I doubt that this will lead to a treatment that will affect those of us who already have autistic spectrum disorders, however, it could lead to early detection of autism in infants. With both early dectection, and some (still unknown) treatments to mitigate or eliminate the causes, we could see an end to new generations of aspies and autistics. (Yes, I know there are going to be some folks who object to denying future generations the benefits of aspiedom, but frankly, I'm all for keeping anybody else from having to experience life the way I have. Sorry, but I'm NOT a happy Aspie.)
I suspect that the brain differences that seperate us from NTs occur as the brain develops and once those changes are there, they can't be altered. At least not without some quantum leap in medical technology.
Still, it's nice to see that some progress is being made in understanding autism. This study looks like it adds more weight to the theory that autism, and presumably Asperger's, has a genetic basis. It's one more peice of evidence we can use to say: "Look, I'm not crazy, and it's not in my head, I'm really different and there's a reason for that which is not my, or anyone else's, fault."
I just wish they'd start reproducing these autism studies with AS subjects. I suspect there's a lot to be learned there if we can figure out exactly what the relationship is. i.e. why do some of us have autism, some HFA and some Asperger's and PDD-NOS. Is there a genetic variation? Is there an environmental effect?
Grey
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Doesn't play well with others.
16 Jan 2006, 11:24 am
