Posted on 07/22/2006 10:55:10 AM PDT by neverdem
More than one in 500 children have some form of autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control. All autistic children suffer from an impaired ability to communicate and relate to others, but some of them are able to socially interact to a greater degree than their peers. A recent study of a group of these so-called high functioning autistics suggests the neurological basis for their social impairment.
Neuroscientist Mirella Dapretto of the University of California Los Angeles and her colleagues surveyed the brains of 10 autistic children and an equal number of nonautistic children as they watched and imitated 80 different faces displaying either anger, fear, happiness, sadness or no emotion. By measuring the amount of blood flowing to certain regions of the children's brains with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, the researchers could determine what parts of the brain were being used as the subjects completed the tasks. The autistic children differed from their peers in only one respect: each showed reduced activity in the pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus--a brain region located near the temple.
This section of the brain has been shown by other studies to be part of the so-called mirror neuron system, which allows humans to understand the intentions of other human beings by observing their actions or imitating their behavior. When damaged, it can interfere with speech.
Although the high-functioning autistic children were able to imitate the facial expressions, they had trouble understanding the corresponding emotional state. The study suggests that the incompletely activated mirror neuron system is to blame. In fact, the less blood that flowed to this region of the brain in each autistic child, the less social ability that child showed--providing more support for the apparent link. The research appears in the current issue of Nature Neuroscience.
High functioning autistics sound like folks with Asperger syndrome. My question is using functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI), which is what they appeared to have used, worth it for ruling this particular diagnosis, Asperger syndrome, in or out with respect to any decisions about therapy?
ping
pingworthy?
Good post.
That is a good question. I have a 5-year old nephew who appears to be border-line autistic. He has improved since he started going to a pre-school specializing in autism.
I sometimes wonder if I am, as well. I have trouble understanding the emotions of others. Sometimes I think dyslexic I am, as well.
It is somewhat satisfying to be able to put a name to the problem.
if it is a matter of bloodflow and, thus, oxygenation and ATP supply, would a careful diet and high-O2 hyperbaric therapy have any ameliorative effect?
From what respect, financial or possible side effect of the MRI? If the MRI would help the person with the condition, what would be the downside?
These other studies, while they are preliminary, imply a neuroanatomical problem.
Eye Contact Triggers Threat Response in Autistic Children
Autistic Males Have Fewer Neurons in Amygdala
FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
has anyone attempted glial-cell injection therapy?
MRI and fMRI are diagnostic, not therapeutic, tools.
Those of us who are dyslexic just wonk it.
The cost of fMRI is one thing. I'd be surprised if it's less than $500 a scan. That would be basically to confirm a suspected case of Asperger syndrome. Maybe I can get a radiology consult?
I'm unaware of any possible adverse side effect of any MRI except for the hazard of any hardware that will be affected by the magnetic field.
I guess my question is there any significant difference in treatment between those diagnosed with classic autism and those with Asperger syndrome?
Yes. It's difficult for me to have empathy when I'm surround by fools!!!
Internesting. Thanks for posting this!
Having them killed and eaten works for me
The cost would be far higher than $500. It would vary in every setting from free if are low-income on Medic-Aid to paying through the nose if you are uninsured with a good job.
Gadolinium (MRI contrast agent) allergies would run at about 0.5%.
Ferrous metal mixed with stupidity would be the biggest risk.
What is the rate of autism in other countries?
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