Episode 12: Mice, Music, and Mutants

• MIT researchers have replicated two of the tree symptoms of ASD (repetitive behavior and avoidance in social situations) by mutating a single gene known as shank3. (Shari Roan, LA TIMES, March 25)
• shank3 is a gene responsible for the appropriate firing of synapses, pointing to a genetic link to the neurological abnormalities among individuals with autism
• Previously, shank3 mutation has been implicated in only 1% of children with ASD (ABC News, Lara Salahi, March 21)
• SUNY Purchase has sponsored a symposium to discuss the links between music and the autistic brain. (Christine Loughran, March 21, Portchester Patch)
• Patterns in music appeal to individuals with autism and the melodic mathematics involved often open lines of communication that were otherwise cut.  For instance, music is a great way for a clinician to illustrate and discuss complex issues with a client who may not like to speak introspectively, but who is motivated to dissect and discuss applicable themes in music.
• Music therapy may not be beneficial for every affected individual, but it's invaluable for a large group who may exist in a dormant state otherwise.
• I've even used music to treat an autistic man who was also deaf, nonverbal, and mostly blind.  It changed his sensory life and enhanced our rapport ten fold.
• A 12-year-old boy is redefining what it means to be autistic. (Slate.com, March 24)
• Diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, the young man is already in college and working on revamping Einstein's theory of relativity.
• His IQ is beyond that of Einstein, with a score of 170.
• This illustrates the fact that autistic individuals are not only adversely affected by their neurological disorder.  Pathology can be a double-edged sword in that differences are often seen as negative when they offer new, positive possibilities.
• This kid's a mutant, in the same way that the superheroes in X-Men are
• On to a mutant of a different type... An ex-counselor at a summer camp on Staten Island is charged with sexually abusing an autistic boy. (Barry Paddock and Rocco Parascandola, Daily News, March 23)
• Francesco Zaffuto was 19 when he allegedly forced an 8 year old, nonverbal, boy with autism to perform sex acts in a camp bathroom while Zaffuto took pictures.
• Taking pictures on his iPhone proved helpful to investigators because the images contained geotags, which confirmed when and where they were taken.
• Mutant mice, mutant prodigies, and mutant monsters abound, we're getting closer to understanding the factors involved in the development of ASD and giving voice to those who are otherwise unable to advocate for themselves and protest against the abuse that our dysfunctional system of care often facilitates.