Researchers have identified dozens of genes that increase the risk of an individual getting autism, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. Genetic data were collected from 1,000 people with autism spectrum disorder and 1,300 from individuals without ASD. Researchers found those with autism had more genetic insertions and deletions–called copy number variants or CNV–in their genome than those who did not have the disorder. Some of the variants seemed to be inherited while others appeared to be new, meaning they were found only in the affected children, but not their parents.

"Identifying these copy number variants in young children at risk of autism will help us to implement earlier treatment," said Louise Gallagher, Trinity College, Dublin and a study co-author. "Currently autism diagnosis is entirely behavioral and lengthy.  Some children are not getting a diagnosis until as late as 5 years old. With earlier detection these children could get earlier intervention which may limit the severity of the condition particularly their co-morbid difficulties." Researchers believe these discoveries could lead to the development of new therapies.

"Piece by piece, we are discovering genetic mutations that can cause autism. These findings will provide answers for families about what contributed to their autism," said Andy Shih Ph.D, Autism Speaks vice president for scientific affairs. Autism Speaks, the country's largest autism advocacy organization, invested $9 million in the study.

By Trisha Korioth
Staff Writer

During hot summer months, kids love cooling off in the water. Be sure to keep them safe by following precautions from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death among U.S. children ages 1-9. The highest rate of drowning is in the 0-4 year age group; adolescent boys are the second largest group of drowning victims.

The AAP urges parents to never let their guard down and to take protective measures whenever children are swimming or playing near water.

While new research has found that swimming lessons may reduce the risk of drowning in children ages 1-4 years, lessons are no substitute for supervision while children are in or near the water, according to the AAP.

Following are swimming safety tips from the AAP:

• Supervision is essential for all children, regardless of whether they have had formal swimming lessons. Many children who have drowned were being supervised by adults who turned their backs for just a moment.

• Families with pools or spas should put up four-sided barrier fences that cannot be climbed and include a self-latching gate to separate the pool/spa from the house and the rest of the yard.

• Portable and inflatable pools also pose drowning risks, and these pools also should be fenced in. Children can easily climb over or fall into the pools, even when ladders are removed.

• Pool and spa drains should have special covers and vacuum systems that prevent body entrapment and hair entanglement. While public pools are required by law to install drain covers and safety systems, many home pool and spa owners are unaware of these risks and have not taken precautions to prevent injuries.
Finally, parents should use multiple layers of protection, such as supervising children, learning CPR, and installing fences, an alarm and cover, to ensure a fun yet safe time for everyone.

©2010 American Academy of Pediatrics.

CF Special Report

Nine-year-old Paul Elliott has shaved his head bald every March since 2005 to support cancer research. On Saturday, March 27 the Savannah Mall will help him do it again by playing host to Savannah’s fifth annual St. Baldrick's Celebration. The event will be held in the Mall’s Center Court area starting at 2 p.m.

Each year friends and family pledge money to see event participants shave their heads in support of cancer research. Elliott’s mom, Heide Elliott, is the event’s coordinator and an oncology nurse with Backus Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. She and Paul have been passionate about the cause ever since she first got involved in 2005. In 2007 she became the event’s coordinator.

“Last year we shaved over 89 heads including 16 women. This year our goal is to raise $20,000.” said Elliott. Childhood cancer patients and their parents often become guest barbers, giving them a way to make a difference and have some fun for a very serious situation.

Savannah Mall has hosted the event for the last two years since it outgrew a local pub. According to Senea Crystal, “We are so proud to host again this year. We have this big open space and are happy to share it to help raise money and awareness for a great cause. Plus, we’ve got great support from the local media. Fox28’s Jesse Blanco will emcee the event and E93, Mix 102.1 and KIX96 will be broadcasting live. Also, Angela Beasley and The Puppet People will be there with puppets, face painting and other kid’s activities.

St. Baldrick’s is a national organization that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. The funds raised via community events, go to the Children's Oncology Group. The COG is a network of more than 5,000 hospitals whose collaboration and research have turned childhood cancer from a virtually incurable disease to one with an overall 78% cure rate.