Rapid Infant Head Growth May Signal Autism
Researchers Say More Research Is Needed
"This burst of overgrowth takes place in a brief period of time, between about two months and six to 14 months of age," said researcher Eric Courchesne (pictured, right), professor of neurosciences and director of the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital and Health Center in San Diego. "So, we know it cannot be caused by events that occur later, such as vaccinations for mumps, measles and rubella or exposure to toxins during childhood."The study is published in Wednesday's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers said head growth may be an outward sign of autism's brain problems. They said the rapid growth doesn't allow enough time for accumulation of experiences and emotions that guide and shape normal behavior."During this period of important learning and plasticity, when the brain is experiencing the world and deciding how to construct itself, it's growing too fast in the infant with autism," Courchesne said. "Without the guidance of experience and learning, the brain may be creating abnormal connections that make it very hard for autistic children to make sense of the world they live in."But other conditions also can cause rapid head growth, and some babies develop normally. The researchers said the findings must be verified in further studies.But they said head growth could help doctors diagnose autism early, and early therapeutic services have been shown to produce a better outcome for autistic children.For Brian, who is now almost 9, specialized education has made a huge difference. While other experts say more research is needed before we know for sure if head size is an indicator of autism, many are excited by the idea."I just think that perhaps we could have done more to help Brian sooner, had we known. Now sometimes children find out by 2 and that difference of a year can be critical," Ann Guay said.- November 7, 2002: Study: MMR Vaccine Doesn't Cause Autism
- October 25, 2002: Doctors Investigate Genetic Cause Of Autism
- October 18, 2002: Autism Jump In California Puzzles Researchers
- October 9, 2002: Protein Shows Promise In Treating Autism
- August 1, 2002: Schizophrenia Drug May Help Autistic Kids
- July 25, 2002: Studies Compare Autism, Brain Growth
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


















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