed questionnaires. RESULTS: Behavioral symptoms were the primary source of parenting stress for mothers. There was no relationship between child characteristics and parenting stress. Mothers reporting more parenting stress had more depressive symptoms and lower levels of well-being. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our findings have implications for interventions with mothers to help them manage their children’s behavior and focus on stress reduction and well-being.
10. Quirantes D. {{Collaborative approach to autism: a parent’s perspective}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):203-205.
Collaborative Practice provides a forum for healthcare professionals to share expertise and enhance communication.
11. Reaven JA. {{Children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and co-occurring anxiety symptoms: implications for assessment and treatment}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):192-199.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to provide guidance and recommendations for children with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and anxiety, including suggestions for assessment and intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Children with ASD are at increased risk for developing clinical anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms can impact school performance, peer relationships, and family functioning. Emerging clinical research has demonstrated the potential positive impact of modified cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety symptoms in children with ASD. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Modifications necessary to make cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols accessible to children with ASD are presented, along with specific suggestions for evaluating and treating anxiety symptoms.
12. Rhodes AM. {{Autism and the courts}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):215-216.
Ask the Expert provides research-based answers to practice questions submitted by JSPN readers.
13. Stieglitz Ham H, Bartolo A, Corley M, Swanson S, Rajendran G. {{Case report: Selective deficit in the production of intransitive gestures in an individual with autism}}. {Cortex};2009 (Jun 24)
14. West L, Brunssen SH, Waldrop J. {{Review of the evidence for treatment of children with autism with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2009 (Jul);14(3):183-191.
PURPOSE: To review the potential role of serotonin dysregulation in autism and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating core deficits and associated symptoms of autism in children. The literature was searched for reports of SSRI use in children with autism. Data are presented from prospective clinical trials that evaluated treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Some SSRIs show moderate success in managing specific behaviors. Only fluoxetine shows evidence of decreasing global autism severity. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Definitive conclusions concerning selection criteria, dosage, safety, and efficacy cannot be drawn given the current state of evidence.
