New Autism Research Tests Brain's 'Reflexes'

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Jun 9, 2009 1:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Scientists are taking a new approach to autism research using magnetic field generators that test the brain’s reflexes, the Boston Globe reports. Much like tapping a patient on the knee to gauge a physical reaction, trans-cranial magnetic stimulation triggers activity in specific areas of the brain through a charged paddle applied to the head. Researchers hope patients' reactions will offer new clues about the disease.

Early work with the technique suggests that autistic brains are more impacted by stimuli, and that brain changes caused by new experiences last an hour longer than average. "They're making connections, just not breaking them at the same rate as normal people,” said one researcher. He believes the cognitive functioning of autistic people may become mired in mental splinter paths.

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Leo Lytel, 9, poses for a photograph at his home in Washington last month. Leo was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. He was considered "cured" this year. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Autism researchers are working with a new technique that tests the brain's "reflexes" by use of magnetic fields. (Shutterstock)

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There's a lot of mystery about autism—it's not as if there's a well-understood story of what's going on at all, and there's a huge variety of autism, too.
- John Gabrieli, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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New Autism Research Tests Brain's 'Reflexes'

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Proposed revisions would exclude many now considered autistic: NYT

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New Autism Research Tests Brain's 'Reflexes'

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[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

autism • medical research • neuroscience • brain scans

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Asperger Syndrome? Nope, Just a Nerdy Teenager

Because of current definition, Benjamin Nugent got a bogus diagnosis

Scientists Get Step Closer to Decoding Our Thoughts

Computers track brain activity as words are heard

Bird Flu Study Shut Down Over Terrorism Fears

Scientists have already determined that it could go airborne

No More Epidemic? Autism Definition May Change

Proposed revisions would exclude many now considered autistic: NYT

Babies' Foreskins Could End Animal Testing in Labs

Could one day be used to create artificial corneas, too

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?