Foggyrock
Beta
"When autism is your mountain, you will never have to climb alone"
Feel free to browse around and get to know Foggyrock. However, you will need to login/register in order to fully participate

Library Categories > Genetics > A New Approach to Correcting Autism

 
Library Item Name:

A New Approach to Correcting Autism 		   
Summary Statement:

The causes of autism remain largely shrouded in mystery, but there are some types of the disorder that can be traced to specific gene defects. The most common of these — responsible for roughly 5% of autism cases — is a flaw in the X chromosome that causes a condition known as Fragile X Syndrome. Because the defect has been studied on a molecular level, it provides a unique window into understanding autism — and treating it. And that is why a paper published in this week's issue of the journal Neuron is bound to generate excitement, even though the work was done in rodents. It shows that wide-ranging symptoms of Fragile X, which include epilepsy, impaired mental functioning, aberrant brain structure and other abnormalities, can be reversed. The work, researchers say, holds enormous promise for humans with Fragile X and probably for other forms of autism as well.
Tags:

Fragile X,  research,  hope
Submission Date:

12/21/2007by: shannonj
Current rating:


Our Supporters