Like so many other examples of the double standard, research on the health issues of women lags behind the health discoveries for men.  Autism Spectrum Disorders are no different.  Many more boys are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, than are girls.  Does this mean the disorder is more prevalent in males?  Or is it once again an example of the typical research error so common in university labs. For example, not long ago women unnecessarily suffered fatal heart attacks because physicians did not recognize the medical symptoms of heart disease in women.  They studied male symptomatology in medical school, not how heart disease affects women.  As a result more men are diagnosed sooner, and often survive their first heart attack as a result, while women go undiagnosed.  When women have their "first" heart attack it is frequently a killer since no one noticed early enough  the unique way that heart disease is expressed in women. Research is tricky with human subjects so universities typically don't address gender issues at first.  It is a "confounding" variable.  Instead they study a group of males and post their conclusions after the study. Physicians then take this research and apply it to women, often with disastrous results.  If you want to know more about how one woman has dealt with her undiagnosed Asperger Syndrome, read her story at http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/2009/04/soaking-in-normalcy-fetishism-or.html Luckily she found a therapist who diagnosed her as having Asperger Syndrome when she was in her early forties, but that was years after a heartbreaking struggle to do a life.  The fact that this one blog post garnered 173 responses from NTs and Aspies alike, demonstrates how important is the subject  of Women and Asperger Syndrome. Since the release of my book Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: GOING OVER THE EDGE? - Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship, I have received emails from mothers and husbands asking for help with their daughters and wives.  I have addressed the issue of AS in girls in women in my book, but it is only a cursory look.  Clearly we desperately need more research and services for women and girls with AS.

From Turkey to Ireland, the news of the genetic link to Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders took the world by storm.  Within a few hours news agencies all over the world were announcing the discovery first published in Nature – an international weekly journal of science. Scientists have identified a new gene variant (CDH10) that is highly common in autistic children. When researchers scrutinized the activity of the gene in the fetal brain, they discovered that it is most active in key regions that support language, speech and interpreting social behavior. These findings were published April 28 in the advance online edition of the journal Nature. Previously, scientists believed that autism was a developmental disorder resulting from abnormal connections in the brain. However, this new research suggests that CDH10 plays a critical role in shaping the developing brain and may therefore contribute to a prenatal risk of autism. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) range from severe autism to mild Asperger’s syndrome.  In one of these new studies, of more than 10,000 people including those with ASD and their families, researchers found that genetic factors play a strong role in ASD. I found this research fascinating because it confirms what I’ve observed in families that come to me for therapy. I find that frequently a child who is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome has an undiagnosed parent with the same disorder. Click here to learn more about adults with Asperger Syndrome.

The opportunity to travel and explore another culture is a once in a lifetime adventure for many young adults, but it is often off limits for Asperger youth.  Thankfully, more and more universities are establishing programs for Asperger teens. I recently learned that USC University Center For Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) professionals have put together an adventure for students with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Thirteen days will be spent throughout England and Scotland with professionals from CHLA as well as graduate students who are experienced with students with AS. If you have AS and are between the ages of 16-20, this might be something to look into. Apparently the goal of this trip is to boost independence and self-sufficiency. With many group activities, it will provide an opportunity to grow in a group environment as well as receive specific mentoring from staff members. There also lies the potential for making life-long friends with those who understand the personal struggles of Asperger Syndrome. Please contact Beverly Daley, Ph.D. at bdaley@chla.usc.edu or (323) 361-2490 for more information.

Since the 1970's, the Autism Society of America, ASA, has recognized April as the National Autism Awareness Month. With autism on the rise, it's encouraging to see so many people taking the time to educate our society on this subject. Visit ASA's website to see eight ways you can celebrate National Autism Awareness Month. In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, the University of Washington Autism Center will be offering FREE autism screenings at their clinics in Tacoma and Seattle. The UW has been dedicated to researching, educating, and providing intervention services for children with autism. Another giant step forward is the new bill that the Washington State Legislature passed to honor individuals with autism. I recommending reading Resolution 8629 to see how the government is determined to provide more support and research for those with autism and their families. The bottom line is, get involved! The more we know, the more we can help.

I saw that Raun K. Kaufman spoke this week at Oregon Health & Science University. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the lecture, but I am very impressed by the work of Mr. Kaufman. His stop in Portland was part of a nationwide tour entitled, "Autism: Recovery Is Possible - 2 Hours that Will Change Your Child's Life - The Autism Hope Action Plan." Raun Kaufman is an autism specialist and CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America™. When Raun was a child, he was diagnosed with autism and was said to be incurable. With the help and guidance from his parents, Samahria and Barry Neil Kaufman, they developed a one of a kind home program to help Raun. Their work is known as The Son-Rise Program®. Today Raun is a successful and outgoing speaker, author, and teacher. Raun graduated from Brown University and is now using his life to help others who suffer from autism. He is a valuable member of The Sun Rise Program® and is now covering the country with his inspiring lectures. I am sure we will be hearing much more about Raun Kaufman and the strides he is making to share principles that could greatly impact the autism community.

A fascinating study at Bath University sheds some light on a possible reason why children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) have difficulties adjusting to change in their routine. Studies showed a low level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in children with AS. Normally, there is a surge in cortisol in the early morning hours, but that peak doesn’t occur for those with AS. Mark Bronson, a psychologist at Bath University, commented, "Although these are early days, we think this difference in stress hormone levels could be really significant in explaining why children with AS are less able to react and cope with unexpected change." Bath and Bristol Universities plan to continue researching why children with AS find more situations stressful than other children. This will help parents and teachers comprehend what is happening and enable them to avoid adding unnecessary stress to the child. For more information on this study, I recommend reading  an article on Psych Central entitled “New Theories of Autism, Asperger Syndrome”. Also visit my Frequently Asked Questions for more information on Asperger Syndrome.

Brenda Myles, founder of Autism Asperger Publishing Company and award winning author on autism, recently spoke at California University's 2nd Annual P.E.P Rally and Autism Conference. She spoke to an audience of parents, educators, and providers who are dealing with autism. The conference focused on teaching young ones with autism how to overcome the challenges of interpreting communication and understanding others. Myles spoke about the how autism hinders the ability to read non-verbal language and how those with autism think on a literal level. She also discussed the fact that children with autism need help with the "hidden curriculum" or unwritten rules of society that don’t come naturally. I appreciated Myles realistic encouragement to this community. She said, "Teaching children with autism spectrum disorders about all of the unwritten rules of society seems an overwhelming task. I like to use the one-a-day method. If education professionals would teach one thing a day to a child with autism, they would cover 180 items a year. Other students will also benefit from the reminders. If parents of children with autism spectrum disorders would teach one thing each day, they would cover 365 items each year. Remember to grab the teachable moments because there are excellent ways to make sure they understand the hidden curriculum. These kids see the world so differently. Academic standards are only one piece of the puzzle. We can't predict where anyone is going to be but we need to teach them ways to be successful in life. The potential is there." I am pleased that Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) is publishing my new book Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome:  GOING OVER THE EDGE?. AAPC provides a variety of books, research, and conferences. Their mission to provide practical solutions to all things related to autism based off the latest research available.

Love is a natural desire for all human beings. This statement also rings true for those with Asperger Syndrome. They may struggle with showing and understanding emotions and even more so with showing love, but this does not mean that they don't long for it and desire it. Is it possible for someone with Asperger Syndrome to have a loving relationship? Dr. Tony Attwood, an authority on Asperger's Syndrome, recently wrote a fascinating article, OPPOSING VIEWS:  The Romantic Lives of Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome, which gives a very insightful look at AS relationships. Tony recommends that a child with Asperger's Syndrome be given proper guidance to develop relationship skills throughout the course of their life. Starting at a young age, the child’s parents need to focus on the necessity of developing healthy friendships which will also promote stronger self-esteem. Once they have reached adolescence, there’s an ongoing need to teach an accurate portrayal of attraction, dating, and sexuality. I also appreciated Tony’s thoughts on having a trusted friend or family member meet possible dates. They can give insight and perspective on whether that person will be a good choice before the dating process begins. Unfortunately, most adults with AS were not diagnosed as children since AS has only recently been widely recognized as a diagnosis. Many adults with AS have lived in ignorance and suffered the consequences. Yes, those with Asperger's Syndrome can love, but the quality of the relationship will be different. My new book, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome:  GOING OVER THE EDGE?, highlights a realistic view of loving those with Asperger's Syndrome. At times these relationships can be full of heartache, but my passion is to teach ones how to do it better! I encourage you to continue to learn and educate yourself about AS. For more information, read my Frequently Asked Questions.

When a child is diagnosed with autism, most people automatically think of how the parents will be affected. But what about the siblings of children of autism? How severely are they impacted? Studies are now showing that these children will be affected in one way or another. One of the more obvious problems is that it will be more difficult for them to form a normal and healthy bond with their autistic sibling. It may also increase a tendency towards behavioral problems, depression and speech disabilities. Researchers recommend that siblings of autistic children can benefit from speech and language therapy. Obviously, every child is different and their reaction to a sibling with autism will be varied. The point is that it is important to be aware of the possibilities and to take the necessary steps to ensure that each and every child, regardless of disabilities, has the proper care and guidance they need. More research on this subject is available in the article OPINION: How Do Siblings Affect Autistic Kids? by Teresa J. Foden from the Interactive Autism Network. My new book, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: GOING OVER THE EDGE, discusses the fact that a relationship with a loved one with Asperger Syndrome is difficult. I use stories to share some of the struggles I’ve personally observed in families between siblings, mates, parents and children. My hope is to help teach these loved ones how to have successful relationships and to take control of their lives. If you are interested in ordering your own copy of the book, please sign-up for my newsletter so I can contact as soon as the book becomes available. Continue to read my blog for more updates!