Long term antibiotic therapy may be an effective treatment for children co-morbid with Lyme disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 606-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mason Kuhn ◽  
Shannon Grave ◽  
Robert Bransfield ◽  
Steven Harris
Author(s):  
Emily Neuhaus

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Although current diagnostic conceptualizations of ASD do not include emotional difficulties as core deficits, the disorder is associated with emotion dysregulation across the lifespan, with considerable implications for long-term psychological, social, and educational outcomes. The overarching goal of this chapter is to integrate existing knowledge of emotion dysregulation in ASD and identify areas for further investigation. The chapter reviews the prevalence and expressions of emotion dysregulation in ASD, discusses emerging theoretical models that frame emotion dysregulation as an inherent (rather than associated) feature of ASD, presents neurobiological findings and mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation in ASD, and identifies continuing controversies and resulting research priorities.


Author(s):  
Theoharis C. Theoharides ◽  
Jaanvi Sant ◽  
Maria-Eleni Giota

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by impaired social interactions and communication, as well as by stereotypic movements, that affects 1 in 59 children. ASD is expected to reach 1 in about 40 children by 2020, yet it remains without distinct pathogenesis and effective treatment. Children with ASD respond with high anxiety to almost any unknown stimulus and appear to misread danger/threat signals, and may not experience anxiety in situations where normotypic children do. The authors propose that environmental stimuli stimulate the unique immune cells, known as mast cells (MC), which then trigger microglia, leading to dysfunctional neuronal connectivity in the amygdala. This process lowers or disrupts the “fear response” and leads to an exaggerated “fight-or-flight” reaction. corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) could have a synergistic effect with environmental stimuli, especially mycotoxins. Recognizing this association and preventing stimulation of mast cells/microglia could lead to effective treatment of ASD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 2050313X1987002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah D Stalnaker ◽  
Priya Prasher ◽  
Susan Flesher

Children with autism spectrum disorder have been found to have lower levels of vitamin D than their peers. Our case report supports the hypothesis that vitamin D may be an effective treatment for developmental delay in autism. In addition, we review the literature surrounding vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of autism spectrum disorder and the role that vitamin D may play in treatment.


Author(s):  
Cara E. Pugliese ◽  
Gregory L. Wallace ◽  
Laura Gutermuth Anthony ◽  
Lauren Kenworthy

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities are at increased risk for engaging in one or more types of problem behavior (e.g., aggression, property destruction, self-injury). Self-injurious behavior (SIB), the focus of the current chapter, refers to behaviors that produce (or could produce) physical injury to an individual’s own body and is common among individuals with ASD. SIB poses immediate and long-term risks for the individuals and their caregivers. This chapter summarizes the prevalence and developmental course of SIB in individuals with ASD, as well as research on the etiology, diagnosis, assessment, and evidence-based treatments for SIB. Case examples and suggestions for future research are provided.


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