Clue to flaws in autistic brain [View All]

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Clue to flaws in autistic brain


Regions of the brain may not communicate with each other as efficiently as they should in people with autism, research suggests. US scientists used sophisticated scans to examine connections in the cerebral cortex - the part of the brain that deals with complex thought. They found evidence of abnormal patterns of brain cell connection in people with autism. The research was presented at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

In some parts of the cortex brain cells made too many connections, and in other parts not enough.

Lead researcher Dr Michael Murias, from the University of Washington, said: "Our findings indicate adults with autism show differences in coordinated neural activity, which implies poor internal communication between the parts of the brain." The researchers analyzed electroencephalography (EEG) scans from 36 adults, half of who had autism. The EEGs, which measure the activity of hundreds of millions of brain cells, were collected while the people were seated and relaxed with their eyes closed for two minutes.The researchers found people with autism particularly showed abnormal patterns of brain cell connection in the temporal lobe, which deals with language.

They argue that the abnormal patterns suggest inefficient and inconsistent communication inside the brains of people with autism.Dr Marius said their work might lead to a way to spot autism at an earlier stage. Autism, a developmental disorder, is estimated to affect one in every 166 children.

more:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6037836.stm