Posted on 12/17/2015 4:15:35 PM PST by BenLurkin
Harvard University researchers found that autistic behavior is associated with a breakdown in the signaling pathway used by a major inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA.
"This is the first time, in humans, that a neurotransmitter in the brain has been linked to autistic behavior. This theory -- that the GABA signaling pathway plays a role in autism -- has been shown in animal models, but until now we never had evidence for it actually causing autistic differences in humans," study leader Caroline Robertson said in a university news release.
Robertson's team used brain imaging plus a visual test known to trigger different reactions in the brains of people with autism and those without the disorder. They believe that similar tests could be used to screen young children for autism.
While GABA has long been suspected of being a factor in autism, there was no proof until now, the researchers said.
"Autism is often described as a disorder in which all the sensory input comes flooding in at once, so the idea that an inhibitory neurotransmitter was important fit with the clinical observations," Robertson said.
...
Two autism experts were cautiously optimistic about the findings.
"The authors make extraordinary claims about the role of GABA in autism," said Alycia Halladay, chief science officer for the Autism Science Foundation. "However, if this theory holds true in other independent studies, it might lead to new ways to help some of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders."
(Excerpt) Read more at health.usnews.com ...
If a 'breakdown" in GABA is truly to blame for autism -- what in the world happened to the GABA in the last 20-20 years to make the number of autism cases increase so dramatically?
GABA?
GABA
Hey!
(/Ramones)
Broadening of diagnosis.
That does not eliminate other possible factors and would be a study in itself, rendered more difficult by the redefined diagnostic parameters.
An excess can induce calm and relieve anxiety, so I wonder if some of the antagonistic stimulants administered to "hyperactive" children may have something to do with it. The effects of GABA change from an excitatory role in the developing brain (for example in growing boys) to an inhibitory role in the mature (conservative) brain. (No studies have ever been done on liberals, due to a dearth of suitable subjects.)
I've long believed that handing out Adderal and Concerta like they're candy, along with the overprescription of SSRIs, must have long-term effects the neural functions of their victims. You don't fool with brain chemistry.
Processed foods?
The increase in the number of autism cases reflects changes in diagnostic criteria, not a true increase.
I look forward to the day when the genetics of autism are finally mapped out. Then the anti-vaxxers who use autism as an excuse to not protect their children will lose one of their major excuses.
“I’ve long believed that handing out Adderal and Concerta like they’re candy, along with the overprescription of SSRIs, must have long-term effects the neural functions of their victims. You don’t fool with brain chemistry.”
I could just imagine what we are doing to young developing kids with all these drug cocktails.
30 years ago, I would not have qualified as autistic.
3 years ago, I did.
The definition has changed, and milder cases are now being recognized.
Now that I know the signs, I can see it in several other family members, including my grandfather, who never would have been diagnosed under the old standards but who would easily qualify under the new.
I really wish I had known about this when I was younger. Everyone assumed that whatever difficulties I had were due to a lack of scolding.
Your question, “If a ‘breakdown” in GABA is truly to blame for autism — what in the world happened to the GABA in the last 20-20 years to make the number of autism cases increase so dramatically?”
Autistic or aspergers???
1995 ... when the clintons and walmart started replacing american goods w/ chinese manufactured goods
pre-1995, autism was about 1 in 750. today, it’s 1 in 45.
why red flags and bells aren’t sounding in the halls of DoD is beyond me
Good point. In the old days they would have said “he’s touched” and that would be that. Just like a wide range of diseases were lumped under “natural causes” and “old age”.
They’re degrees of the same thing. I’m afraid I don’t see as clear a distinction between them as some people do. It’s all ASD to me.
Soybean squeezin's. You heard it here, first.
Note that the story references a breakdown in the chemical pathway used by GABA, pointing to a more obscure process interruption in the central nervous system.
It may be a "breakthrough," but... when this is meditated upon, it's not much more specific than linking diabetes with sugar.
Still a long, way to go!
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