Autism Therapy: cerebellum

definition of cerebellum: Region of the brain that controls posture, balance, and coordination. The cerebellum is located at the base of the brain between the brain stem and the cerebrum. This region is important for learned physical skills. For example, the cerebellum is important for learning to ride a bike. When the skill of riding a bike becomes automatic, the cerebellum is the region where this takes place.

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Acquisition of Internal Models of Motor Tasks in Children with Autism
Brain, by GidleyLarson, JC, Bastian AJ, Donchin O., Shadmehr R., and Mostofsk SH, published in 2008, summarized Jan 1, 2009

Children with autism may be able to best learn new motor tasks if they are shown and described to them clearly.

This study looked at children with autism to see if they could change their motor output in response to a changes around them. The study had three tasks: two tasks that involved reaching with a robot arm; and one task that was performed with prism glasses. Scientists believe that a part of the brain called the cerebellum should be used adapt motor output to novel tools such as robot arms and prism glasses. The authors were surprised to find that children with autism were able to adapt to the tasks. These results suggest that children with autism are able to acquire an internal model of movement.


Expression of Phosphodiesterase 4 is Altered in the Brains of Subjects with Autism
NeuroReport, by Braun, NN, Reutiman TJ, Lee S., Folsam TD, and Fatemi SH, published in 2007, summarized Feb 6, 2008

Drugs that target the brain chemical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) may some day help people with autism.

This study looked to see whether or not the PDE4 gene is involved in autism. The authors found that certain types of PDE4 were decreased in the brains of people with autism when compared to the brains of controls. The difference in PDE4 was most pronounced in the cerebellum and frontal cortex portions of the brain. The drugs haloperidol, clozapine, lithium, and valproic acid all act on PDE4 in the brain. The authors suggest that these drugs be studied more closely to see if they are good therapies for autism.


The Neuropsychiatry of the Cerebellum – Insights from the Clinic
The Cerebellum, by Schmahmann, JD, Weilburg JB, and Sherman JC, published in 2007, summarized Oct 12, 2007

Some autistic symptoms may be eased with electroshock therapy.

This paper describes a series of patients who have problems with the portion of the brain known as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is believed to be where the brain controls mood. Problems with the cerebellum can cause some of the symptoms of autism. A weak link between the cerebellum and movement (vestibular system) may also cause some of the symptoms of autism. Problems of the cerebellum can be treated with counseling or maybe by electrical shock therapy of the cerebellum.


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