Researchers find association between autism and cell dysfunction

By Staff Writer

A study recently published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry reveals that children who suffer from autism may be more likely to have abnormal function of a key part of their cells.

Researchers found that the mitochondria, which is responsible for supplying energy to the cell, might be affected in autistic children. As a result, the study found dysfunctions in high energy organs such as the brain and heart

Furthermore, researchers found that 1 out of 20 autistic children have a severe mitochondrial disease. Comparatively, less than 1 out 10,000 people in the general population have the condition.

The study also revealed that children with autism who also have a mitochondrial disease are more likely to develop normally early in life and then lose acquired skills later.

Moreover, they are more at risk of developing other medical ailments such as seizures and gastrointestinal problems.

Enrolling children who suffer from autism into therapeutic boarding schools may help them achieve behavioral success through individual therapy.

Researchers suggest that since only 19 percent of children with autism and mitochondrial dysfunction had a genetic abnormality, other factors such as toxins in the environment and stressors could contribute to the abnormality.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year.