Lack of "Mirror Neurons" May Help Explain Autism

Scientific American ^ | December 05, 2005 | David Biello

[neverdem]

I'm aware the latest number about the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder is about 1 in 166.

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?

[neverdem]

ping

[King Prout]

pingworthy?

[FreeRep]

Good post.

[PatrickHenry]

It's interesting, but it's probably not an evo topic. I'll ping "the few."

[jimtorr]

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.

[b_sharp]

This is interesting. Many of the 'geeks' I know, including myself, suffer from poor social skills and a lack of empathy. As a youth I found school work to be a breeze but interactions with my peers extremely difficult.

It is somewhat satisfying to be able to put a name to the problem.

[King Prout]

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?

[Excellence]

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?

[neverdem]

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?

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.

[King Prout]

has anyone attempted glial-cell injection therapy?

[King Prout]

MRI and fMRI are diagnostic, not therapeutic, tools.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Those of us who are dyslexic just wonk it.

[Seamoth]

I sometimes wonder if I am, as well. I have trouble understanding the emotions of others.

It's very simple. Men's actual emotions are what their face suggests. Women's actual emotions are the opposite of what their face suggests.

[neverdem]

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?

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?

[PatrickHenry]

... poor social skills and a lack of empathy ...

Yes. It's difficult for me to have empathy when I'm surround by fools!!!

[patriciaruth]

Internesting. Thanks for posting this!

[SauronOfMordor]

It's difficult for me to have empathy when I'm surround by fools!!!

Having them killed and eaten works for me

[Polybius]

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.

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.

The recent tragic death in New York of a young boy in an MRI system highlights the fact that failure to keep steel objects a safe distance from an imaging magnet can have lethal consequences. The boy was killed, unfortunately, when an emergency team entered the MRI suite carrying an oxygen bottle and the latter became a guided missile, entering the bore of the magnet with overwhelming force.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

What is the rate of autism in other countries?