Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that affects individuals in varying degrees. Some may experience milder symptoms, while others face significant challenges with social, language, and cognitive skills. For those with more ‘profound’ cases of ASD, lifelong supportive care may be necessary. This diverse range of symptoms within the autism spectrum has puzzled researchers and clinicians for years.
A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists has shed light on the biological foundations of autism through the use of mini-brains developed in the lab. These mini-brains, known as brain cortical organoids (BCOs), were grown from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) taken from toddlers with autism and neurotypical controls. The researchers found that the mini-brains developed from iPSCs of autistic children were around 40 percent larger compared to those from neurotypical controls.
Early Brain Development and Autism Severity
The crucial finding of the study was that the size and growth rate of the BCOs were associated with the severity of autism symptoms. Toddlers with profound autism showed the largest overgrowth in the BCOs during embryonic development, while those with milder symptoms had only mild overgrowth. This suggests a link between early brain development and the severity of autism symptoms later in life.
Implications for Social and Sensory Development
The researchers also found that the overgrowth in the BCOs matched overgrowth in the social parts of the brain in children with more severe autism. These children showed less response to social stimulation and had enlarged primary auditory and somatosensory cortices. This finding helps explain sensory and social attention issues observed in children with profound autism.
This study opens up new avenues for research into the biological underpinnings of autism. The overstimulation of brain growth, even at the embryonic stage, may play a role in the development of autism. By understanding how autism begins at the biological level, researchers can work towards more effective management strategies and interventions for individuals with ASD.
The study of mini-brains developed from iPSCs of toddlers with autism has provided crucial insights into the early biological foundations of this complex neurological condition. The differences in embryonic brain development between children with profound autism and mild autism have profound implications for our understanding and management of ASD. By continuing to unravel the mysteries of autism through research, we can improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
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