By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
March 12, 2012

Swedish researchers found that almost 70 percent of young Swedes with Asperger’s syndrome in a new study have suffered from depression.

Tove Lugnegård, a researcher and doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg, discovered that mood disorders and anxiety disorders are very common among young adults with Asperger syndrome.

Around 70 percent of the young adults with Asperger’s syndrome in the study reported at least one previous episode of depression, and up to 50 percent had had repeated episodes — a remarkable result given that the mean age of the group was just 27 years.

By Miriam Falco, CNN Medical Managing Editor
February 17, 2012

New research provides evidence that wiring in the brains of children with autism differs from typically developing children as early as six months of age, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on Friday.

“This is the earliest study of brain development using neuro-imaging,” says Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D. “By six months of age, even before the symptoms [of autism] emerge, the brain networks that connect different brain regions do not develop correctly.”

Dawson is not only one of the study authors, she’s also the Chief Science Officer of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, which, along with the National Institutes of Health and the Simons Foundation, funded the research.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with researchers from other locations of the Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) network, studied 92 babies who were all considered to be at high-risk for developing autism because they had older siblings with the neurodevelopmental disorder. Currently, about one in 110 children in the United States has autism, according to the latest CDC statistics.

All 92 infants underwent a type of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan called diffusion tensor imaging. MRIs do not use radiation and therefore are safe to use on babies.

Most of the children were scanned again at the age of 12 and 24 months. They were also given standard behavioral assessments for autism when they were 24 months old. After the behavioral assessment, 28 children met the criteria for autism, 64 did not.

Latest Developments in Asperger’s Research

Because autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome, have become so prevalent in today’s society, research is constantly being done to find the cause and the best treatments for it. Many studies focus on children, but more research is being done with adults in the hopes that their maturity might shine a new light on the best ways to help them function better with their relationships and lifestyles.

One new study uses a technology called functional magnetic resonance imaging to discover how abnormalities in different areas of the brain can result in Asperger’s Syndrome. The fMRI can show changes in brain functions and how these changes can cause the effects of Asperger’s. Researchers are targeting six areas of the brain that control language, emotional and social functions. If the use of MRI’s is successful, the test could then be used to diagnose the disorder or even to discover if new medications are working as expected.

Another long range study is to obtain DNA samples from people who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and members of their families. These samples are then analyzed in the hopes that a genetic link will be discovered. As of right now, there are no “physical” markers of autism or Asperger’s and all diagnosis are based on observation alone. A genetic link would make diagnosis much easier and could also point the way to new treatments and therapies.

If you know of or have a family member that is diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome, you will realize that marriage and children are not uncommon with someone diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome. People raised by parents with Aspergers syndrome do not always exhibit A.S. tendencies. The traits that people with A.S. exhibit and possibly hand down to their children is below.

Married men that are diagnosed will still exhibit their A.S. symptoms after marriage. It’s still very difficult to connect with other members in his family. With his wife, he will want minimal contact. He will not show much empathy or sympathy and he will probably be very literal minded. He will want to a lot of space between them.

This section explains some of the most common reasons for a child with an ASD over-eating and provides some basic strategies to help you try and overcome the problem.

Some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can have problems relating to feeding and difficulties surrounding their diet. These dietary problems can relate to both over- and under-eating. Unfortunately, there is limited literature which focuses on this issue. For further information relating to a restricted diet please see the ‘Dietary management for children and adolescents with ASDs: restricted diet’ information sheet.

Please note that all of the following points are general and therefore we would always advise individuals or their carers to consult with a GP or a medical professional if they have any dietary issues.

The first step if you are concerned about an individual’s diet should be to create a food diary. A food diary will hopefully be able to show possible reasons for the over-eating or weight gain. By regularly recording an individual’s eating habits you will be provided with useful information about their eating pattern.

By David Fenton
January 5, 2012

In the world of Asperger syndrome, Victoria Harris is a success story with a job and a long-term relationship.

She is among just 12% of people with the condition currently employed in Britain, according to the National Autistic Society.

Asperger’s can cause behavioural and social difficulties often meaning it is hard to find work and sustain relationships.

But Miss Harris, from Weymouth in Dorset, has now been going out with her boyfriend Matt Dale, who has Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, for four years.

She believes it was only down to being diagnosed at a young age that she was given the support she needed.
‘Work together’

“I think it is a problem [nowadays] that a lot of people are having with the condition.
Victoria Harris Miss Harris works part-time at a Tesco store

“Councils are finding money tight, especially at the moment, so getting a diagnosis is like getting blood out of a stone.”

By David Fenton
January 3, 2012

For graduate Martin Hedley who has Asperger’s syndrome being unemployed for the past 10 years is a situation he cannot understand.

“I did a degree… but I’ve got a debt of £14,000 and I’m on benefits – that’s completely mental,” he says.

He is among about 88% of people with the condition who are currently unemployed in Britain, according to the National Autistic Society.

The 44-year-old singer-songwriter from Weymouth, Dorset, has been out of work since he was diagnosed.

He was previously working as a mechanic and a self-employed wood turner but has struggled to find suitable employment since his diagnosis.

Asperger’s is a form of high-functioning autism, which often leads to intelligent and capable people struggling with social situations.
‘Like a curse’

Common workplace problems, like a change of routine, can make them stressed and anxious.

“My brain never ever stops analysing things, over and over and over again,” Mr Hedley said.

“In that sense it is like a curse because it just never ever stops.”
Rowan Hedley Mr Hedley’s daughter Rowan said her father can be “child-like” because of his condition

After years of failing to find employment, Mr Hedley decided to set up his own community project to renovate a historic building in Weymouth.

By Alan Zarembo
December 16, 2011

Last of Four Parts

As more children are diagnosed with autism, researchers are trying to find unrecognized cases of the disorder in adults. The search for the missing millions is just beginning.

When autism researchers arrived at Norristown State Hospital near Philadelphia a few years ago, they found a 63-year-old man who rambled on about Elvis Presley , compulsively rocked in his chair and patted the corridor walls.

Ben Perrick, a resident of the psychiatric institution for most of his life, displayed what the University of Pennsylvania researchers considered classic symptoms of autism. His chart, however, said he was schizophrenic and mentally retarded.

Delving into the file, the researchers learned that as a 10-year-old, Perrick had seen Dr. Leo Kanner, the psychiatrist who discovered autism. In his notes from 1954, Kanner described Perrick as “a child who is self centered, withdrawn, and unable to relate to other people,” and recommended that he be committed.

Later, other doctors relabeled Perrick. The autism diagnosis was forgotten.

The researchers found 13 other patients with unrecognized autism in the Norristown hospital — about 10% of the residents they evaluated. It was a sign of how medical standards and social attitudes toward the disorder have shifted.