New Study Conducted Shed Light to Possible Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Another milestone in the field of medicine has happened. That is when a study conducted by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center has been established recently that created a breakthrough to new treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

One of the characteristics that people often think about when Autism Spectrum Disorder sinks in is sensory dysfunction. According to Vanderbilt, sensory dysfunction in ASD falls down into two classifications, which is the hyporesponsiveness, "unusually strong reactions" to senses, and the "diminished to no reaction" to stimuli. But with the success of the study, experts were able to shed a light that could help end this situation.

The Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Autism Researcher at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Carissa Cascio, Ph. D., said, "This study provides a first hint that there is a relationship between sensory difficulties." "Specifically tactile defensiveness, and the serotonin system in children with ASD," she added.

Treating sensory dysfunction is difficult but the discovery opened the doors of many opportunities that could help them manage it, Cascio shared. Understanding the connection between the serotonin and sensory processing can be the breakthrough they are looking for. "A better understanding of how serotonin influences sensory processing may help us to eventually design new treatments for sensory difficulties," Cascio added.

Another thing the study found out is the relationship of serotonin to ASD. The results show that about 30 percent of the total number of the correspondents, which are children having the disorder, have hyperserotonemia. When they have undergone tests, their blood exam showed they are positive to have an above normal level of serotonin.

With the information gathered, Cascio and her group became certain of how hyperserotonemia affects people with ASD. And to know more about it, she said that the group is currently working to prove their hypothesis, which she believes will be a stable ground for future research.