Learning about Music Therapy and Rett Syndrome

When there seems to be a developmental disorder in your child, you want to do everything you can to help them. This is why the link between music therapy and Rett Syndrome has gotten so much press. By combining this effective and side effect free therapy with more traditional developmental therapies, music therapy and Rett Syndrome are working hand in hand to help children move through the world in a more constructive way – even as their bodies are trying to defy them. Before you can learn about music therapy and Rett Syndrome, it will help to learn the basics of music therapy. In short, music therapy is the practice in which music is used as a tool to help a patient reach certain goals. For some patients, music might be used to encourage them during a particularly hard physical therapy session. For others, music might be used to help with mental disorders by allowing them to speak more freely about their troubles through lyrics, song sharing, etc. And in the case of Rett Syndrome, music seems to helping improve motor coordination, which can allow children to lead a more normal life. The other side of the music therapy and Rett Syndrome discussion is the disorder itself. Characterized by jerking movements of the body, Rett Syndrome is a developmental disorder the presents itself in early childhood. Sometimes it can be as sever as to not allow the child to move their muscles properly, while in other cases, the child may be in extreme pain in trying to move against what their body is trying to do. This is generally a gradual onset disorder and a child may appear to be developing at a normal rate for the first few years of their life. But as the syndrome progresses, the child may begin to show autistic signs – toe walking, coordination troubles, and breathing troubles. Caused by a genetic defect, Rett Syndrome does not have any cure as of yet, but it does appear to respond to concentrated therapy – like physical therapy. This can give the child more mobility while also helping them learn to use their body in a productive manner. By teaching children how to communicate through rhythm and music, the child can feel as though they are a part of their world as well as having the parent feel as though their child can 'speak' to them. These children who use music therapy also seem to be able to make decisions on their own as well as lessening the jerky movements that their body uses. The link between music therapy and Rett Syndrome progress is easy to see in the many research studies that have been done around the world.

Pediatric Lokomat® Walking Therapy

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago provides robot-assisted walking therapy using the Lokomat® to help pediatric and adult patients improve their ability to walk. Featured on the Today Show, RIC offers Pediatric Lokomat therapy, or robot-assisted walking therapy, for children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP) to help improve their ability to walk. Robot-assisted walking therapy may not be appropriate for everyone, and certain medical conditions may prohibit your participation in this activity. To learn more about our program please review the information below and also see Questions & Answers About Robot-Assisted Walking Therapy About Lokomat TherapyRobot-assisted walking therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses a robotic device to help a person improve his or her ability to walk. The patient is suspended in a harness over a treadmill, and an exoskeleton robotic frame, attached by straps to the outside of the legs, moves the legs in a natural walking pattern. A computer controls the pace of walking and measures the body’s response to the movement. The pediatric model also has an interactive gaming interface which, through cartoon characters and challenges, motivates children and provides them instruction. Without the Lokomat, this type of physical therapy is conducted with the aid of two or more therapists who manually move the patient’s legs in a walking pattern. The strenuous nature and variability of the manual method can limit the frequency and duration of therapy. With the Lokomat, the robotic device does most of the heavy work, the pattern and pace are consistent throughout the session, and the exercise can be sustained over longer periods of time, making it more effective. The Science Behind the TreatmentRIC has been examining and tracking the effects of this therapy for adults for years and continues to focus on new research and clinical trials that provide more data on this treatment. In fact, RIC was the first hospital in the U.S. to obtain this technology and began clinical trials with the Lokomat® when it was first approved by the Food & Drug Administration in March 2002. In addition to its research studies, RIC now makes robot-assisted walking therapy available in the clinical setting for adult inpatients and outpatients as well. In an early study conducted in Europe [1] examining the use of Lokomat therapy for children with CP, results indicated an improvement in walking speed and in gross-motor function. The therapy was also rated “excellent” in providing motivation for carrying out therapy among a majority of children, while there was also a very high level of approval from the therapy team and parents. QuestionsWhat are the criteria for using the Pediatric Lokomat?All patients must undergo an evaluation by an RIC physician and physical therapist before being recommended for the Lokomat. The following information can be used as a guideline for patients and family members interested in RIC’s services: Age: Minimum age typically 4 years; Lokomat is available for older children and adults Diagnoses: Central gait impairment secondary to cerebral palsy or malformations, spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury or Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome Over Ground Walking: Achieving over ground walking ability; presents some stepping pattern in supported gait Cognition: Ability to follow single step commands and to signal fear, pain or discomfort Femur Length: Femur length must be 21 centimeters Are there conditions that would prevent a patient from using the Lokomat (contraindications)The following issues may prevent a patient from being eligible for services in the Lokomat: Spasticity: Severe spasticity requires a trial test Lokomat session Cardiovascular issues: Cardiovascular instability or thromboembolic disease are contraindications Bone Issues: Fractures, osseous instabilities, osteoporosis, scoliosis greater than 20 degrees are contraindications Skin: Unhealed skin lesions in the trunk or lower extremities are contraindications Musculoskeletal issues: Weight-bearing restrictions are a contraindication Neurological comorbidities: Acute or progressive neurological disorders are a contraindication Ventilators: Ventilator dependency is a contraindication Intravenous Drip: Intravenous drip is a contraindication Behavior: Aggressive or self harming behavior is a contraindication How much does robot-assisted walking therapy cost?The cost of robot-assisted walking therapy will vary according to how often and how long it is required to achieve the maximum benefit for each individual. Many healthcare insurance providers cover robot-assisted walking therapy; you should consult your insurance provider for details. Where can I participate in robot-assisted walking therapy?RIC offers robot-assisted walking therapy only in the inpatient, outpatient and research centers of our flagship hospital, which is located at 345 E. Superior Street in Chicago. How often does a person need to participate in robot-assisted walking therapy?The effectiveness of robot-assisted walking therapy varies from person to person, so patients should be able to commit to a minimum of 60 minutes of therapy per day, three days per week, for four weeks. Periodic evaluations will be conducted to determine if more sessions would be helpful in achieving the maximum benefit. How do I schedule an appointment for a physician evaluation for robot-assisted walking therapy?Based upon the information supplied to RIC, clinical staff will make a preliminary determination of the appropriateness of robot-assisted walking therapy. You may call RIC at 1-800-354-REHAB (7342) or 1-312-238-1000 and ask for Pediatric Lokomat Patient Line to leave your information. You also may submit an request online for a physician consultation . You will be contacted to determine how best to proceed, which may include scheduling a physician evaluation. Are the results of robot-assisted walking therapy guaranteed?No, the results of robot-assisted walking therapy or any other type of therapy are not guaranteed. However, during the course of therapy, periodic evaluations will be conducted to measure improvement and determine if more sessions may help to achieve the maximum benefit. Read further questions and answers about Lokomat therapy . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] The Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Young People (Affoltern am Albis , Switzerland ); Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital (Munich ) and Hocoma, 2007 Source: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Pediatric Lokomat® - Functional locomotion therapy for children

The Pediatric Lokomat allows intensive locomotion therapy now also for small children with cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders. The reduced size robotic gait orthosis offers the same benefits as the Lokomat for adults. Special harnesses and cuffs ensure precise fit also for small children

RIC Introduces Pediatric Lokomat Therapy to Enhance Ability to Walk in Neurologically Impaired Child

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is now offering the pediatric version of the Lokomat robot-assisted walking therapy. 05.19.2009 — The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) announced it’s offering Pediatric Lokomat therapy, or robot-assisted walking therapy, for children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy(CP), to help improve their ability to walk and achieve their life goals and dreams. | Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition affecting the motor control portion of the brain often accompanied by secondary orthopaedic conditions affecting a child’s voluntary muscle activation, tone, reflexes, coordination, balance and ability to walk and be independent. CP is the leading cause of disability in children, and approximately 800,000 adults and children in the U.S. currently live with CP. An additional 10,000 babies born this year are estimated to develop this condition[2]. “RIC is committed to discovering new treatments that maximize the abilities of kids with cerebral palsy allowing them to achieve their goals in life,” said Deborah Gaebler-Spira, MD, director of the cerebral palsy program at RIC. “There is an immense need for research in this area, and RIC is dedicated to examining the vast opportunities and discovering new treatments that advance ability for those who are living with CP.” About Lokomat Therapy Robot-assisted walking therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses a robotic device to help a person improve his or her ability to walk. The patient is suspended in a harness over a treadmill, and an exoskeleton robotic frame, attached by straps to the outside of the legs, moves the legs in a natural walking pattern. A computer controls the pace of walking and measures the body’s response to the movement. The pediatric model also has an interactive gaming interface which, through cartoon characters and challenges, motivates children and provides them instruction. Currently, this type of physical therapy is conducted with the aid of two or more therapists who manually move the patient’s legs in a walking pattern. The strenuous nature and variability of the manual method can limit the frequency and duration of therapy. In the Lokomat, the robotic device does most of the heavy work, the pattern and pace are consistent throughout the session, and the exercise can be sustained over longer periods of time, making it more effective. The Science Behind the Treatment RIC has been examining and tracking the effects of this therapy for adults for years and continues to focus on new research and clinical trials that provide more data on this treatment. In fact, RIC was the first hospital in the U.S. to obtain this technology and began clinical trials with the Lokomat® when it was first approved by the Food & Drug Administration in March 2002. In addition to its research studies, RIC now makes robot-assisted walking therapy available in the clinical setting for adult inpatients and outpatients as well. In an early study conducted in Europe [3] examining the use of Lokomat therapy for children with CP, results indicated an improvement in walking speed and in gross-motor function. The therapy was also rated “excellent” in providing motivation for carrying out therapy among a majority of children, while there was also a very high level of approval from the therapy team and parents. Natalie’s Story Natalie Davis, 10, from Plano , Ill. , has one goal – to play soccer. Davis, who mainly uses a wheelchair to move around because of the weakness and abnormal coordination in her legs, has experienced ongoing treatment and therapy to manage the effects of CP her whole life. She has had regular physical therapy, botox treatments and even surgery to continuously improve the physical effects of CP. In January, Natalie underwent a surgery to lengthen her hamstrings and loosen the tension and spasticity in her leg muscles in hope of increasing her ability to walk. Once her casts were removed, Natalie was admitted to RIC as an inpatient for rehabilitation to strengthen her muscles, and improve her balance and endurance with the goal of getting her back on her feet. Natalie has been participating in Lokomat therapy three times a week to help retrain her step patterns and build her strength, coordination and endurance. It is believed that Lokomat therapy, in combination with her the surgical intervention and ongoing care, will improve her ability to walk. “As a parent, I want Natalie to work to her full potential,” said Christine Davis, Natalie’s mother. “The walker had become quite a challenge, so we hope that the Lokomat will help improve her walking. So far, we have seen an improvement in her leg strength, and her endurance has gotten better.” Candidates for Robot-Assisted Walking Therapy on the Lokomat Children with neurological conditions who are about four years old or older (or who have a femur length of at least 21 cm) and who are evaluated by a physician to determine if they are medically appropriate for robot-assisted walking therapy are eligible. If you are interested in having your child evaluated for Lokomat therapy, please call 1-312-238-6100 or make an appointment online for an evaluation with Dr. Deborah Gaebler-Spira or Dr. Gadi Revivo. About The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) is making a difference in the world for people with disabilities. RIC provides world-class care to patients from around the globe for a range of conditions from acute brain and spinal cord injury to chronic arthritis, pain and sports injuries. RIC, founded in 1954, has been designated the “#1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991 and attributes its leading standard of care in part to its innovative research and discovery, particularly in the areas of bionic medicine, robotics, neural regeneration, pain care and better outcomes. RIC operates its 165-bed, Flagship hospital in downtown Chicago , as well as a network of 30 sites of care located throughout the city and surrounding suburbs that provide additional inpatient care, day rehabilitation and outpatient services. RIC also maintains strategic alliances with leading healthcare providers throughout the state of Illinois and Indiana. [1] U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIC the “#1 Rehabilitation Hospital ” every year since 1991. [2] Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), 2008 data [3] The Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Young People (Affoltern am Albis , Switzerland ); Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital (Munich ) and Hocoma, 2007 Robotics Trends would like to thank the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for permission to reprint this article. The original article can be found at http://www.ric.org/aboutus/mediacenter/press/2009/0210.aspx.

Rett syndrome Awareness meeting

An Awareness meeting for Indian Rett parents, Doctors, Scientists and all caregivers of Rett children who want to know more about Rett syndrome. Please let your Indian Friends and others Know about this and tell them to attend this for the cause of raising more awareness in India. Date and Venue of the meeting: Sunday, October 11, 2009 Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm Location: Lecture theater 2, Teaching block, 2nd floor All India Institute of Medical Sciences Ansari Nagar New Delhi-110029, India Phone: +919999343421 Email: info.rett@yahoo.com

International Rett Syndrome Foundation recognizes Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Dr. Alan Percy

(Cincinnati, OH) - The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) celebrated its 25th annual family education and information conference in Leesburg, VA this Memorial Day weekend entitled "Celebrating the Torch Within". Over 250 families and dozens of clinicians and researchers from across the United States participated in this annual event which also recognized the ten year anniversary of the discovery of the MECP2 gene which causes Rett syndrome. On Saturday evening, the Foundation hosted its tribute reception, which featured a keynote address called "How Miracles Are Made" by Carolyn Schanen MD, PhD and Maureen Woodcock, a mother and grandmother of children with Rett syndrome whose family history helped unravel the discovery of the causative gene in this syndrome. "The energy and motivation for research in the RTT field is driven by the patients and their families," said Schanen, who formed a unique partnership with Mrs. Woodcock to see the genetic basis of RTT. At this reception, the foundation presented its annual awards in a touching ceremony, which concluded with a father and daughter dance that brought tears to the eyes of almost everyone in the room. On this ten year anniversary of the gene discovery, Dr. Huda Zoghbi was presented with the foundation's most prestigious research award, The Circle of Angels Research Award. Since the discovery of the gene in her lab, Zoghbi has continued to unravel the puzzle of Rett Syndrome, and her studies have led to a better understanding of how mutations in the gene MECP2 result in the neurodevelopmental disorder. She is a professor in the departments of molecular and human genetics, pediatrics, neurology and neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Houston, TX.. Zoghbi, received the Foundation's Circle of Angels Research Award in a recent ceremony at BCM attended by her scientific peers, members of her laboratory and her first Rett Syndrome patient. Kathryn Kissam, chairman of the board of directors of the Foundation, presented Zoghbi with an engraved crystal flame. She received flowers from members of the family of her first Rett Syndrome patient, whose DNA samples were used in the discovery of the MECP2 gene. Dr. Alan Percy, Associate Director of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, received the foundation's highest award for a clinician, "The Art of Caring Award". This award was presented by Clifford and Judy Fry, one of Dr. Percy's first patient families. Dr. Percy received a standing ovation from the standing-room-only crowd. Dr. Percy is a beloved physician and highly recognized authority of Rett syndrome and other neurometabolic rare diseases who has been involved with Rett syndrome since the early days. Chuck Curley, former executive director of IRSF and long-time Rett syndrome advocate, received the foundation's "Giving Hope a Hand" Award for his passionate years of service to the foundation's mission to accelerate treatments and a cure of Rett syndrome. Since his daughter, Caroline (13), was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, Chuck has dedicated his life to advocating for Rett syndrome, hosting fundraisers, lobbying Congress, and raising awareness of this debilitating disease. Shelley and Shawn Mansfield of Annandale, Virginia, who serve as regional representatives for the IRSF and on the foundation's Family Advisory Board, received the "Volunteer of the Year" award for their efforts to connect and educate Rett syndrome families, raise funds for research and advance the foundation forward. Contact: Kathryn Kissam kkissam@rettsyndrome.org 225-810-3687 International Rett Syndrome Foundation Source: International Rett Syndrome Foundation

Society for neuroscience article: Brain breifings (Rett Syndrome)

APRIL 2007 Traditionally, children affected by Rett Syndrome have had few options for treatment. But research has uncovered the genetic causes behind the disease, providing possible targets. Also, scientists have made significant progress with animal studies, including effectively reversing symptoms of the disorder. These advances give hope to researchers developing new treatments. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A little girl suddenly stops walking and talking. Soon, she can't use her hands. Later, she can't breathe very well, begins having seizures, and eventually may die. It can be difficult to understand how this can happen to a seemingly normal child, but such is the case of those with Rett Syndrome (RTT), an incurable neurological disorder that targets girls almost exclusively. RTT is a rare disease -- it affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 to 12,000 females -- and seemingly strikes at random. Those with RTT develop normally at first, but between 6 and 18 months of age, symptoms begin to appear. The child stops achieving normal developmental milestones, such as acquiring verbal skills. She begins wringing her hands in anxiety. About 50 percent of girls with RTT become wheelchair-bound, but the degree of a person's developmental skills depends largely on the severity of the disease. Many live into adulthood, but their average life expectancy falls below the national average. Current treatments merely manage the symptoms with medications, various forms of speech and physical therapy, and support for families. But research has made strides, including the discovery that RTT also can strike males with no family history of the disorder. More than 40 years of research have led to: The discovery that RTT is caused by specific genetic mutations, providing a potential target for researchers. The identification of more than 200 associated mutations. Clinical trials focusing on drugs to enhance the quality of life for those affected. RTT is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes methyl cytosine-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), which is located only on the X chromosome. This is part of the reason for RTT's prevalence in girls, who inherit one X chromosome from each parent. Most boys born with RTT die so soon after birth that statistics on such cases are hard to obtain. MeCP2 regulates the production of proteins generated by other genes by shutting off the genes like a switch. Normally in girls, one of the two MeCP2 genes is permanently in the "off " position. But in children with RTT, one is defective, so the ability to shut down other genes fails. This causes an overabundance of certain proteins from other genes, and RTT symptoms begin to appear. Recent advances from research in animals have successfully reversed the symptoms of full-blown RTT. In one experiment using genetically engineered mice, researchers silenced MeCP2 by inserting a "roadblock" into the gene. Once RTT symptoms appeared, researchers removed the roadblock to reactivate MeCP2. Symptoms of RTT began to reverse or decrease within four weeks. This gives scientists hope that treatments for children and adults are not too far off. Anxious behavior and high stress levels are common in girls with RTT. The culprit, researchers suspect, are hormones related to stress that become altered by abnormal regulation by MeCP2 genes. Studies of mice show that high levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone, a stress hormone, occur in the brain areas responsible for controlling stress. This finding may lead to drugs that target stress hormones and reduce the anxiety seen in girls with RTT. The discovery that MeCP2 interacts with a protein that helps support new and existing brain cells has led researchers to question whether this protein contributes to RTT symptoms. When altering levels of this protein in laboratory animals, they found that deleting it caused an earlier onset of RTT symptoms, whereas increasing the level caused later onset and slower disease progression. Further studies will focus on how much of the protein should be used and which parts of the brain should be targeted in order to successfully reduce symptoms. Advances from clinical tests have been small, with only three trials completed since 1999. These trials focused on medications to improve sleep, energy levels, and communication skills. Alternative treatments have used music therapy in efforts to improve hand use, eye contact, and communication, but with little success. A new study is using the drug dextromethorphan to target the receptors of the brain chemical glutamate, which plays a key role in communication between brain cells. Excessive numbers of glutamate receptors can lead to seizures, behavioral problems, and respiratory abnormalities. Researchers hope to determine the most effective dosage needed to control these symptoms and open the way to improved treatments. For additional information, check out: Neuron. 2006 Feb. 2; 49 (3):341-8. The disease progression of Mecp2 mutant mice is affected by the level of BDNF expression. Chang Q, Khare G, Dani V, Nelson S, Jaenisch R. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Nov. 15, 2006; 103; 18267-18272. Enhanced anxiety and stress-induced corticosterone release are associated with increased Crh expression in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. McGill B, Bundle S, Yaylaoglu M, Carson P, Thaller C, Zoghbi H. Science. 2007. Feb 23; 315(5815):1143-7. Reversal of neurological defects in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. Guy J, Gan J, Selfridge J, Cobb S, Bird A. Neurology. 2006 July 11; 67(1):164-166. Early progressive encephalopathy in boys and MECP2 mutations. Kankirawatana P, Leonard H, Ellaway C, Scurlock J, Mansour A, Makris CM, Dure LS 4th, Friez M, Lane J, Kiraly-Borri C, Fabian V, Davis M, Jackson J, Christodoulou J, Kaufmann WE, Ravine D, Percy AK. Source: Society for Neuroscience 1121 14th Street, Suite 1010 | Washington DC 20005 Phone: (202) 962-4000 http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainbriefings_rett_syndrome

TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL SYNDROMIC PATHOLOGY PATIENTS WITH AMINO ACID COMPOUNDS

O.E. Blinnikova, Cand. Sc. (Med.),geneticist; N.A. Dyomina, geneticist, Honored Physician of R.S.F.S.R. INTRODUCTION Treatment of congenital pathology, in particular, of the group of monogenic diseases has definite restrictions due to the stability of the altered hereditary cell apparatus. As yet, no effective therapy methods have beeen developed to treat the majority of inherited illnesses. Different types of symptomatic therapy, surgical correction of developmental defects and rehabilitation methods are used most frequently. In osteogenesis imperfecta the use of a highly efficient set of somatotropic hormone, calcitrine, vitamin D and its active metabolites, phosphorus preparations as well as antioxidants combined with orthopedic operations is indicated (2). Patients suffering from hereditary pathology that is manifested as oligophrenia are administered stimulating therapy, sets of vitamins and microelements.Pathogenetic approaches to the treatment include dietetic therapy in inherited metabolic defects, that is, exclusion or restriction of those substances contained in the food the concentracion of which in blood is too high. According to the Genetics Division of the Pediatrics and Children's Surgery Institute, a stabilization or significant improvement in the course of the main desease as a result of symptomatic and pathogenetic treatment was observed in 67.9% of children with rickets-like hereditary diseases; in 58.4% with hereditary diseases of the connective tissue, and in 58.8% with phenylketonuria. Complete absence of any effect was observed in 5.2%, 7.9% and 41.2%, respectively (2). Progress in the field of the genetic therapy of hereditary illnesses is accelerating, yet prospects of its wide application are not predictable for the years to come (1). In this connection, new approaches of pathogenetic therapy appear to be of utmost importance. MATERIAL AND STUDY METHODS The method of treatment with amino acid compounds developed by A.P. Khokhlov and co-authors is used to correct motor, mental and speech subnormality. Amino acid compounds act at the cellular level eliminating excess calcium, normalizing the transmembranic transport of sodium and potassium ions, increasing the GABA level, stimulating neuron repolarisation and changing the dopamine level. The above-mentioned drugs have a potent nootropic effect, they reduce spasticity, exert an antispasmodic, sedative and diuretic effect, eliminate extrapyramidal symptoms and decrease aggression. The method of treating with amino acid compounds was tested on a group of patients with inherited disorders.20 patients suffering from hereditary syndromic pathology from 14 families, including four pairs of sibs, have been treated with amino acid drugs. Their age varied between 2 and 13 years. In 8 cases the diagnosis had been made before the patients were admitted to the Primavera Medica Center, and in 10 cases it was made by ourselves. The range of nosologic manifestations covered the following syndromes: Sotos syndrome (2 patients) Tel-Hashomer syndrome (2) Williams syndrome (1) Cohen syndrome (2) Seckel syndrome (1) fragile X-chromosome syndrome (2) X-attached mental retardation (2) Stickler syndrome (1) incontinentia pigmenti /Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome/ (1) Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (2) congenital hypothyreosis (1) tuberous sclerosis (1) as well as a syndrome with unclear aetiology Rett syndrome The main objective in patients with X-attached mental retardation, fragile X-chromosome syndrome, inborn hypothyreosis, Cohen and Williams syndromes was to correct mental deficiency, speech retardation and attentional disorders; this group of patients lacked any neurological symptoms. Clinical manifestations of another group of patients were, besides oligophrenia, different degrees of coordination disturbances, muscular tonicity changes, epileptic seizures and other neurological manifestations. TO READ FULL ARTICLE GO TO LINK http://www.primavera-med.cz/i2.php?lang=en&page=14.htm Source: PRIMAVERA MEDIKA

National autism association: A very interesting article on mercury poisoning and autism spectrum disorder

source: National Autism Association http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/thimerosal.php

Literacy Instruction for individual with autism, CP, Down syndrome and other disabilities: Janice Light & David McNaughton

A very great website giving guidelines for teaching literacy skills to learners with special needs like Autism spectrum disorders Cerebral palsy Down syndrome Developmental apraxia Multiple disabilities. Source: http://aacliteracy.psu.edu/Home.html