Autism Linked To Inefficient Communication Between Different Parts Of The Brain

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Main Category: Autism
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 15 Oct 2006 - 8:00 PDT

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Brain cells in some parts of the cerebral cortex of people with autism have too many connections, while other parts do not have enough, say researchers from the University of Washington, USA, at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. The cerebral cortex is a part of the brain that processes complex thought.

Dr Michael Murias, team leader, said the study indicated that adults with autism show differences in coordinated neural activity, implying poor internal communication between parts of the brain.

In this study, the scientists examined the EEG (electroencephalography) if 18 adults with autism, and 18 adults without autism. All the participants were sitting while being scanned - they had their eyes closed and were relaxed for two minutes.

The adults with autism had abnormal brain cell connection patterns in the temporal lobe, said the scientists. The temporal lobe is an important part of the brain that processes language.

The scientists concluded that people with autism have inconsistent and inefficient communication between different parts of the brain. They added that their research finding could eventually lead the way to identifying autism in patients more quickly (earlier) and accurately.

Spontaneous EEG coherence in adults with autism
M. A. Murias, S. J. Webb, K. Merkle, J. Greenson, G. Dawson
Neuroscience 2006
Georgia World Congress Center: Halls B3-B5
Saturday, Oct 14, 2006, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Click here to see abstract

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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