Study: Defects in cells' energy producers shown in autistic children

By Staff Writer

Studies from the University of California-Davis show that children with autism have mitochondrial defects.

Researchers say that cumulative damage and oxidative stress in the mitochondria, which are the cell’s energy producer, are a shown in. Furthermore, they added that these could influence both the onset and severity of autism. Deficiencies in this essential cell organelle have been linked to other neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Researchers found that mitochondria from kids with autism consumed far less oxygen than those without the disease. Furthermore, oxygen consumption in the cell was only a third of that found in other individuals.

Children with autism usually experience symptoms, such as significant language delays, communication challenges and many suffer from intellectual disabilities.

Therapeutic boarding schools can help children who suffer from the symptoms of autism by designing education programs for helping them achieving behavioral success.

According to a 2006 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in every 110 children are diagnosed with autism.