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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Autism-Reversing Drugs Show Promise

MIT scientists stumbled onto workaround for misfiring brain system

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(Newser) – MIT scientists have discovered one of the mechanisms of Fragile X Syndrome, one cause of autism, and are developing drugs to treat it, NPR reports. The disorder, triggered by a genetic mutation, interferes with the normal links between brain cells, making those networks something like a car without a brakes. The new drugs limit acceleration, and have been successful in mice.

If the drugs prove to have a more widespread effect, this could mean a huge life change for those with Fragile X Syndrome. A more regulated neural system could allow their IQs to rise and symptoms of autism to wane. The scientists' work on obscure topics led them "from really basic science discovery to a potential treatment," says one of the scientists involved.

Eight-year-old Charlie Blakey, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, eats dinner at his home on Oak Park, Ill., on April 23, 2008.
Eight-year-old Charlie Blakey, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, eats dinner at his home on Oak Park, Ill., on April 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Graphic compares the number of autism and mental retardation cases in the U.S.
Graphic compares the number of autism and mental retardation cases in the U.S.   (AP Photo)
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We're not expecting a miracle, or to make up for his 19 years of development. But if we can watch improvement happen, that's a dream. - Katie Clapp, whose son Andy might benefit from a new treatment

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