Insight into Autism Causes from Brain Study
Topic: Autism Information
Author: University of Edinburgh
Published: 2010/02/12
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Abnormalities in brain development might lead to autism and behavioral disorders.
Introduction
Brain study offers insight into causes of autism - Scientists are a step closer to understanding how abnormalities in brain development might lead to autism and behavioral disorders.Main Item
Research into Fragile X Syndrome - a genetic condition that is the leading known cause of autism - has discovered that critical phases in the brain's development may be mistimed in people with the condition.
The mistiming of key developmental stages may result in inappropriate communication between brain cells and could cause the symptoms experienced by Fragile X patients, such as hypersensitivity to touch and sound, as well as social withdrawal, hyperactivity and anxiety.
The study also found these changes in the brain's connections occur much earlier than previously thought, midway through a baby's development in the womb.
Scientists say that the study, published in the journal Neuron, suggests there are key "windows" when treatments for Fragile X and autism could be most effective.
Fragile X syndrome is as common as cystic fibrosis - it affects around one in 4000 males and one in 8000 females worldwide. It causes intellectual disability as well as social, language and behavioral problems.
The research, conducted by scientists at Northwestern University in the USA and the University of Edinburgh, sought to identify ways in which the brains of people with Fragile X differ from those of healthy people.
Researchers used a mouse model of the condition to investigate how the regions of the brain responsible for processing sensory information - for example, touch - may develop differently in Fragile X patients.
The team believes that the changes they found in this area of the brain may be mirrored in other regions, explaining the range of symptoms experienced by people with Fragile X syndrome.
Professor Peter Kind, who led the study at the University of Edinburgh, said: "This research is important because it indicates when changes take place in the brains of Fragile X mice, which can be accurately projected to humans with Fragile X syndrome. We've learned these changes happen much earlier than previously thought, which gives valuable insight into when we should begin therapeutic intervention for people with these conditions. It also has implications for the treatment of autism since the changes in the brains of Fragile X and autistic people are thought to significantly overlap."
Explore Related Topics
1 - Autistic Adults Share Struggles with Misdiagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder - Phenomenological study on the lived experiences of autistic adults who were previously diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
2 - Deleting a Single Key Gene Causes Autistic Traits - Researchers found that knocking out the Astrotactin 2 gene leads to several hallmark behaviors of autism.
3 - Research Papers on Autism Spectrum Disorders: Causes and Treatments - Comprehensive list of studies and research articles on the causes and treatments of autism spectrum disorders.
4 - Umbilical Cord Blood Fatty Acids Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder - Researchers unveil the link between cord blood fatty acid metabolites and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children.
5 - Cancer Medication May Improve Cognitive Function in Some Autism Cases - New research highlights a therapeutic target that could make thinking easier for patients with Rett syndrome and other neurological disorders.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): University of Edinburgh. (2010, February 12). Insight into Autism Causes from Brain Study. Disabled World. Retrieved October 15, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/autism/autism-cause.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/autism/autism-cause.php">Insight into Autism Causes from Brain Study</a>: Abnormalities in brain development might lead to autism and behavioral disorders.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.