1. {{The International Meeting for Autism Research}}. {Autism Res} (Feb 19);3(1):45.
2. {{International Society for Autism Research News}}. {Autism Res} (Feb 19);3(1):46.
3. Hwang SJ, Chen YS. {{Congenital Rubella Syndrome With Autistic Disorder}}. {J Chin Med Assoc} (Feb);73(2):104-107.
Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) consists of a group of abnormalities that develop in children as a result of maternal infection with rubella virus. CRS may lead to new physical symptoms during adolescence or adulthood, referred to as « late manifestations ». Psychiatric disorders are often seen among CRS patients, with an incidence of 4.12-7.3% for autism. We report a case of adolescent CRS with autism. A 20-year-old man had received treatment with antipsychotics and antidepressants since the age of 12 years because of unstable moods, violence, and stereotypic behavior. During follow-up, he developed some insidious-onset physical problems, including hyperlipidemia, dyspnea, constipation, torticollis and a tilted trunk. Under careful survey and evaluation, some physical problems were recognized as side effects of psychotropics, which gradually subsided after adjustment of the medications, and some of the problems were considered partially as manifestations of CRS, such as progressive pulmonary artery stenosis-related dyspnea. We managed some of the patient’s physical problems and then he received catheterization for pulmonary artery stenosis. His general physical condition improved and some further improvement in psychiatric status was noted thereafter. Because of a high comorbidity rate for patients with autistic disorder, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of CRS if the patient has multiple congenital physical abnormalities with a history of maternal rubella infection. If patients develop physical symptoms in adolescence, awareness of late manifestations of CRS and differentiation from the adverse effects of psychotropic medications are essential. In addition to psychiatric treatment, management of physical problems associated with CRS would be beneficial for the patients’ psychiatric condition.
4. Larson E. {{Ever vigilant: maternal support of participation in daily life for boys with autism}}. {Phys Occup Ther Pediatr} (Feb);30(1):16-27.
ABSTRACT This study presents emergent findings from a qualitative study of caregivers’ well-being that illuminates why caregivers of children with autism are often found to be more stressed by their caregiving than caregivers of children with other disabilities. Nine mothers with diverse backgrounds whose sons had autism spectrum disorders participated. Data were gathered through intensive interviewing and analyzed using a deductive interpretive approach. Mothers characterized their caregiving as vigilance rather than burden. Yet, this vigilance was highly fatiguing. Mothers intensely attended to their children’s activities. This intense focus promoted participation in self-care, leisure, and social activities, and prevented frustration and behavioral meltdowns. Mothers also performed « forensic analyses » to understand the root cause of participation problems. This parenting was intensive because mothers oversaw the children’s activities at all times even during periods when mothers of typical children could take breaks. The children’s continuing participation problems included limited self-care skills, difficulties in problem solving in novel situations, and lack of leisure skills. This intense vigilance may be a key factor in maternal health issues, such as anxiety and depression. While these problems fall within the scope of occupational therapy’s expertise, it appears that many of these issues were not addressed by the current service-delivery models, leaving families to continue to struggle and the children to lack the skills for independent living as adults.
