1. Akechi H, Kikuchi Y, Tojo Y, Osanai H, Hasegawa T. {{Neural and behavioural responses to face-likeness of objects in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Sci Rep};2014;4:3874.
Numerous studies have revealed atypical face processing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by social interaction and communication difficulties. This study investigated sensitivity to face-likeness in ASD. In Experiment 1, we found a strong positive correlation between the face-likeness ratings of non-face objects in the ASD (11-19 years old) and the typically developing (TD) group (9-21 years old). In Experiment 2 (the scalp-recorded event-related potential experiment), the participants of both groups (ASD, 12-19 years old; TD, 12-18 years old) exhibited an enhanced face-sensitive N170 amplitude to a face-like object. Whereas the TD adolescents showed an enhanced N170 during the face-likeness judgements, adolescents with ASD did not. Thus, both individuals with ASD and TD individuals have a perceptual and neural sensitivity to face-like features in objects. When required to process face-like features, a face-related brain system reacts more strongly in TD individuals but not in individuals with ASD.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
2. Braddock B, Twyman K. {{Access to Treatment for Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Clin Pediatr (Phila)};2014 (Jan 24)
New research shows that intensive and early intervention (EI) has the potential to change brain function in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Despite the positive benefit of EI, many families (n = 16) reported difficulties accessing EI services following an ASD diagnosis at the intensity viewed necessary for optimal child outcome. Parents reported that on average they secured 6.81 hours of services per month and that limited access to EI services led to increased parental stress at a time when a new ASD diagnosis was often overwhelming. Findings are discussed in terms of support to families who are experiencing difficulties accessing care after new ASD diagnosis.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
3. Brager DH, Johnston D. {{Channelopathies and Dendritic Dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome}}. {Brain Res Bull};2014 (Jan 23)
Dendritic spine abnormalities and the metabotropic glutamate receptor theory put the focus squarely on synapses and protein synthesis as the cellular locus of Fragile X syndrome. Synapses however, are only partly responsible for information processing in neuronal networks. Neurotransmitter triggered excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) are shaped and integrated by dendritic voltage-gated ion channels. These EPSPs, and in some cases the resultant dendritic spikes, are further modified by dendritic voltage-gated ion channels as they propagate to the soma. If the resultant somatic depolarization is large enough, action potential(s) will be triggered and propagate both orthodromically down the axon, where it may trigger neurotransmitter release, and antidromically back into the dendritic tree, where it can activate and modify dendritic voltage-gated and receptor activated ion channels. Several channelopathies, both soma-dendritic (L-type calcium channels, Slack potassium channels, h-channels, A-type potassium channels) and axo-somatic (BK channels and delayed rectifier potassium channels) were identified in the fmr1-/y mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. Pathological function of these channels will strongly influence the excitability of individual neurons as well as overall network function. In this chapter we discuss the role of voltage-gated ion channels in neuronal processing and describe how identified channelopathies in models of Fragile X syndrome may play a role in dendritic pathophysiology.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
4. Cygan HB, Tacikowski P, Ostaszewski P, Chojnicka I, Nowicka A. {{Neural correlates of own name and own face detection in autism spectrum disorder}}. {PLoS One};2014 (Jan 22);9(1):e86020.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition clinically characterized by social interaction and communication difficulties. To date, the majority of research efforts have focused on brain mechanisms underlying the deficits in interpersonal social cognition associated with ASD. Recent empirical and theoretical work has begun to reveal evidence for a reduced or even absent self-preference effect in patients with ASD. One may hypothesize that this is related to the impaired attentional processing of self-referential stimuli. The aim of our study was to test this hypothesis. We investigated the neural correlates of face and name detection in ASD. Four categories of face/name stimuli were used: own, close-other, famous, and unknown. Event-related potentials were recorded from 62 electrodes in 23 subjects with ASD and 23 matched control subjects. P100, N170, and P300 components were analyzed. The control group clearly showed a significant self-preference effect: higher P300 amplitude to the presentation of own face and own name than to the close-other, famous, and unknown categories, indicating preferential attentional engagement in processing of self-related information. In contrast, detection of both own and close-other’s face and name in the ASD group was associated with enhanced P300, suggesting similar attention allocation for self and close-other related information. These findings suggest that attention allocation in the ASD group is modulated by the personal significance factor, and that the self-preference effect is absent if self is compared to close-other. These effects are similar for physical and non-physical aspects of the autistic self. In addition, lateralization of face and name processing is attenuated in ASD, suggesting atypical brain organization.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
5. Goodwin A, Fein D, Naigles L. {{The role of maternal input in the development of wh-question comprehension in autism and typical development}}. {J Child Lang};2014 (Jan 24):1-32.
ABSTRACT Social deficits have been implicated in the language delays and deficits of children with autism (ASD); thus, the extent to which these children use language input in social contexts similarly to typically developing (TD) children is unknown. The current study investigated how caregiver input influenced the development of wh-question comprehension in TD children and language-matched preschoolers with ASD. Children were visited at four-month intervals over 1.5 years; mother-child play sessions at visits 1-2 were coded for maternal wh-question use. At visits 3-5 children watched videos in the Intermodal Preferential Looking paradigm, to assess their comprehension of subject and object wh-questions. Mothers’ use of wh-questions with verbs and complex wh-questions positively predicted wh-question comprehension in the TD group; in contrast, mothers’ use of wh-questions with ‘be’ as the main verb negatively predicted wh-question comprehension in the ASD group. Thus, TD children and children with ASD appear to use their linguistic input differently.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
6. Hastings RP, Petalas MA. {{Self-reported behaviour problems and sibling relationship quality by siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Child Care Health Dev};2014 (Jan 27)
BACKGROUND: There are few published research studies in which siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) provide self-reports about their own behavioural and emotional problems and their sibling relationships. Reliance on parent reports may lead to incomplete conclusions about the experiences of siblings themselves. METHODS: Siblings 7-17 years and their mothers from 94 families of children with ASD were recruited. Mothers reported on family demographics, the behavioural and emotional problems of their child with ASD, and on their own symptoms of depression. Siblings reported on their relationship with their brother or sister with ASD, and siblings 11+ years of age also self-reported on their behavioural and emotional problems. RESULTS: Compared with normative British data, siblings reported very slightly elevated levels of behavioural and emotional problems. However, none of the mean differences were statistically significant and all group differences were associated with small or very small effect sizes – the largest being for peer problems (effect size = 0.31). Regression analysis was used to explore family systems relationships, with sibling self-reports predicted by the behaviour problems scores for the child with ASD and by maternal depression. Maternal depression did not emerge as a predictor of siblings’ self-reported sibling relationships or their behavioural and emotional problems. Higher levels of behaviour problems in the child with ASD predicted decreased warmth/closeness and increased conflict in the sibling relationship. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the general findings of recent research in that there was little indication of clinically meaningful elevations in behavioural and emotional problems in siblings of children with ASD. Although further research replication is required, there was some indication that sibling relationships may be at risk where the child with ASD has significant behaviour problems.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
7. Hebert ML, Kehayia E, Prelock P, Wood-Dauphinee S, Snider L. {{Does occupational therapy play a role for communication in children with autism spectrum disorders?}}. {Int J Speech Lang Pathol};2014 (Jan 27)
This study investigates occupational therapy for early communication in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The research explored the role of occupational therapists in supporting children with ASD to become better communicators by considering their inter-professional collaboration with speech-language pathologists. Convenience samples of 21 clinical occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists were recruited to participate in semi-structured audio-recorded focus groups, using a qualitative design. Distinct views included a child-centred focus from speech-language pathologists, whereas occupational therapists spoke of the child through societal viewpoints, which later pointed to occupational therapists’ proficiency in enabling skill generalization in ASD. An equal partnership was consistently reported between these clinicians, who identified the same objectives, shared strategies, joint treatments, and ongoing collaboration as the four main facilitators to inter-professional collaboration when treating children with ASD. Three unique roles of occupational therapy comprised developing non-verbal and verbal communication pre-requisites, adapting the setting, educating-partnering-advocating for the child, and providing occupation-based intervention. These three themes meshed with the discipline-specific occupational therapy domains represented in the Person-Environment-Occupation framework. When working in inter-professional collaboration, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists agree that occupational therapy is indispensable to early intervention in enabling communication in ASD.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
8. Irvin DW, Boyd BA, Odom SL. {{Child and setting characteristics affecting the adult talk directed at preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder in the inclusive classroom}}. {Autism};2014 (Jan 24)
Difficulty with social competence is a core deficit of autism spectrum disorder. Research on typically developing children and children with disabilities, in general, suggests the adult talk received in the classroom is related to their social development. The aims of this study were to examine (1) the types and amounts of adult talk children with autism spectrum disorder are exposed to in the preschool classroom and (2) the associations between child characteristics (e.g. language), activity area, and adult talk. Kontos’ Teacher Talk classification was used to code videos approximately 30 min in length of 73 children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 3-5) in inclusive classrooms (n = 33) during center time. The results indicated practical/personal assistance was the most common type of adult talk coded, and behavior management talk least often coded. Child characteristics (i.e. age and autism severity) and activity area were found to be related to specific types of adult talk. Given the findings, implications for future research are discussed.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
9. Jeste SS, Geschwind DH. {{Disentangling the heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder through genetic findings}}. {Nat Rev Neurol};2014 (Jan 28)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders, which presents a substantial challenge to diagnosis and treatment. Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in the identification of genetic risk factors for ASD that define specific mechanisms and pathways underlying the associated behavioural deficits. In this Review, we discuss how some of the latest advances in the genetics of ASD have facilitated parsing of the phenotypic heterogeneity of this disorder. We argue that only through such advances will we begin to define endophenotypes that can benefit from targeted, hypothesis-driven treatments. We review the latest technologies used to identify and characterize the genetics underlying ASD and then consider three themes-single-gene disorders, the gender bias in ASD, and the genetics of neurological comorbidities-that highlight ways in which we can use genetics to define the many phenotypes within the autism spectrum. We also present current clinical guidelines for genetic testing in ASD and their implications for prognosis and treatment.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
10. Knight V, McKissick BR, Saunders A. {{Erratum to: A Review of Technology-Based Interventions to Teach Academic Skills to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2014 (Jan 25)
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
11. Long SS. {{FM-listening systems improve speech perception in some children with autism}}. {J Pediatr};2014 (Feb);164(2):223-225.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
12. Ludwig AL, Espinal GM, Pretto D, Jamal AL, Arque G, Tassone F, Berman RF, Hagerman PJ. {{CNS expression of murine fragile X protein (FMRP) as a function of CGG-repeat size}}. {Hum Mol Genet};2014 (Jan 23)
Large expansions of a CGG-repeat element (>200 repeats; full mutation) in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene cause fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading single-gene form of intellectual disability and of autism spectrum disorder. Smaller expansions (55-200 CGG repeats; premutation) result in the neurodegenerative disorder, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Whereas FXS is caused by gene silencing and insufficient FMR1 protein (FMRP), FXTAS is thought to be caused by « toxicity » of expanded-CGG repeat mRNA. However, as FMRP expression levels decrease with increasing CGG-repeat length, lowered protein may contribute to premutation-associated clinical involvement. To address this issue, we measured brain Fmr1 mRNA and FMRP levels as a function of CGG-repeat length in a congenic (CGG-repeat knock-in) mouse model using 57 wildtype and 97 expanded-CGG-repeat mice carrying up to approximately 250 CGG repeats. While Fmr1 message levels increased with repeat length, FMRP levels trended downward over the same range, subject to significant inter-subject variation. Human comparisons of protein levels in the frontal cortex of 7 normal and 17 FXTAS individuals revealed that the mild FMRP decrease in mice mirrored the more limited data for FMRP expression in the human samples. In addition, FMRP expression levels varied in a subset of mice across the cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus, as well as at different ages. These results provide a foundation for understanding both the CGG-repeat-dependence of FMRP expression and for interpreting clinical phenotypes in premutation carriers in terms of the balance between elevated mRNA and lowered FMRP expression levels.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
13. Margari L, Lamanna AL, Craig F, Simone M, Gentile M. {{Autism spectrum disorders in XYY syndrome: two new cases and systematic review of the literature}}. {Eur J Pediatr};2014 (Jan 25)
Abnormalities of the sex chromosomes (47, XXY, 47 XYY, 45,X/46,XY mosaicism) are frequently associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but the male predisposition to these disorders has not been clearly explained. Previously, the role of the X chromosome was considered important in the ASD mainly because autistic symptoms were detected in genetic syndromes involving X chromosome (fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome). Instead, few studies have analyzed the possible role of the Y chromosome in the ASD. This study explores the role of the Y chromosome in ASD through a systematic literature review about the association between ASD and XYY syndrome and a description of two new cases with this association. The literature review considered studies published in peer-reviewed journals, included in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases, that examined the association between ASD and XYY syndrome. Few studies reported the occurrence of ASD in children with XYY karyotype and the majority of them did not reported a well-defined autism diagnostic category associated with an extra Y chromosome, but several clinical conditions that are generically described as language and social impairment. Conclusion: This study underlines the underestimated role of the Y chromosome in ASD, and we postulate that all the ASD associated with the XYY karyotype may presumably fall within mild degree of ASD as in our cases.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
14. Maurin T, Zongaro S, Bardoni B. {{Fragile X Syndrome: From molecular pathology to therapy}}. {Neurosci Biobehav Rev};2014 (Jan 22)
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability due to the silencing of the FMR1 gene encoding FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein), an RNA-binding protein involved in different steps of RNA metabolism. Of particular interest is the key role of FMRP in translational regulation. Since the first functional characterizations of FMRP, its role has been underlined by its association with actively translating polyribosomes. Furthermore, a plethora of mRNA targets of FMRP have been identified. In the absence of FMRP the deregulation of translation/transport/stability of these mRNAs has a cascade effect on many pathways, resulting into the final phenotype. We review here a set of targets of FMRP (mRNAs and proteins) that may have an impact on the FXS phenotype by deregulating some key cellular processes, such as translation, cytoskeleton remodeling and oxidative stress. The manipulation of these abnormal pathways by specific drugs may represent new therapeutic opportunities for FXS patients.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
15. Merali Z, Presti-Torres J, Mackay JC, Johnstone J, Du L, St-Jean A, Levesque D, Kent P, Schwartsmann G, Roesler R, Schroder N, Anisman H. {{Long-term behavioral effects of neonatal blockade of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors in rats: similarities to Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Behav Brain Res};2014 (Jan 23)
Gastrin releasing peptide, the mammalian counterpart of the amphibian peptide, Bombesin, has been increasingly implicated in regulating normal brain function as well as in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. We have previously shown that the neonatal blockade of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) in rats produces long-lasting consequences during central nervous system development that are commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders. The present investigation assessed in further detail, long-term behavioral effects of neonatal GRPr blockade. During postnatal days 1 to10, male Wistar rat pups (n=5-10/litter) were injected (subcutaneously) with the GRPr antagonist, RC-3095 (1mg/kg), or a vehicle (control), twice daily. Following the drug treatment regimen, several behaviors were assessed (starting on postnatal day 14) including specific social behaviors (namely, group huddling characteristics, social interaction, and social approach), restrictive/repetitive and stereotyped behaviors (y-maze, repetitive novel objection contact task, observation for stereotypies) and anxiety/fear-related responses (open field, elevated plus maze and contextual fear conditioning). Rats treated neonatally with RC-3095 showed reduced sociability, restrictive interests, motor stereotypies and enhanced learned fear response compared to the controls (vehicle-treated rats). These behavioral abnormalities are consistent with those observed in autism spectrum disorders and provide further evidence that neonatal blockade of GRPr could potentially serve as a useful model to gain a better understanding of the underlying neurodevelopmental disruptions contributing to the expression of autism-relevant phenotypes.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
16. Mirenda P. {{Revisiting the Mosaic of Supports Required for Including People with Severe Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in their Communities}}. {Augment Altern Commun};2014 (Jan 28)
The goal of this Forum article is to examine the progress that has been made over the past 20 years in providing opportunities for community living, inclusive schooling, and integrated employment to people with severe intellectual or developmental disabilities who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Recent research and statistical data from the United States and elsewhere are used to describe both the gains that have been made and the challenges that still remain. Directions for future advocacy and research efforts are also included.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
17. Reaven J, Blakeley-Smith A, Beattie TL, Sullivan A, Moody EJ, Stern JA, Hepburn SL, Smith IM. {{Improving transportability of a cognitive-behavioral treatment intervention for anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders: Results from a US-Canada collaboration}}. {Autism};2014 (Jan 24)
Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur in youth with autism spectrum disorders. In addition to developing efficacious treatments for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders, it is important to examine the transportability of these treatments to real-world settings. Study aims were to (a) train clinicians to deliver Facing Your Fears: Group Therapy for Managing Anxiety in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders to fidelity and (b) examine feasibility of the program for novel settings. A secondary aim was to examine preliminary youth treatment outcome. Results indicated that clinicians obtained excellent fidelity following a workshop and ongoing consultation. Acceptability ratings indicated that Facing Your Fears Therapy was viewed favorably, and critiques were incorporated into program revisions. Meaningful reductions in anxiety were reported posttreatment for 53% of children. Results support the initial effectiveness and transportability of Facing Your Fears Therapy in new clinical settings.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
18. Schroeder JH, Cappadocia MC, Bebko JM, Pepler DJ, Weiss JA. {{Shedding Light on a Pervasive Problem: A Review of Research on Bullying Experiences Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2014 (Jan 25)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. As a result, individuals with ASD are at an increased risk of bullying victimization, compared to typically developing peers. This paper reviews the literature that has emerged over the past decade regarding prevalence of bullying involvement in the ASD population, as well as associated psychosocial factors. Directions for future research are suggested, including areas of research that are currently unexplored or underdeveloped. Methodological issues such as defining and measuring bullying, as well as informant validity and reliability, are considered. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
19. von Leden RE, Curley LC, Greenberg GD, Hunsaker MR, Willemsen R, Berman RF. {{Reduced Activity-Dependent Protein Levels in a Mouse Model of the Fragile X Premutation}}. {Neurobiol Learn Mem};2014 (Jan 23)
Environmental enrichment results in increased levels of Fmrp in brain and increased dendritic complexity. The present experiment evaluated activity-dependent increases in Fmrp levels in the motor cortex in response to training on a skilled forelimb reaching task in the CGG KI mouse model of the fragile X premutation. Fmrp, Arc, and c-Fos protein levels were quantified by Western blot in the contralateral motor cortex of mice following training to reach for sucrose pellets with a non-preferred paw and compared to levels in the ipsilateral motor cortex. After training, all mice showed increases in Fmrp, Arc, and c-Fos protein levels in the contralateral compared to the ipsilateral hemisphere; however, the increase in CGG KI mice was less than wildtype mice. Increases in Fmrp and Arc proteins scaled with learning, whereas this relationship was not observed with the c-Fos levels. These data suggest the possibility that reduced levels of activity-dependent proteins associated with synaptic plasticity such as Fmrp and Arc may contribute to the neurocognitive phenotype reported in the CGG KI mice and the fragile X premutation.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
20. Wigham S, McConachie H. {{Systematic review of the properties of tools used to measure outcomes in anxiety intervention studies for children with autism spectrum disorders}}. {PLoS One};2014 (Jan 21);9(1):e85268.
BACKGROUND: Evidence about relevant outcomes is required in the evaluation of clinical interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, to date, the variety of outcome measurement tools being used, and lack of knowledge about the measurement properties of some, compromise conclusions regarding the most effective interventions. OBJECTIVES: This two-stage systematic review aimed to identify the tools used in studies evaluating interventions for anxiety for high-functioning children with ASD in middle childhood, and then to evaluate the tools for their appropriateness and measurement properties. METHODS: Electronic databases including Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, and the Cochrane database and registers were searched for anxiety intervention studies for children with ASD in middle childhood. Articles examining the measurement properties of the tools used were then searched for using a methodological filter in PubMed, and the quality of the papers evaluated using the COSMIN checklist. RESULTS: Ten intervention studies were identified in which six tools measuring anxiety and one of overall symptom change were used as primary outcomes. One further tool was included as it is recommended for standard use in UK children’s mental health services. Sixty three articles on the properties of the tools were evaluated for the quality of evidence, and the quality of the measurement properties of each tool was summarised. CONCLUSIONS: Overall three questionnaires were found robust in their measurement properties, the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale, its revised version – the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, and also the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. Crucially the articles on measurement properties provided almost no evidence on responsiveness to change, nor on the validity of use of the tools for evaluation of interventions for children with ASD. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42012002684.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
21. Wittkowski KM, Sonakya V, Bigio B, Tonn MK, Shic F, Ascano M, Nasca C, Gold-Von Simson G. {{A novel computational biostatistics approach implies impaired dephosphorylation of growth factor receptors as associated with severity of autism}}. {Transl Psychiatry};2014;4:e354.
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased 20-fold over the past 50 years to >1% of US children. Although twin studies attest to a high degree of heritability, the genetic risk factors are still poorly understood. We analyzed data from two independent populations using u-statistics for genetically structured wide-locus data and added data from unrelated controls to explore epistasis. To account for systematic, but disease-unrelated differences in (non-randomized) genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a correlation between P-values and minor allele frequency with low granularity data and for conducting multiple tests in overlapping genetic regions, we present a novel study-specific criterion for ‘genome-wide significance’. From recent results in a comorbid disease, childhood absence epilepsy, we had hypothesized that axonal guidance and calcium signaling are involved in autism as well. Enrichment of the results in both studies with related genes confirms this hypothesis. Additional ASD-specific variations identified in this study suggest protracted growth factor signaling as causing more severe forms of ASD. Another cluster of related genes suggests chloride and potassium ion channels as additional ASD-specific drug targets. The involvement of growth factors suggests the time of accelerated neuronal growth and pruning at 9-24 months of age as the period during which treatment with ion channel modulators would be most effective in preventing progression to more severe forms of autism. By extension, the same computational biostatistics approach could yield profound insights into the etiology of many common diseases from the genetic data collected over the last decade.
