November 2009
EDITORIAL
Autism spectrum disorders: Rising prevalence drives research on causes and cures
This special issue of Annals of Clinical Psychiatry features original research and review articles on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as a continuation of our August issue. A recent survey reports a higher prevalence of ASD in the United States—1.1% or 1 in 91 children age 3 to 17—than previously estimated.1 The survey also reports that nearly 40% of children who had been diagnosed with ASD did not currently have the condition. These results reinforce the importance of early recognition and effective interventions for children with ASD.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Retrospective analysis of clinical records in 38 cases of recovery from autism
Background: Twenty years of research on early intensive treatment using applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism has consistently produced robust effects. There appears to be a subset of children whose response to intensive ABA treatments includes achieving a level of functioning that is indistinguishable from typically developing peers. The purpose of this study was to describe a subset of children who recovered from autism following intensive ABA interventions.
REVIEW ARTICLES
The possibility and probability of a gut-to-brain connection in autism
Background: We have shown that urine peptide increase is found in
autism, and that some of these peptides have a dietary origin. To be explanatory
for the disease process, a dietary effect on the brain must be
shown to be possible and probable.
Novel and emerging treatments for autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review
Background: Currently, only one medication (risperidone) is FDA- approved for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Perhaps for this reason, the use of novel, unconventional, and off-label treatments for ASD is common, with up to 74% of children with ASD using these treatments; however, treating physicians are often unaware of this usage.
A review of dietary interventions in autism
Background: Anecdotal reports and parent surveys have shown evidence that dietary interventions have had some success in ameliorating the symptoms of autism.