Jessica Gold, MD, PhD: “Precision medicine, which uses genetic information to direct personalized medical care, is rapidly gaining clinical utility. A genetic result can influence recommendations for  medications, preventative health, surveillance, and psychosocial support…We are also beginning to realize the potential impact of a genetic diagnosis in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”

Derrick MacFabe, MD, FACN: “A worldwide epidemic of chronic disease: Despite incredible modern medical advances, in many cases, we are sicker than ever before. Worldwide rises in infections and chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, allergies, autism, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, and other conditions are increasing, and will overwhelm society. “

Troy Krombholz: “When I look back at my extensive family history of Autism Spectrum Disorder, I feel bad for two people; the family member with autism, and the family member helping take care of the person with autism. It’s not like we were all born saying, ‘Hey great I have a Neurological Condition called autism and this is going to be an easy wave to surf.’” (Photo: Troy Krombholz)

Hank Bjorklund: “This is the story of how I remade my life after years of tackle football damaged my brain. My new tools are physical and cognitive therapy, journaling, writing poetry, writing and performing songs, and creating neurographic art. They have ignited my improvement by helping me cope, persevere, and heal.”

THE DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT has always faced KEY ISSUES.  Some have been resolved, some  still remain, and some are a work in progress.  HELEN’s latest feature showcases "older" articles that are still relevant and have focused on these key issues. They are "classic concerns" that continue to challenge us. We invite HELEN readers to review, revisit and reconsider them.  HERE is a piece for KEY ISSUES…

Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM: “According to Tami Joiner: "People with IDD may learn in unique ways, but they do learn—never forget that." When you enter the field of support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), you quickly realize whether it’s a short-term stop or a lifelong calling. For Tami Joiner, the answer was clear from the start. (Photo: Dennis Wilkes)

NTG (National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices) : GUIDE - A NEW PROGRAM THAT CAN OFFER SUPPORT TO FAMILIES CARING FOR AN ADULT WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND DEMENTIA. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER - Free Webinar for Family Caregiver. Monday, May 19 @ 7 PM EDT

The PRISMA Group and Positive Exposure Partner to Celebrate the Humanity of People on the Autism Spectrum Through Photography and Art: "What's Your Thing?" is a global collaboration between PRISMA (Precision Medicine in Autism) and Positive Exposure, joining efforts to celebrate individuality, human connection, and the beauty of diversity through photography.”

Steven Perlman, DDS, MScD, DHL (hon), PAOH President: “As I sat down to write this month’s President’s Message, I was shocked to hear about the passing of a dear friend, colleague, and a hero for the disability community, Dr. Harold (Hackie) Reitman. Hackie experienced a massive heart attack on the day he was leaving the hospital after having a hernia repaired. For 32 days, this gentle giant fought the fight of his life but was unable to walk out of the ring one more time.”

Rick Rader, MD, FAAIDD, FAADM, Editor-in-chief, Helen Journal: “April is designated as Autism Acceptance Month, and the United Nations declared April 2^nd as World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness and promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In keeping with the theme of “being the first,” it is time to meet the first person diagnosed with autism, Donald Triplett. . .While he is considered Patient Zero, HELEN prefers to think of him as PERSON FIRST.”

David A. Ervin, BSc, MA, FAAIDD, Makom and Heather Cassidy, MD: “Last year, the esteemed Editor-in-Chief of Helen: The Journal of Human Exceptionality, Dr. Rick Rader, wrote in these pages of his address of the United Nations on the occasion of the 2024 World Down Syndrome Day (Rader, 2024a). The theme of that Day was Health Equity, and Dr. Rader took the occasion to advocate for formal training on intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in medical school.”

Ley Linder, MA, M. Ed, BCBA and Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM: “Eugene is a 41-year-old man with no known chronic medical issues and does not take psychotropic medications. The only medical concern for Eugene is that he is allergic to bees and always carries an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-pen) with him. Eugene lives with three other men and is independent with activities of daily living but needs support for more complex tasks like money management and cooking.”

Isabella Backman: For decades, researchers have relied on animal models and post-mortem subjects to help unlock the key to certain social and communication differences that are hallmarks of autism. Now, a new study has uncovered a molecular difference in the brains of autistic people that is linked to the central features associated with the condition. It is the first time that synaptic density has been measured in living people with autism.