New finding reported in autism study

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have found brain cell connections in autistic people might be deficient in single regions, not just between regions as has been believed.

In the first study of its kind, Wake Forest University researchers led by Assistant Professor Tony Wilson said the findings might lead to earlier diagnosis and more targeted medications for autism.

The study also supports previous research that showed disconnections between two or more brain regions, known as long-range connectivity. The new study supports the idea that the network as a whole is broken, but shows the disconnection in long-range connectivity may actually start within individual brain regions, known as local connectivity.

The findings are reported in the August issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry.