Children with autism may be supersensitive to change

Conclusion Overall, this study in a rat model of autism seems to support what is generally already understood about ASD: affected individuals often feel more comfortable with set patterns, routines and environments, and may find unpredictability more challenging. However, it is hard to draw many solid conclusions from this study, particularly because it is difficult to know exactly how representative this rat model of autism is of humans with autism. Animal research can often give a good insight into biological and disease processes and how they may work in humans, but we are not identical. With a complex condition such as autism, which does not have a clearly established cause or causes, it is difficult to fully replicate the condition in animals. The researchers report the VPA model is a well-validated model of autism in rats and has some of the characteristics seen in people with autism. But it is likely differences still exist, so we can't be certain how applicable the findings are. The study generally supports what is already understood about ASD, and may lend support to environmental and behavioural therapeutic approaches. However, we certainly can't say at this stage whether environmental manipulation in humans would have the ability to prevent or cure ASD. Links To The Headlines People with autism have 'supercharged' brains: Those with the condition are 'over-sensitive to the world - and not impaired'. Mail Online, June 4 2015 Links To Science Favre MR, La Mendo...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Mental health Pregnancy/child Source Type: news