Autism Update

Genetics, Repurposed Medicines, Hyperbaric Oxygen, Psychedelics, Music

Genetics

In 2020, British scientists studied brain anatomy and genetic patterns of a variety of autistic and non autistic people. The researchers recruited more than a hundred volunteers: some were autistic and others weren’t. Some had a genetic abnormality (22q11.2 microdeletion) and others didn’t. 

In general, brain anatomy between autistic and non autistic people differs in terms of cortical volume and thickness (the amount and distribution of gray matter), and brain surface area. Additionally, the deletion of part of a chromosome (22q11.2) predisposes people to autism.

The autism in those with the genetic abnormality is often more severe and more likely to be associated with ADHD and anxiety disorder. Also, those with the genetic abnormality are likely to suffer from schizophrenia, ADHD and anxiety disorder even if they don’t manifest autism.

Repurposed Medicines

In 2023, German scientists evaluated mice and discovered a potential treatment to reverse autistic behavior. The researchers determined certain mouse behaviors were similar to anxiety, lack of sociability and repetitive behavior seen in humans with autism. Lamotrigine (Lamictal), a drug approved by the FDA for use in epilepsy and other seizure disorders, was proved to be helpful in reducing mouse related autistic behavior.

Hyperbaric Oxygen 

When it comes to hyperbaric oxygen treatment for children with autism, it’s a duel of the Polish scientists:

In 2020, one group of Polish scientists subjected thirty-nine children with autism to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The therapy was delivered at one and a half times normal pressure. The children were stuffed in the hyperbaric chamber sixty minutes a day, five days a week, for two months. After completion of treatment, the children were judged to be more social, more imaginative, more adaptable to change, less irritated by noise and less verbally repetitive. 

In 2021, a different group of Polish scientists undertook a review of the medical literature, which comprised fourteen studies. They reported hyperbaric oxygen therapy revealed no evidence of effectiveness for children with autism. 

Psychedelics

In 2021 Canadian researchers reviewed the available medical literature regarding serotonergic psychedelics (LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms)) and autism. Early results suggest these drugs may improve certain aspects of autism, such as lack of sociability, anxiety and depression. On the downside, there is a possibility of psychedelics causing increased aggression or psychiatric abnormalities (such as psychosis).

Music

Music may be used as a treatment for people with autism spectrum disorder. It may activate the neural (brain) circuitry that governs emotional response. In a 2019 publication, Canadian scientists hypothesized that listening to music taps into the circuit that connects the midbrain (an evolutionarily primitive area (part of the brainstem) that governs heart rate, breathing, etc.) to the limbic system (parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens ((all of which govern emotion)) and orbitofrontal cortex (part of the brain responsible for decision making and focusing attention). 

By the same mechanism, listening to music may benefit the brain health of people with social and behavioral abnormalities. The wiring of your brain is not set in stone. Brain cells (neurons) and the circuitry that connects far flung neurons changes throughout your life. This process is called neuroplasticity and occurs through a combination of growth and pruning, much like a well-maintained garden. When you listen to your preferred music, regardless of the genre, you experience profound personal thoughts and memories. This occurs in your brain because the functional connections between far flung areas of the brain are activated. One specific circuit, called the default mode network (DMN), is crucial during internally focused thoughts. It turns out that this circuit is most active when listening to your preferred music.

For more information about brain function please check out The Mind Unlocked

Neurological, Nutritional and Behavioral Paths to Free Your Brain’s Potential https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-mind-unlocked/