News from the meeting of AutismSpeaks #IMFAR2017

DNA research (DNA is known to affect neuro development and thereby affects behavior) contributed to detect differences neurotypical and autistic people at the cell level. The differences are the following:

  1. Lowered detox function of free oxygen radicals (O2), which leads to oxidative stress.
  2. Chronic inflammation and increased reaction to new irritants.
  3. Symbiotic microorganisms in the digestive system.

Certainly, not every autistic child has all three problems, but once some of them are solved, behavioral signs of autism can be reduces. Diagnostics helps to determine them. Solutions should be individualized in order to reach maximum effectiveness and reduction of the risk of side effects. For example, the treatment of oxidative stress reduced the irritability of children and improved their behavior, as demonstrated by several studies. Of course, it helped those children who were diagnosed with overestimated levels of free radicals O2.

Scientists study metabolism of a person for individualizing drugs in the future and greater their effectiveness. More in-depth studies of metabolism will provide an opportunity to track and predict the effect of the drug on a person.