Research on known genetic brain disorders may lead to better autism therapies in the future.
Researchers continue to learn about how to treat genetic brain disorders. Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, and Fragile X syndrome are examples of genetic brain disorders. For these disorders, there is a gene in the DNA that researchers know is related to some brain problems. Scientists have been able to treat these disorders in animal studies. They have used gene therapy and drug therapy to correct problems of defective genes. They hope that some day the information might be helpful for treating many brain disorders including autism.
Autism Therapy: Rett Syndrome
definition of Rett Syndrome: Type of autism spectrum disorder characterized by decreased rate of head growth with age, small hands and feet, stereotypic hand movements, cognitive impairments, poor or no verbal skills, difficulties with socialization. The disorder is more common in girls than boys, and children with this syndrome often experience gastrointestinal problems, general growth failure, and seizures.
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- Harvard Mental Health Letter, by Letter, published in 2009, summarized Sep 22, 2009
- Epilepsy Behavior, by Mantis, JG, Fritz CL, Marsh J., Heinrichs SC, and Seyfried TN, published in 2009, summarized Aug 17, 2009
Reduced calorie diets may improve behaviors in mice with symptoms like Rett syndrome.
These authors did a research study with mice that have a genetic condition that is like Rett syndrome in humans. The authors compared three diets fed to adult mice: 1) a low calorie ketogenic (high fat, low carbohydrate) diet; 2) a low calorie normal diet (normal amounts of fat and carbohydrates); and 3) a normal diet. Mice fed a low calorie diet (either ketogenic or normal) showed better behavior. The mice were more curious, explored more, and had better balance and motor skills. They also showed less anxiety than the normal diet mice. Other studies reported that a low calorie ketogenic diet led to improved behaviors in mice and in some girls with Rett syndrome. Those studies did not test a low calorie normal diet. Therefore, the authors of this article think that low calories may be more important for improved behaviors than the ketogenic diet. The authors said parents should be careful about starting a reduced calorie diet for girls with Rett syndrome. Girls with Rett syndrome tend to be smaller than normal girls and may have special dietary needs. They suggest that parents check with their child's doctor before trying any diet changes.
- Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, by Braam, W., Smits MG, Didden R., Korailius H., VanGeijlswijk IM, and Curfs LMG, published in 2009, summarized Jul 17, 2009
Melatonin therapy may be helpful for people with autism who have trouble sleeping.
This review article compared results of nine different studies of melatonin and sleep problems in people with autism and other neurological disorders. All nine drug therapy studies were randomized and placebo-controlled. The studies looked at a total of 183 people. Melatonin therapy decreased the time it took to fall asleep. Melatonin also decreased the number of times people woke up during the night, and increased how long they slept by almost an hour. The authors said that some studies showed no effects of melatonin therapy, and it may be that melatonin may not be helpful for people with some specific types of intellectual disabilities. They said the conflicting results may be due to poor design of some of those studies.
- The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, by Reiss, AL, published in 2009, summarized Apr 22, 2009
Doctors and scientists can most help children with autism by sharing their interests and expertise to form a team approach to improve the lives of children with autism.
This review article describes a new way of thinking about autism. The author notes that while autism is common, doctors lack good tools for diagnosis and good treatments. Many doctors perceive borders between medical knowledge and therefore specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and pediatricians do not work together to help these children. The author calls for a paradigm shift that will improve how doctors diagnose and treat children with brain problems such as autism. He suggests bold changes in training, research, and increased efforts to work together across specialties.
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Synonyms for Rett Syndrome include: Rett Disorder
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