Autism involves specialized brain development

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I have my own hypotheses about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), most of which I would be willing to share with you over a few bottles of wine.  But, let’s stick with facts for  today’s discussion.

First, we’ll start with the disheartening news.  Two reviews are to be published in the journal “Pediatrics” about the choice of treatments for children suffering from ASD.  The first publication examined 34 behavioral modification studies that were found  Medline, PsycINFO, and ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) in the first decade of the 21st century.  The second publication examined the same sources for the ability of medication to improve the conditions of the ASD patients.  Both articles were authored by a group comprised of Drs. Warren, McPheeters, and Veenstra-VanderWeele  and Ms. Sathe and Foss-Feig from Vanderbilt University .

The researchers were attempting to discern if these therapies aided the interactions with others, the understanding of others’ emotions, or diminished repetitive behaviors. The one definitive finding from the studies is the secretin (a hormone) should not be among the repertoire of options, since the evidence demonstrates that it does not augment social skills for those with ASD (in spite of the preliminary findings for this stomach ulcer treatment).   The evidence was ambivalent about anti-depressant  (Prozac, Celexa), serotonin-reuptake inhibitors,  and stimulant (Ritalin) usage.  While not conclusive, it was possible that risperidone and aripiprazole had some utility in reducing repetitive behaviors in ASD subjects; however, the researchers were leery of their usage due to concomitant muscle tremors and drowsiness (unless the ASD subject was highly impaired).

The behavior medication results were more promising.  If started at an early age, the ASD subject did demonstrate improved reasoning and language skills, as well as better interactions with others.  The problem is that there was no definitive marker or indicator to discern which ASD subject would most benefit from such interventions.

A new journal article to be published soon in Human Brain Mapping provides a cumulative analysis of research performed over the past decade or so by an international  research group comprised of three people from the University of Montreal (Drs. Samson,  Soulières, and Mottron) and two people from the Neural Systems Group of Massachusetts General Hospital (Dr. Zeffiro and Dr. Soulières).   (Note that Dr. Soulières is affiliated with both institutions; Dr. Zeffiro is the senior author.)

The research paper explains that people with ASD use their brain differently than others- it’s why those with ASD have some extraordinary capabilities.   It seems that the portion of the brain that processes visual information (anterior of the brain) is more highly developed, while other portions are less so (such as the frontal cortex). (See picture below.)  The less developed regions of the brain includes those areas that control planning and decision making. Moreover, this hyper/hypo- development condition seems to vary with the severity of ASD in the tested  subjects.

The researchers were interested in the three different visual processing domains:  objects, words, and faces.  The interpretation of facial expression is one area that ASD subjects find difficult.  Hyperlexia (exception word reading capability),  on the other hand, is associated with ASD.

What makes this research so interesting is that it turns the standard approach to our thinking about ASD upside down.  Instead of considering that ASD involves a disorganized brain, it demonstrates that the brain is highly organized- but organized differently than the brain of  others.  It also means that one should not consider ASD a behavioral problem, but, instead, a diagnosis of people with specialized skill sets (being superb at visual processing issues).  It proves that we can and should work with those people diagnosed with with ASD to maximize their potentials, which differ from other people in significant, and useful ways.

It also explains why various subjects who manifest ASD have sought out creative outlets with which they channel their talents and also have developed various coping mechanisms to achieve success in everyday activities.

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11 thoughts on “Autism involves specialized brain development”

    1. Thanks, Janine.
      I think this (and the animal model developed) are the first real hopes for folks to work with their children and friends.
      With an incidence of 0.9% in America (which may be overstated), the census is too high to keep moving in circles!
      Roy

  1. How beautiful! It’s really all about perception. “Different” doesn’t always have to be negative. I’m surprised that hyperlexia is associated with ASD as it seems like a trait of Asperger’s or HFA, rather than the entire spectrum. In fact, it’s one of the key factors that distinguish Asperger’s and autism (if you’re on the side that considers them separate conditions).

    I really like the idea that people with ASDs have “specialized skills sets.” I read about an extreme Asperger’s group once — they claimed to be “superior humans.” =)
    Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Giving Rural Children Laptops- For or Against

    1. Samantha:
      Asperger’s is considered among the diagnoses of ASD. HFA is a vernacular term right now, and with such terms, there is no agreed definition (like “cool”) to entertain research discussions.
      One can only hope that we help everyone reach their potentials- regardless of their diagnosis. And, with the development of an animal model, we can examine therapies to improve the conditions for those with ASD.
      Thanks for your comments!
      Roy

  2. Roy, I write for two different organizations with the Autism arena. I’ve passed your blog post on to them both. I love the idea of working with those on the spectrum as “different” versus “flawed.” I’ve often thought that our definition of “normal” is what’s normal for us – that we don’t allow room for those who might see and experience life differently. Very interesting!
    Lisbeth Tanz recently posted..Empower Someone Else – Ask For Help

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