Weekend Autism Global News in Review - 11/03/10 - Dr. Manuel Casanova

An insightful and in depth interview with the foremost neuropathologist in the field, Dr. Manuel Casanova. Dr. Casanova performed his residency in neurology and specialized in pediatric neuropathology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. He is the grandfather of Bertrum who is diagnosed on the spectrum. He addresses Kanner's legacy and description of Autism. Dr. describes ASD in a broader way. He addresses sensory issues and explaines how the DSM IV is not a scientific description of Autism.
Dr. Casanova begins describing ASD as a brain disorder not a mind disorder. Dr. describes mini-columns and modules and how they overheat when too mant are presented in one area of the brain. Dr. Casanova shares his insights gained by his post mortem neural examinations of children with ASD including Savants.
Dr. Casanova descibes the use and most importantly the misuse of ultra sound tests as being a direct risk factor in ASD. He describes specifically the neurological changes in the developing brain caused by ultra sound and why it must be used only very sparingly.
Dr. Casanova addresses the GFCF diet and speculates as to why it might affect the pathology of ASD.
Dr. Casanova speaks at length about the comorbidity of many children with ASD with epilepsy. He describes a possible way to address this issue.
Dr. Casanova explaines the groundbreaking use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to recover autistic children. Dr. Casanova describes his very hopeful and effective research into this therapy.
This interview is a must listen if you have any interest in the neuropathology of ASD.