According to researchers physiological changes have been produced inside the womb, and may explain many characteristics of autism. The research was published by the New England Journal of Medicine.
In the joint study of several universities the samples of deceased children from a tissue centre were analysed. The material included eleven samples from 2- 15-year-old children with autism, and as many samples from comparison points of the same age.
They had been extracted from three different parts of the cerebral cortex.
Researchers examined the layers of the cortex and perceived a distinct difference between healthy children and those with autism.
They discovered patches in the layers of the cortex with certain cells missing in certain layers. As these layers have developed during the fetal period, it is likely that autism also stems from this time.
Disorganised patches of the cortex was perceived with all children with autism apart from one, but they were not witnessed among healthy children.
The specimens were very small, but abnormities were discovered in almost all samples from children with autism. Researchers deduced that problems of the layers must be extensive in the cerebral cortex region.
JANI KAARO – HS
ANNIKA RAUTAKOURA – HT
© HELSINGIN SANOMAT
Image: JUHANI NIIRANEN / HS
