Two studies shed light on the possible effects of autism on the brain and point to potential treatments, researchers said on Monday. One reports that oxytocin, which studies have found is important in human bonding, may help reduce debilitating symptoms in autistic adults. And a second found that fear-detecting areas of the brain are shrunken in people with autism.
The term autism describes a range of symptoms that can include very severe mental and behavioral effects, an inability to interact socially, and milder symptoms such as those seen in Asperger's syndrome. Severely autistic patients may bang their heads, repeat words or movements, or become obsessed with certain actions.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a survey in May indicating that up to 1 in every 175 children born in the United States develops an autism spectrum disorder of some kind. The cause is unknown and treatments are limited.
Source: Reuters Health Information, December 5
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