iDEA Community: School of Public Health

The epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: The epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders

Authors: Newschaffer, Craig J.; Croen, Lisa A.; Daniels, Julie; Giarelli, Ellen; Grether, Judith K.; Levy, Susan E.; Mandell, David S.; Miller, Lisa A.; Pinto-Martin, Jennifer; Reaven, Judy; Reynolds, Ann M.; Rice, Catherine E.; Schendel, Diana; Windham, Gayle C.

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex, lifelong, neurodevelopmental conditions of largely unknown cause. They are much more common than previously believed, second in frequency only to mental retardation among the serious developmental disorders. Although a heritable component has been demonstrated in ASD etiology, putative risk genes have yet to be identified. Environmental risk factors may also play a role, perhaps via complex gene-environment interactions, but no specific exposures with significant population effects are known. A number of endogenous biomarkers associated with autism risk have been investigated, and these may help identify significant biologic pathways that, in turn, will aid in the discovery of specific genes and exposures. Future epidemiologic research should focus on expanding population-based descriptive data on ASDs, exploring candidate risk factors in large well-designed studies incorporating both genetic and environmental exposure data and addressing possible etiologic heterogeneity in studies that can stratify case groups and consider alternate endophenotypes.

Predictors of language acquisition in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Predictors of language acquisition in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders

Authors: Thurm, Audrey; Lord, Catherine; Lee, Li-Ching; Newschaffer, Craig J.

Abstract: In 118 children followed from age 2 to 5 (59 with autism, 24 with PDD-NOS and 35 with nonspectrum developmental disabilities), age 2 and age 3 scores of non-verbal ability, receptive communication, expressive communication and socialization were compared as predictors of receptive and expressive language at age 5. Non-verbal cognitive ability at age 2 was generally the strongest predictor of age 5 language, while at age 3 communication scores were a stronger predictor of age 5 language for children with autism. Early joint attention as well as vocal and motor imitation skills were more impaired in children who did not develop language by age 5 (but had relatively strong non-verbal cognitive skills) than in children who did develop language by 5.

Preparing racially and ethnically diverse communities for public health emergencies

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Preparing racially and ethnically diverse communities for public health emergencies

Authors: Andrulis, Dennis P.; Siddiqui, Nadia J.; Gantner, Jenna L.

Abstract: The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans confirmed that effective implementation of public health preparedness programs and policies will require compliance from all racial and ethnic populations. This study reviews current resources and limitations and suggests future directions for integrating diverse communities into related strategies. It documents research and interventions, including promising models and practices that address preparedness for minorities. However, findings reveal a general lack of focus on diversity and suggest that future preparedness efforts need to fully integrate factors related to race, culture, and language into risk communication, public health training, measurement, coordination, and policy at all levels.

"The ball was always in his court": An exploratory analysis of relationship scripts, sexual scripts, and condom use among African American women

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 22:58:59 GMT

Title: "The ball was always in his court": An exploratory analysis of relationship scripts, sexual scripts, and condom use among African American women

Authors: Bowleg, Lisa; Lucas, Kenya; Tschann, Jeanne

Abstract: This qualitative study explored the association between African American women’s interpersonal relationship and sexual scripts and condom use with primary partners. Participants were 14 lower to middle-income women between the ages of 22 and 39 involved in emotionally and sexually intimate heterosexual relationships. Relationship types included those that were: stable, emotionally committed; casual, primarily sexual; and unstable, emotionally imbalanced and/or conflict-ridden. Respondents completed a semi-structured interview and a questionnaire about their relationships, sexual, and condom use behaviors. Data analyses identified three interpersonal relationship scripts (i.e., men control relationships, women sustain relationships, infidelity is normative) and two interpersonal sexual scripts (i.e., men control sexual activity; women want to use condoms, but men control condom use) that may indirectly or directly decrease African American women’s condom use with primary partners, and in turn increase their HIV risk. We discuss these interpersonal scripts within the context of sociocultural factors relevant to African American women, heterosexual relationships and communities.

Description: e-file 2006174295a is the article, 2006175295b is the accompanying dataset table.