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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| Gene discoveries yield autism clues |
| 2008-07-12 |
| Harvard researchers have discovered half a dozen new genes involved in autism that suggest the disorder strikes in a brain that can't properly form new connections. The findings also may help explain why intense education programs do help some autistic children -- because certain genes that respond to experience weren't missing, they were just stuck in the "off" position. "The circuits are there but you have to give it an extra push," said Dr. Gary Goldstein of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, which wasn't involved in the gene hunt but is well-known for its autism behavioral therapy. |
| Posted by:gorb |
| #5 In those who lack empathy, often it is effective for them to learn to affect empathy. "When they do X, then you do Y" is a good substitute, and like learning manners. Men hold open the door for women "because". The plus side of Aspergers is that it often enhances the attention span. If this is used to study, it gives an advantage in learning. So this should be cultivated. That is, learning to ignore everything else until a subject has been mastered. I saw a good example of this in a man with Aspergers, who spent the better part of four days intensely studying the study manual for the Microsoft Certified Engineer Exam (MSCE), one of the hardest tests around. He just refused to be distracted by anything, and did not get bored. Of course he had breaks to eat, sleep and shower, etc. But otherwise he had no distractions. He then took the test and passed it, an amazing accomplishment, almost guaranteeing a high paying job at that time. In support of this, a strict daily routine would also be good to cultivate. A strong element of order will in the long run make their life much easier. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-07-12 21:51 |
| #4 It depends on the depth of the Asperger's Syndrome, borgboy. Some Aspies, as they apparently call themselves, are capable of being taught the behaviours and skills -- and even too some extent empathy -- necessary to function as well as Normals, and of discovering the joys of loving and being loved. Others, sadly, are as you say, but better is still better than nothing. For full-blown autistics as well. In my limited experience, only 20% of therapists recognize and know how to handle Asperger's. Milder cases usually get diagnosed, medicated, and therapied as ADHD, which is unhelpful. Finding a knowledgeable therapist is critical. Anti-anxiety medication and therapy helps, too, but the anxiety will persist and increase until the Asperger's is addressed. A good contact, surprisingly, is the Disability Services office at the nearest big university. They should be accustomed to what is necessary to accommodate Aspies, and will know who in the area is qualified to work with them. For those who are curious, here is the Wikipedia article on Asperger's. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2008-07-12 20:38 |
| #3 I have a 15year old son with Azbergers. It is a "mild" condition only in comparison to full blown autism. OCD is part and parcel of the condition - as is the inate selfishness (lack of empathy) found in autistic spectrum children. They are also fond of compulsive touching - an issue frought with legal perils in our (often)over-sensitive society. There is no cure - one tries to gradualy edge the child into the mores of the societal mainstream - but this can be a glacier like process. Many of these kids, by necessity, will live in adult group homes upon reaching legal age. |
| Posted by: borgboy 2008-07-12 15:36 |
| #2 Glenmore, The genes for Psychopathy and good skin? |
| Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2008-07-12 09:25 |
| #1 I wonder if there are some different genetic 'defects' that are responsible for the mind of the successful modern politician. Something that generates that inability to tell the truth (or perhaps even to know the truth) and and egotism that defines what they say as inerently being the truth. (And I am actually being partly serious about this, and not just making a snide comment.) |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2008-07-12 09:20 |