Center for Disability Resources (CDR) : May 2021

The first-ever virtual Roll on Capitol Hill is almost here, and the United Spinal advocacy and policy team is excited to work with you to elevate the voices of the SCI/D community and advocate for policies that empower all. Although we will miss seeing everyone's smiling faces in person this year, the stakes are at an all-time high with a new Administration in office! Learn more about what we're advocating for.

Natalie Barnhard To Be Honored As Advocate of the Year

Barnhard's tireless advocacy, from creating a nonprofit to participating in several Roll on Capitol Hill legislative advocacy events, has earned her the honor of being the recipient of this year’s Finn Bullers Advocate of the Year Award. Check out Natalie's story.

Celebrate Our 75th Anniversary & Win Exclusive Prizes!

This year United Spinal is celebrating #75YearsUnited in building an inclusive world for individuals with SCI/D. To commemorate this huge milestone, we are offering our members a chance to win exclusive prizes throughout the year! Prizes donated by Amazon, BraunAbility, Cure Medical, EasyHold, Google, Microsoft, and many more added regularly! Check out a list of prizes and enter to win here.

Taking the Hassle Out of Finding Accessible Websites

United Spinal will be working side-by-side with accessiBe and other leading disability organizations to launch accessFind, the world’s first search engine that will display only accessible websites. Thanks to accessFind, millions of people with disabilities can soon find accessible websites with confidence and without struggle.

Click here to read more of this issue

of the United Spinal Newsletter!

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Free Webinar Tomorrow! -- Blind Spot Sensors for Wheelchairs

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cost: Free!

Speaker: Dr. Pooja Viswanathan

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Assistive Technology Professionals, Family and Professional Caregivers, Wheelchair Users

Register Now!

For wheelchair users who struggle to maneuver safely or just need more spatial awareness, Braze Mobility has created the world’s first blind spot sensors that can be added to any wheelchair and transform it into a “smart” wheelchair. Our system automatically detects obstacles and provides feedback to the user through intuitive lights, sounds, and vibrations.

Join the webinar and chat with Dr. Pooja Viswanthan, who has incorporated over a decade of smart wheelchair research to bring you and your clients the world’s first blind spot sensors for wheelchairs.

Participants will learn:

At least 3 benefits of blind spot sensors and scenarios where they are used
At least 3 types of user feedback that blind spot sensors can provide
At least 3 advantages of blind spot sensors over semi-autonomous wheelchairs

Dr. Pooja Viswanathan has a passion for improving accessibility and independence for people with physical disabilities. She has completed doctoral and post-doctoral research in robotics and assistive technologies and has been working with smart wheelchair technology for over a decade.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Join us for Mental Health Awareness Month!

May Toolkit banner from the Autism Society

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This May, the Autism Society recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, providing support resources, statistics, and information for inclusive summer activities; additionally, we'll continue emphasizing COVID-19 education and support. Our policy resources review President Biden's American Rescue Plan and information about the Competitive Integrated Employment Act.

Did you know: Nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health condition, according to a study from the University of British Columbia and Drexel University. ADHD is the most common mental health condition in people with autism, occurring in 28%. The next most prevalent is anxiety, which affects 20% of autistic individuals.

ACCESS OUR MAY TOOLKIT

COVID-19 Relief

Mental Health Awareness

Summertime Activities

American Rescue Plan

*****

Autism Society Affiliate Highlight banner image

The Autism Society network is comprised of 74 affiliates across the country. Highlighted beloare just some of the events and programs offered related to our May theme:

Autism Society of Iowa: Held an Autism & Depression event on April 22nd to learn how to recognize anxiety and risk for suicide.
Autism Society of Hawaii: Celebrates Mother's Day by selling gift boxes with special treats and crafts, to make together as a family.
Autism Society of New Orleans: Hosts a monthly virtual social group from April - June for individuals with autism to connect sponsored by the Tres Doux Foundation.
Autism Society of Ventura County: Plans to deliver sensory kits to local ambulance services in May.

FIND LOCAL AFFILIATE

Visit our Website

Our Promise During COVID-19: The Autism Society of America promises to remain committed to improving the lives of all affected by autism across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, and will focus on providing information, resources, and advocacy efforts to address these urgent needs.

Monday, May 24, 2021

Tomorrow: Q and A Session

Join us for a Q and A Session

SC Assistive Technology Program’s Open Forum is a great way to discuss using products, learn about new products, and ask questions in an informal atmosphere. We look forward to talking with you!

Date: Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

Time: 3:00 PM ET

Cost: Free

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92103276080?pwd=ZHJ1bi80c0hyUkw3a3hDTkd0WGlOZz09

Meeting ID: 921 0327 6080

Passcode: 360121

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (New York)

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ajx2mzpnm

Testing a Super-Grippy Pushrim

May 19, 2021

PRODUCTS

Testing the AirGrips Pushrim

If you have limited grip strength and push a manual wheelchair, chances are you’ve been underwhelmed by the typical quad-friendly pushrim options. The AirGrips from Motion Composites came out a few years ago promising a super-grippy, durable and lightweight design. Seth McBride put them to a year-long test and was pleasantly surprised to find they lived up to (most of) the hype. Read the full report here.

NEWS

The Paralympics Finally Has a Video Game

What do you get when Final Fantasy XV's video game director applies his formidable talents to boccia and wheelchair basketball? The Pegasus Dream Tour, a role-playing game where players can equip their avatars with the wheelchair or prosthetics of their choice and then train in various Paralympic sports, all while roaming around the gorgeously-rendered open world of Pegasus City. Click the link for more details and a trailer. The game is set to release June 24 on Google Play and the App Store.

Most depictions of wheelchair users tend to have folks pushing clunky hospital chairs. Comic artist and wheelchair user Calvin Arium decided to help the authentic representation cause with his “Guide for two-legged people who don’t know how to draw wheelchairs.” Check out his stylish, info-packed explainer at the link above, and for more of his work visit his Tumblr and Patreon pages.

Click here to read more of this issue of

the New Mobility Biweekly Newsletter!

Friday, May 21, 2021

Upcoming events + Fitness center accessibility toolkit | May Youth Newsletter

How to do something good in the disability community

if you're not disabled

“The disability community still needs assistants and allies. It’s still a cause worth fighting for, and a worthy calling for non-disabled people. It just requires careful thought and self-reflection, along with hard work and a good heart.”

Article written in Forbes by Andrew Pulrang. He is a freelance writer with lifelong disabilities and 22 years experience as a service provider and executive in nonprofit disability services and advocacy. He writes about disability practices, policy, politics and culture. He also co-coordinate #CripTheVote, a Twitter-based discussion of disability issues and electoral politics.

Pulrang developed a checklist to thoughtfully reflect on as you dive into the disability field:

Check your ideas, feelings, and priorities against what actual disabled people think and care about.
Try to support already existing projects and organizations that were started and run by disabled people.
Read and listen a lot before you speak.
Pass the mic and the baton to disabled people.
Be careful not to make it all about you.

Equip Summer Series!

This year's Equip series is all about personal growth as you transition out of high school - grow as you go!

The Equip Summer Series is a week-long self-advocacy, disability pride, and skill-building opportunity for young adults with disabilities ages 13-28. Summer Series will meet virtually to build skills that assist young adults with all disabilities to increase their independence.

When? This year's Summer Series will be from June 14 - 18, 2021!

Who Can Attend? Young adults with ANY type of disability, ages 13-28.

Why Attend?

Empower Yourself
Learn Self-Advocacy Skills
Set Short/Long-Term Goals
Learn Independent Living Skills
Promote Activism in the Community

Where? From the comfort of your own home! This year’s Summer Series will be virtual!

The best part of all… it’s totally FREE!

Registration: Every young adult interested in participating will need to complete this registration form, regardless of previous participation.

Register for Summer Series!

*****

Photo young handicapped man showing his artwork on computer screen

SC Youth Leadership Forum 2021: Plug Into Your Power!

You still have a chance to attend the SC Youth Leadership Forum this summer! We have extended the deadline to apply to June 25, with applications being reviewed on a rolling basis. YLF will be held online this year through Zoom, from July 25-30.

This is an excellent opportunity for youth with disabilities to discover their potential and grow their leadership skills!

Learn more and apply

*****

Equip Online Hangouts!

Start off your new year with Equip!

Our Equip Online Hangouts meet on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 6-7 PM. Our Equip leaders help empower their peers to take charge of their lives, find their unique voice to self-advocate, and engage with their community of peers more fully.

Upcoming Equip Online Hangouts:

Thursday, June 3, 6-7 PM
Thursday, June 17, 6-7 PM

Hang out with us here!

Wheelchair bound man working out in a gym photo

Toolkit: Accessibility for Fitness Centers

Are you in charge of a YMCA, gym, or other fitness facility? Is your facility FULLY accessible to people with all disabilities, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires?

We are here to help. Download our FREE toolkit on how to make fitness facilities fully accessible by entering your email address below. Once you submit, you will automatically receive an email to the address you provided with a link to the toolkit (check your spam if you can't find it!).

Get the free toolkit

Blind Spot Sensors for Wheelchairs (Webinar)

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program

Thursday, May 27, 10-11 AM, Zoom

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Assistive Technology Professionals, Family and Professional Caregivers, Wheelchair Users

Participants will learn:

At least 3 benefits of blind spot sensors and scenarios where they are used
At least 3 types of user feedback that blind spot sensors can provide
At least 3 advantages of blind spot sensors over semi-autonomous wheelchairs

Register

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Wanted! Conference exhibitors, advertisers and sponsors for the Life with Brain Injury Conference

SAVE THE DATE:

2021 Life with Brain Injury “Virtual” Conference

Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30, 2021

Via Zoom Webinar

Hosted By:

Exhibitors, Advertisers and Sponsors wanted!

For more information, click here.

Exhibitor and sponsorship form deadline is July 15, 2021

Registration will open on June 17 for participants.

www.biaofsc.com

Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

140A Amicks Ferry Rd PMB 331

Chapin, SC 29036-9400

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Happy 4 year anniversary to the Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act!

ABLE SC Your Rights as a Parent with a Disability banner

Did you know that four years ago today, South Carolina passed

the SC Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act?

This means that no parent in South Carolina can be denied the right to parent based on their disability.

We know that it can be hard to understand your rights and keep up with new laws, which is why we've created easy-to-read factsheets for you!

By making this information more understandable and accessible, we hope that more parents with disabilities and professionals will be aware of these rights and help prevent discrimination. If you are a parent and you have a disability or health condition, these resources are for you. If you are a practicing lawyer, these resources are for you. If you are a child welfare provider, these resources are for you. Just click the links below!

Able South Carolina

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

New Advancements in Non-Joystick Controls for Power Wheelchairs

Date: Thursday, May 20th, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST

Cost: Free

Speaker: Stephan Lautzenhiser

Target Audience: ATP’s, Clinic Directors, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, also any rehab professional involved with complex power wheelchairs and alternative control systems.

Register Now!

Magitek will present the latest advancement in its proven tilt sensor technology by demonstrating our new wireless system, Universal Sensor Array (USA). Our completely redesigned, low profile USA for knee/body member inputs allows easy, natural control. It is designed primarily for ALS clients and has a multitude of applications. This knee and/or lower extremity system is designed to provide virtually unlimited choices when easily connected to a matrix of available switch inputs.

Participants will learn:

Benefits and applications of tilt sensor technology. Although primarily used as a human interface head control, it has been successfully adapted wherever a predictable x-y planar movement is presented. This is known commercially as the iZIP.
Applications for the iZIP II, which provides rehab specialists choices for switch placement not available on any other non-joystick controls.
Application of the Universal Sensor Array (USA) for controlling a power chair using just the knee(s) or lower extremity as a means of directional input signals.

Stephan Lautzenhiser became Co-Founding Member of Magitek, LLC following an early career in industrial engineering, specializing in PLC machine controls. Stephan joined his father in Ontario, Canada designing and manufacturing lightweight power wheelchairs. The initial designs focused on geriatric use which was quickly followed by one of the first lightweight, folding power wheelchairs specifically for pediatric applications. Truly innovative and commercially known as the Starlight Series.

In 1999, Stephan helped start up Magitek, formed for the purpose of designing innovative, non-joystick controls for power wheelchairs. The tilt sensor design was awarded Best New Product at Medtrade 2000 in Orlando, FL, out of over 200 entrants. He has presented at many conferences, in services and trade shows for nearly 20 years. Stephan has been extensively involved with client evaluations and assisting prescribing clinicians.

Accommodations:

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Monday, May 17, 2021

Here’s what people with disabilities want you to know

How can you empower people with disabilities

in their employment journey?

As a service provider, you play a crucial role in the job search process for people with disabilities. But, how often do you ask the consumer you’re working with how smoothly the process is going for them? We talked to people with disabilities to get their feedback on what they think you should know as you assist them in their employment journey. Here’s what they had to say.

"Your investment in me makes my life better and helps me experience the benefits of work just like anyone else.”

– Karl

“I’m not neurotypical and may not pick up on certain social cues. But [seeing this as a weakness] would be a mistake because my disability allows me to catch things others might miss."

– Asha

“An individual is more than their disability. Service providers, and the general public, must value everyone equally and realize that each person can make a positive impact on society."

– Alex

To find more resources for service providers, head to our website.

Service Provider Resources

About Hire Me SC

People with disabilities can work, want to work, and should be afforded every opportunity to work. Powered by Able South Carolina and SCDEC, Hire Me SC is a campaign that promotes a culture of inclusion across the state of South Carolina, one in which employment for every individual, disability or not, is the norm rather than the exception.

Learn more at https://www.hiremesc.org/.

Hire Me SC

720 Gracern Road Suite 106

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121 | hiremesc@able-sc.org

Friday, May 14, 2021

Free pediatric equipment

Pediatric equipment available

for FREE!

Items are linked to more information, if available.

To make an appointment to pick up an item

contact Alli Upchurch at

alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu or 803-935-5273.

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

Check the AT Exchange.

*****

Bath seat

Size medium

For child 40 -54 inches tall, up to 130 pounds

Kaye walker

13.5 inch width between handles

Weight limit 60 pounds

Adaptive Stroller

Seat width 7 inches

Seat depth 8 inches

Giraffe stander

Size 1

Pediatric wheelchair

Seat width 12 inches

Seat depth 11 inches

Rifton supine stander

Size small

For children 30 to 50 inches tall

Maximum weight 100 pounds

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Hopes and Dreams Conference 2021: Register Now!

Register today for this year's

Hopes and Dreams Conference!

Don't miss our expert guest speakers, session hosts and exhibitors!

Monday, May 24 ♦ Lunes, 24 de mayo

10:00 - 11:30 am: Early Childhood

The impact of the Routines-Based Interview

A dive into the Routines-Based Interview. Learn a brief history, structure of the session, and how the practice has improved Early Intervention services for families.

2:00 - 3:30 pm: Child and Youth

Advocacy in Motion

State Child Advocate and Department of Children’s Advocacy Director Amanda Whittle shares the agency’s efforts to build traction, momentum and sustainability for a vision of reform to improve outcomes for children.

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Parent

SKIN DEEP? The Impact of Scars

Participants will be introduced to the formation of scars as well as how scars can impact both physical and psychological wellbeing.

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Español

Medicaid 101: Entendiendo TEFRA

Este taller provee un vistazo general acerca de Medicaid y la eligibilidad para TEFRA.

Tuesday, May 25 ♦ Martes, 25 de mayo

10:00 - 11:30 am: Early Childhood

Reflective Supervision Basics

Learn the components of reflective supervision and how it connects to your work as an early childhood professional. Participate in a live reflective supervision “fishbowl” and discussion.

2:00 - 3:30 pm: Child and Youth

Homelessness and the Child, the Family and the Community

Homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act and requirements of the law. Session also looks at how homelessness and living affects a student's developing brain.

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Parent

Guardianships and Alternatives to Guardianships

Overview with examples of current SC law regarding guardianships and common alternatives to guardianships with Q & A with Kirby Mitchell, the medical legal partnership (MLP)’s Legal Director.

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Español

Introducción a los Programas de Servicios de Exención del Hogar y de la Comunidad de Medicaid (HCBS, por sus siglas en inglés)

Este taller proveerá una mirada rápida a las exenciones (waivers) de Medicaid.

Wednesday, May 26 ♦ Miércoles, 26 de mayo

10:00 - 11:30 am: Early Childhood

Learn the Ropes: Children’s Language, Speech, and Literacy

This presentation will inform early childcare providers of features and characteristics that represent typical milestones for speech, language, and literacy development among young children.

2:00 - 3:30 pm: Child and Youth

Stinky armpits, hair, and periods: tackling puberty with your daughter with special needs

Participants will become:

familiar with stages of puberty
equipped with strategies to navigate challenges of puberty in girls with special needs
familiar with available resources

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Parent

Family Connection 101

This informational session is an overview and description of resources and services Family Connection of SC provides for children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs in South Carolina.

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Español

Manejando Comportamientos Difíciles en Niños Pequeños

Este taller incluirá un breve antecedente de los niños diagnosticados con el trastorno espectro autista y otros desordenes neurológicos en niños en edad preescolar y el comportamiento disruptivo.

Thursday, May 27 ♦ Jueves, 27 de mayo

10:00 - 11:30 am: Early Childhood

Early Experiences Matter: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

Infant and early childhood mental health is a rapidly expanding field. This presentation provides an overview of infant mental health and concepts behind how experiences impact a child even before they are born.

2:00 - 3:30 pm: Child and Youth

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

This training is designed for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect, and professionals who have frequent contact with children, who play a key role in protecting children by identifying possible maltreatment and reporting it to the agencies responsible for investigation and intervention.

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Parent

Five fun, powerful ways to give children a great start in life.

80% of a child’s brain growth happens in the first three years of life. From birth, young brains develop like muscles, getting bigger and stronger the more you interact with them. The Palmetto Basics are 5 fun, simple, powerful ways to help young brains grow!

6:00 - 7:30 pm: Español

Herramienta de Viaje: El Poder de la Organización

Los padres aprenderán como manejar la abrumadora cantidad de documentos creada por los servicios médicos y educacionales. Esta herramienta organizacional facilita la comunicación entre padres y profesionales para alcanzar los mejores resultados médicos y educacionales de los niños con necesidades de salud especiales o discapacidades.

Exhibitors from organizations across the state will host interactive sessions to present new information and answer questions and concerns. Exhibitors: deadline to register is May 14th--register now!

Attendees Register Here!

More Conference Schedule Details

Usted puede registrarse en este enlace:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-hopes-and-dreams-conference-tickets-149973323247

Si necesita ayuda para registrarse en español,

por favor contacte a Annia Knight

(803) 995 1568 o aknight@familyconnectionsc.org

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Covid-19 Resources for People with Disabilities

Covid-19 and Covid-19 Vaccine Resources

for People with Disabilities

Check out the COVID-19 vaccine resources from the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities.
New and updated CDC COVID-19 American Sign Language (ASL) videos have posted to CDC's #COVID-19 ASL playlist.
Plain Language COVID-19 Resources from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network in English and Spanish.
FAQ and Answers to Tough Questions about COVID-19 and Public Health from the Public Health Communications Collaborative.

Where can you get a vaccine?

Visit vaccines.gov (English) or vacunas.gov (Spanish) to search and find a vaccine near you.
Text GETVAX (438829) for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish to receive three vaccine sites on your phone within seconds.
Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1-800-232-0233 for those who prefer to get information via phone call. The call center can assist in 150+ languages and features a TTY line (1-888-720-7489).

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Free Webinar: Using AT to help with Blindness

Utilizing Assistive Technology Unites

the Blind Community of SC

Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

Speaker: Jennifer Bazer

Register Now!

The National Federation of the Blind of SC is the oldest and largest organization of the blind, which coordinates many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of the blind, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and builds a community that creates a future full of opportunities. This webinar will demonstrate how The National Federation of the Blind of SC (NFBofSC), utilizes assistive technology to build membership, network, overcome barriers and socialize.

Participants will learn:

About the programs and services provided by the NFBofSC
How assistive technology can be used to network, connect, and grow as an organization
How the pandemic has augmented the need for the NFBofSC to utilize assistive technology to overcome barriers experienced by the blind community

Jennifer Bazer has a BS degree in psychology from Winthrop University and has an MSW degree from USC Columbia. Jennifer has held many positions over the last 20 years assisting people who are blind.

In 2014, Jennifer was instrumental in the passage of the Blind Persons Right to Parent Act, speaking to the House of Representatives and Senate Committee about the capabilities of blind parents and bringing her young children to illustrate her independence as a blind mother.

Jennifer was elected President of the National Federation of the Blind of SC in August 2020. She is currently the Director of Successful Transitions, a program under the National Federation of the Blind of SC which provides pre-employment transition services to youth with disabilities ages 13 to 21.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

If you have questions, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Monday, May 10, 2021

Researchers study sex-specific gene mutation linked to autism

May 6 2021

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.

After reviewing a database of gene mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a team of Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) researchers decided to study a specific gene mutation that likely caused ASD in a girl.

They demonstrated that the mutation was damaging to the gene, and that female, but not male, mice lacking a working copy of the gene also showed ASD-associated symptoms. Better understanding the interplay between genetics and sex in ASD could set the stage for developing sex-specific treatments for autism.

The MUSC team was led by Christopher Cowan, Ph.D., the William E. Murray SmartState Endowed Chair in Neuroscience and chair of the Department of Neuroscience, and Ahlem Assali, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the same department. Their findings are published in Nature Neuropsychopharmacology.

One in 54 children is diagnosed with an ASD. Of the children with ASD, four boys are diagnosed for every girl. Individuals with ASD typically have deficits in communication and social interaction and exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, activities, or interests.

Many people with ASD also present with associated symptoms, such as hyperactivity, attention deficits, epilepsy and intellectual abilities that can range from severely disabled to gifted.

Cowan and Assali investigated the effect of a mutation in the gene, EPHB2, detected in a female patient with autism. EPHB2 is important for forming connections, or synapses, in the brain. The patient had a version of EPHB2 that caused the protein to be cut short.

"It's as if a sentence had a period in the middle instead of the end."

Christopher Cowan, Ph.D.,

William E. Murray SmartState Endowed Chair, Neuroscience

Click here to read more.

Source:

Medical University of South Carolina

Journal reference:

Assali, A., et al. (2021) Sex-dependent role for EPHB2 in brain development and autism-associated behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology. doi.org/10.1038/s41386-021-00986-8.