Autism Research

From LoveToKnow Autism

Studying autism research is a great way to learn about the latest information on autism treatment options. With the hundreds of available research data, it is hard to know where to start. Here is a general summary on autism research as well as how to find research information.

Girl using autism picture therapy

Autism Research Overview

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that severely impairs a child's normal development of language, communication and social skills. Today the exact cause and cure for autism are unknown. On-going research is constantly searching for information on the cause of autism and the best treatment options. Some studies provide insight into possible causes such as a virus, environmental toxins, brain abnormalities, immune deficiencies, food allergies or genetics. However, there has never been sufficient evidence to support any of those theories conclusively.

Autism research is complex and sometimes contradictory. Some experts claim that autism has no cure and must be treated for life with little hope for major improvement. However, other experts can point to studies that provide hope for possible cures with the right treatment. In fact, a December 2008 Neuropsychology Review article analyzed the apparent recovery of children who were previously diagnosed with autism and no longer met the DSM-IV clinical definition of autism after treatment.

Types of Research

Autism research is generally divided into five basic types of studies:

  • Correlational research-- This type of research often studies a large group of people and looks for commonalities between the people. It focuses on a relationship between two or more variables in a controlled environment.
  • Longitudinal studies--A longitudinal study provides information about human development over an extended period of time. For example, a researcher may analyze the changes in repetitive behavior in two different groups of people over a three-year period.
  • Single subject studies--Single subject studies refers to the study of one person.
  • Clinical trial studies--A clinical trial often takes place in a medical setting. Many clinical trials deal with medication studies. For example, one group of patients may receive an autism medication, while another group receives a placebo.
  • Experimental studies-- These studies deal with cause and effect. One group of people is randomly selected to participate in the study and receive a treatment or therapy. A second group of people, the control group, participates in all aspects of the study except receiving the treatment or therapy.

Recent Autism Studies

Autism research includes a great deal of information on possible causes and treatments for autism.

Treatment Studies: Parental Intervention

The UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior studied the effect of parental intervention on social skills of 33 teenagers with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 13 to 17. The intervention program required that parents actively teach social skills to their teenage children using techniques recommended by therapists. Within 12 weeks, the teenagers demonstrated improved social skills, demonstrating the importance of parental involvement.

Treatment Studies: Medications

A clinical trial study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychpharmacology, indicated that Risperdone, a neuroleptic antipsychotic drug, may improve the cognitive skills of children with autism.

A clinical trial of the drug, methylphenidate (Ritalin), was conducted with 33 boys with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 5 and 13. The participants who took the medication showed a significant improvement in social behavior.

Cause Studies: Brain abnormalities

A study published in the 2009 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders provided more evidence of corpus callosum abnormalities as a possible cause of autism. 32 people with similar degrees of autism, IQ level and health history were examined and given a number of neurocognitive tests and MRI brain scans. The participants all had a smaller corpus callosum than average person. Some participants also showed evidence of corpus callosum atrophy.

Cause Studies: Environmental toxins

Many studies have investigated the possibility of a connection between environmental toxins and autism. One of those toxins, mercury, and its connection to vaccines has been a controversial subject in the medical community. The presence of thimerosal in common childhood vaccines was believed to expose children to dangerous levels of mercury. Many parents and experts blamed the presence of thimerosal in vaccines as a possible cause of autism but it was never proven. In fact, thimerosal has been removed from most vaccines but the rates of autism continue to grow each year.

Many experts believe that mercury exposure is linked to autism. A study published by the Journal Health & Place studied the mercury levels in areas near power plants and the rate of children diagnosed with autism. A large number of children who lived near a power plant were diagnosed with autism. Researchers argued that this provided evidence of a possible connection between mercury exposure and autism.

Autism Research Resources

Parents interested in learning more about autism research can find a great deal of information by online. Online autism research resources include:

Find every research resource possible. Talk to therapists and doctors. Read about studies in trade journals in the library.

Conclusion

Learning about autism research will also help parents figure out the best doctors, teachers and treatment options for their children. Autism research provides hope that one day more will be known about autism. Ongoing research also reveals evidence that can lead to possible treatments that can help all people with autism.

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