AUTISM / AUTI$M

AUTI$M

DID YOU KNOW

AUTI$M disorders affect 1 in 250 Americans - Centers for Disease Control

That’s 1 million Americans

87% of Americans consider it to be a serious problem

62% are aware that AUTI$M prevalence is on the rise

ARE YOU

Prevalence has increased from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 250 in 25 years - Centers for Disease Control

In California alone, prevalence increased 273%* from 1987 to 1998 * Taking into consideration changes in diagnostics and definitions (Centers for Disease Control)

It doubled again in the next four years

Government continues to question this rise

It sponsors studies The studies confirm the rise

The government then finds “flaws” in these studies

and then continues to question the rise

IN THE MEANTIME

$60 million has been spent on AUTI$M research related to genetics more than on any other type of research

$$$ $$$

GENETIC$ is Sexy

GENETIC$ is Kewl

GENETIC$ is $$$$

“If you have [identified the] genes, then you have molecules. And, if there ever are going to be drugs that treat autism, then the pharmaceutical companies need a target. They need a molecule to target. Hopefully genetics can get them a lot closer to that.” Genetics researcher

MATH RECAP ► GENETIC$ + $$$$ = GENE$ = MOLECULE$ = NEW DRUG$ = $$$$ FOR DRUG COMPANIE$

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #1 AUTI$M rates are rising.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #1 AUTI$M rates are rising. • AND genes are not contagious.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #1 AUTI$M rates are rising. • AND genes are not contagious. • SO genetics is not a likely cause of the rise.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #2 Despite years of $$$, no gene has been found.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #2 Despite years of $$$, no gene has been found. • Some scientists now say AUTI$M is caused by multiple genes.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #2 Despite years of $$$, no gene has been found. • Some scientists now say AUTI$M is caused by multiple genes. • Some say 10 – 15% of AUTI$M is genetic.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ One recent Boston study found a genetic trigger in 1% of AUTI$M cases

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #3 Twin studies are inconclusive.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #3 Twin studies are inconclusive. • Some say that identical twins have a 36% chance of both being autistic.

THE CASE AGAINST GENETIC$ #3 Twin studies are inconclusive. • Some say that identical twins have a 36% chance of both being autistic. • Others say that identical twins have a 96% chance of both being autistic.

This means that anywhere from 4% to 64% of identical twin pairs have only one kid who’s autistic

So we aren’t likely to find any kind of miracle gene cure any time soon

So we aren’t likely to find any kind of miracle gene cure any time soon if ever

The truth is

Genetics isn’t destiny

We’ve mapped the whole human genome

and all we’ve found is a sketch.

Genes are just nature’s suggestions. Genes create tendencies, not fates.

Tendencies need triggers

SO RESEARCH THAT

We can’t change our genes

But we can change our brains

Brains are malleable changeable They make new cells and new connections every day

The human brain can recreate itself The human brain can recreate itself

with the right kind of push

for a long enough time

Parents are reporting results from biological treatments nutritional supplements special diets detoxification early behavioral programs relationship development programs neurofeedback or EEG training sensory processing therapy

But government and $$$ researchers call these programs QUACKERY

and dismiss theories that autism might be caused by environmental effects, technology, or teratogens* * agents that cause harm during pregnancy

or by infancy events

like vaccinations

The Homeland Security Act contained a provision shielding a small group of pharmaceutical companies from liability for harm to children caused by thimerosal, a mercury-based vaccine preservative. The rider was inserted just prior to the full House vote, and few in Congress were aware of it.

The truth is AUTI$M isn’t genetic. It’s biological. So is life.

Instead of throwing all the research $ at genetics

Research real-life triggers and treatments

“If you accept the fact that the numbers have increased, you must seek an environmental cause.” - Mark Blaxill, SafeMinds

Right now, parents of autistic children are paying for their own research. One year of behavioral therapy costs $30,000 or more. This does not include other costs, such as private school tuition, occupational therapy, vitamin therapy, and private specialists.

Isn’t the government helping?

In October 2002, FDA investigators and U.S. Marshals seized hundreds of bottles of taurine capsules from Kirkman Labs, one of the few American labs that make vitamins for autism treatments. The FDA said Kirkman had made unsubstantiated claims that the product could treat autism. This came within days of news stories exposing the FDA’s lowest-ever rate of taking action against drug companies for misleading ads. - Autism Watch; Center for Responsible Genetics

hoo boy...

PLEASE

Fund non-genetic autism research and help fill in the big picture

Fund treatments that people find helpful and useful

Fund research that studies the whole person ...genes, body, and world

Fund families to ease the $$$ burden

Fund research into environmental causes and triggers

PLEASE NOW

PLEASE NOW and not decades from now

and let’s take the $ out of AUTISM

www.nancymucklow.com www.mucklowedit.com 2008 Credits: all photos purchased from iStockphotos , Fotolia, and Morguefile References: http://www.autismspeaks.org/inthenews/naar_archive/naar_autism_poll.php http://www.gene-watch.org/genewatch/articles/16-2herbert_silverman.html http://www.gene-watch.org/genewatch/articles/16-1autism.pdf http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9A06E3DA1738F935A15752C0A9629C8B63 http://www.autism.net.au/Downloads/Scientists%20closer%20to%20identifying%20Gene%20for%20Autism.pdf

AUTISM / AUTI$M

by Nancy Mucklow on Aug 16, 2008

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AUTISM / AUTI$M — Presentation Transcript

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