A new study provides valuable insight into the neuropathology of early autism development by imaging the brains of naturally sleeping toddlers. The research, published by Cell Press in the June 24 issue of the journal Neuron, identifies a brain abnormality observed at the very beginning stages of autism that may aid in early diagnosis of autism and shed light on its underlying biology.

In a novel imaging study of sleeping toddlers, scientists at the University of California, San Diego Autism Center of Excellence report that a diminished ability of a young brain’s hemispheres to “sync” with one another could be a powerful, new biological marker of autism, one that might enable an autism diagnosis at a very young age.

Seaside Therapeutics, Inc. announced today the initiation of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b study to evaluate the effects of STX209 (arbaclofen) on social impairment in children, adolescents and adults (ages 5 to 21) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Company announced positive results from an open-label Phase 2a study of STX209 in September of 2010.

A new study from Cambridge University has for the first time found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region. The Medical Research Council (MRC) funded study, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, has important implications for service provision in different regions and for the ‘hyper-systemizing’ theory of autism.

In an effort to unravel the tangled biology of autism, Johns Hopkins scientists have created a mouse model that mimics a human mutation of a gene known to be associated with autism spectrum disorders. Experiments with the engineered mouse reveal a molecular mechanism by which mutations of the gene named Shank3 affect the brain and behavior to evoke an autism-like disorder in mice.

Researchers from McMaster University believe that routine autism screening for all children is not necessary. They say that “there is not enough sound evidence supporting the implementation of a routine population-based screening program for autism.” Their report is published in the journal Pediatrics.

Proposals recommending routine screening of all children for autism gets a thumbs down from researchers at McMaster University. In a study in the online edition of the journal Pediatrics, the researchers say there is “not enough sound evidence to support the implementation of a routine population-based screening program for autism.

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) has launched a multi-year study to help identify environmental and other factors that may put children at risk for developing conditions within the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Different people with autism can have very different symptoms. Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder (ASD), a group of disorders with similar features. One person may have mild symptoms, while another may have serious symptoms. But they both have an autism spectrum disorder.

A clinically extensive and mathematically powerful study of 1000 families with one autistic child and one unaffected sibling has validated a controversial theory of autism’s complex genetic causation. The study for the first time estimates the minimum number of locations in the human genome — 250 to 300 — where gene copy number variation (CNV) can give rise to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Federal Communications Commission will hold the next EAAC meeting on July 8, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Washington, DC. The EAAC works to determine the most effective and efficient technologies and methods to enable access to Next Generation 911 emergency services by individuals with disabilities. This link opens a PDF document. This information is also in text format.

Share of Cost: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and NeighborWorks® America have announced a new program called the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP). EHLP helps homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment due to economic conditions or a medical condition. Read the frequently asked questions for more information about this program.

The Information Network for Resident Online Access and Delivery of Services (inRoads) evaluates you for possible eligibility for benefits, allows you to apply for/review benefits offered by the state of West Virginia and lets you check on your benefits information online.

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A website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine for patients and families that provides information about diseases, illnesses, health conditions and wellness issues. Pages contain links with health information on over 800 topics, as well as information on drugs and supplements and videos and tools.

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released the 2011 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors. This publication has information about health care, pensions, education and training, home loans, life insurance, transition assistance and how to appeal a decision on a claim for benefits.

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The State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities will be held on November 3 – 4, 2011 in Fairfax, VA. Colleges and universities, researchers, program staff, parents and self-advocates will discuss the current state of policies, research and practice in the field.

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