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How does autism affect the brain?

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A newly published brain-tissue study suggests that children affected by autism have a surplus of synapses, or connections between brain cells. The excess is due to a slowdown in the normal pruning process that occurs during brain development, the researchers say. read more

Scientists have discovered that in people with autism, this wiring is faulty, leading to misfiring in communications between brain cells. In the brain, nerve cells transmit important messages that regulate body functions -- everything from social behavior to movement. read more

These three behaviors are the basis of the diagnosis of autism. It is increasingly clear, however, that other areas of brain function are affected as well, including balance, movement and memory. In earlier research, Nancy J. Minshew, MD, and colleagues offered evidence to support the whole-brain hypothesis in studies looking at autistic adults. read more

The brain of a child with autism has an abnormal corpus callosum, amygdala and cerebellum. Much like a computer, the brain relies on intricate wiring to process and transmit information. Scientists have discovered that in people with autism, this wiring is faulty, leading to misfiring in communications between brain cells. read more

Aug. 16, 2006 - New research is challenging the long-held belief that autism autism affects only those regions of the brain that control social interaction, communication, and reasoning -- suggesting, instead, that the disorder affects the entire brain. read more

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