Autism effects may be reversible, say researchers 

April 25: The effects of autism may be more reversible than previously thought, according to new research.

A study by the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences' Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has identified potentially removable chemical tags, called "methyl groups", which are found on specific genes of autistic individuals and lead to gene silencing.

The researchers said that blocking the chemical tagging of these genes with drugs that prevent the methylation process may reverse symptoms of autism if the specific genes can be targeted.

Valerie Hu, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the university, said: "As the mother of a now 22-year-old son with an autism spectrum disorder, I hope that our studies, as well as those of others, will lead to therapies that are designed to address specific deficiencies that are caused by autism, thus improving the lives of affected individuals."

According to the National Autistic Society, about one in every 100 people has an Autism spectrum disorder.

Source: http://www.craegmoor.co.uk