Description

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Learn about three new trials that are trying to target the cause of this developmental disorder.

Transcript

New Research Targeting the Cause of Autism Melissa: Ben Unkle knows what it’s like to grow up different. Ben Unkle: I have trouble doing things that other people can do naturally. Melissa: He was diagnosed with autism at six. He’s little sister watched as he struggled. Katie Unkle: That when we’re in elementary school people tease him and middle school a lot. I don’t like to watch him get hurt. Melissa: Right now there are only two FDA approved drugs for autistic children that help with irritability, tantrums, and aggression. Eugene Arnold: There’s no medication for core autism symptoms. Melissa: But that could be changing. Doctors are targeting a child’s digestive system. Some believe that might be one source of the problem. Eugene Arnold: Proteins can get through that that shouldn’t. It should be digestive first and that there are may be a reaction in the nervous system. Melissa: The inability to digest protein affects the release of amino acids, the building blocks essential for brain function. Children in this study are given digestive enzymes. The goal, see is they clear up issues in the gut and in turn improve behavior. In a second study, doctors are investigating whether cholesterol plays a role in autism. Eugene Arnold: They’re may be a subgroup who have autism because of blood a cholesterol. Melissa: Experts believe some autistic children are missing an enzyme that makes cholesterol which is needed for normal brain development. In a third trial, doctors are testing and approved Alzheimer’s drug to treat autism. Investigators are examining whether Namenda can help with motor skills and expressive language. What may work for one child may not work for another. Eugene Arnold: There are different reasons for different people having autism. Melissa: Three trials to get to the root of a mysterious disorder that impacts one other every 110 children. I’m Melissa Medley reporting.