Autism and Brain Development
Abstract Genetic studies are refining our understanding of neurodevelopmental mechanisms in autism. Some autism-related mutations appear to disrupt genes regulated by neuronal activity, which are especially important in development of the postnatal nervous system. Gene replacement studies in mice indicate that the developmental window to ameliorate symptoms may be wider than previously anticipated. Autism is classified as a “pervasive developmental disorder”—pervasive because it affects many aspects of cognition and behavior and developmental because autistic symptoms emerge during development from infancy or perhaps from birth. Yet, a key question about autism is at what stage during brain development does the primary lesion occur? Several recent findings in genetic models of autism suggest that substantial improvement in some behavioral or neurobiological defects can result from gene replacement or pharmacological treatment after “development” is largely complete. Does th...