Genetics of autistic disorders : review and clinical implications

Twin and family studies in autistic disorders (AD) have elucidated a high heritability of AD. In this literature review, we will present an overview on molecular genetic studies in AD and highlight the most recent findings of an increased rate of copy number variations in AD. An extensive literature search in the PubMed database was performed to obtain English published articles on genetic findings in autism. Results of linkage, (genome wide) association and cytogenetic studies are presented, and putative aetiopathological pathways are discussed. Implications of the different genetic findings for genetic counselling and genetic testing at present will be described. The article ends with a prospectus on future directions. Keywords: Autistic disorder , Linkage , Whole genome association , Copy number variation , Mutatio

The Challenge of Implementing Atkins v. Virginia: How Legislatures and Courts Can Promote Accurate Assessments and Adjudications of Mental Retardation in Death Penalty Cases

Our goal in this paper is to assist state courts and legislatures as they try to carry out the task that Atkins requires of them promoting fairness and accuracy in the assessment and adjudication of mental retardation. After addressing the definition ofmental retardation in Part I, we focus on its assessment in Parts II and III, highlighting several key requirements of a scientifi-cally and clinically adequate assessment. Part II addresses the assessment of deficits in intellectual functioning, particularly on the measurement of intelligence as represented by an intelligence quotient. Appropriate IQ tests must be used, and the scores must be interpreted in accordance with professional practice, taking into account the scores\u27 statistical meaning, the standard error of measurement, and other factors that affect subjects\u27 performance on these tests and the interpretations of their scores. Part III addresses deficits in adaptive behavior, the second key component of a diagnosis of mental retardation. Adaptive behavior is difficult to measure and the scientific community\u27s understanding of the construct is not nearly as advanced as its understanding of IQ. We offer guidance on how to operationalize theconcept of adaptive behavior and how to give it meaningful consideration in Atkins adjudications. Part IV briefly addresses the practical significance of the requirement that mental retardationbe manifest before the age of eighteen. Finally, Part V discusses the role of expert testimony and the necessary qualifications for experts testifying on the issue of mental retardation in death penalty cases

A Glimpse Inside the Brain’s Black Box: Understanding the Role of Neuroscience in Criminal Sentencing

This Article begins by discussing what neuroscience and the smaller associated field of study, neuropsychology, are and what they can tell us about an individual. It then recounts a brief history of sentencing in the United States. Additionally, it expounds on how the legal system currently utilizes neuroscience in the courts, noting specifically the ways in which neuroscience can be presented during the sentencing phase of trial. Finally, it discusses the use of neuroscience as a mitigating factor during sentencing and how judges can use neuroscience to combat their implicit biases

Current Developments in Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities

[Taken from Executive Summary] This literature review is the culmination of the Saskatchewan Community Living Division jurisdictional study which began in the autumn of 2003. Following a brief survey of developments in providing services to people with intellectual disabilities (hitherto the People) for creating the questionnaire for this study, information was gleaned from the provinces and territories on their services. The CLD Jurisdictional Project was completed in the spring of 2005. Subsequently, a thorough search and examination of pertinent resources for serving this People and for policy development was conducted. From over 800 documents about 350 were selected for this literature review. The material is recorded in the following chapters: Public Consultation and Policy Development; Social Philosophy: the philosophical influence on contemporary social issues; Definition of disabilities; Needs assessment systems; Human Rights; Advocacy; Community services & Deinstitutionalization; Issues and Influences; Citizenship; Inclusion; Self-determination; Person-centered planning; Supports; Respite; Individualized funding; Canadian governmental initiatives; Provincial Services

The rate of decline of social skills across dementing and non-dementing individuals with intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal study

This study sought to establish rate of decline of adaptive skills in a population of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and dementia compared to similar persons without dementia, as well as examining the variability of positive and negative social behaviors across diagnostic classes. Among the general population, differential rates of functional decline have been established for normal aging and dementia. This knowledge assists in making differential diagnoses of dementia, establishing prognosis, and long-term planning. For this study, participants in each group were individually matched for age, gender, Down’s syndrome status, and level of ID. Participants in the matched control group were screened for the presence of dementia with the Early Signs of Dementia Checklist (Visser & Kuilman, 1990). A 2 (groups) X 3 (measures) X 4 (repeated measures) Mixed Multivariate Analysis of Variance was completed to assess rate of decline within groups with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Sparrow, Balla, & Cicchetti, 1984) and corresponding changes in positive and negative behaviors as measured by the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills for the Severely Retarded (Matson, 1995). Hypothesis 1 established that prior to a diagnosis of dementia groups were equivalent (F (1, 40) = 1.086, p = .304). Hypothesis 2 found no significant differences for adaptive behaviors, therefore rate of decline was not established. However, visual analysis of plotted means supports predicted decline in skills for both groups. Furthermore there were significant differences across time for positive social skills as measured with the MESSIER (F (3, 96) = 3.887, p = .011, â = .811). Hypothesis 3 yielded significant correlations between the VABS and the MESSIER Positive domains. Hypothesis 4 resulted in no significant correlations between the VABS and the MESSIER Negative skills. The findings of Hypotheses 2, 3, and 4 provide support for the diagnostic utility of the MESSIER with dementia. However, Hypothesis 4 did not support different variances of negative behaviors across diagnostic groups. This would suggest that the measure of negative behaviors is not supported as a diagnostic tool at this time