Brain research to “wipe out autism”?
Dr. Manuel Casanova, professor of psychiatry at the University of Louisville, is conducting research on “drastic differences in the brains of autistic individuals,” as WAVE 3 in Louisville puts it. Dr. Casanova’s research team analyzed tissue from the brains of twelve people, six with autism, and found that the “minicolumns” or brain stands in the autistic persons had more cells and that the cells were more densely packed and narrower, and that this can result in the brain sending “messages” less quickly.
Dr. Casanova’s article Minicolumnar abnormalities in autism was published on July 4 in Acta Neuropathologica.
More than considering how his research can further understanding of autism, Dr. Casanova
is ready to begin working on wiping out autism entirely. “Knowing the pathology, what is wrong with the brains of autistic individuals, opens the door to potential strategies that may actually even lead to a cure.”
Dr. Casanova’s first step: developing a brain stimulator to bulk-up the brain strands. And he feels so strongly about the potential that he’s ready to pay for it with his own money. ……
The cost for the equipment [needed for preliminary studies] that could forever change the diagnosis of autism: $40,000. Dr. Casanova is confident he’s on the verge of a major breakthrough. “Something good is about to happen,” he said.
I would say to the doctor that it might be helpful to speak instead of what is different about the brains of autistic persons. And, if “wiping out autism entirely” is part of his projected “major breakthrough,” I can wait to hear those results.
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POSTED IN: Neuroscience, Science
29 opinions for Brain research to “wipe out autism”?
Jannalou
Jul 14, 2006 at 4:17 pm
That would, indeed, be a tragedy.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jul 14, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Yes—I was more than taken aback by the statements made about the uses of this research.
David N. Andrews BA-status, PgCertSpEd (pending)
Jul 16, 2006 at 3:28 am
He says this: “Knowing the pathology, what is wrong with the brains of autistic individuals, opens the door to potential strategies that may actually even lead to a cure.”
Have we any way of finding out what is wrong with the brains of biomedics like him, and eventually find a cure for that type if crass reductionist thinking?
That man is a bastard.
Jannalou
Jul 16, 2006 at 10:53 am
David, have I mentioned lately that I love you?
:D
Manuel F. Casanova
Jul 19, 2006 at 4:19 am
I am sorry for any misunderstandings, but the statements attributed to me were a bad attempt by a lay person at summarizing our research findings. I never said most of the published statements, e.g. not enough “juice” in the connections. I never express myself that way. For some reason the reporter decided to emphasize the fact that I was willing to invest money in my own research than in our latest findings (the purpose of the interview). The article itself can be obtained via online access from pubmed. Otherwise you can obtain a copy of my proposed intervention from ftp://fornix.louisville.edu/pub/05research-plan.pdf You can also email me directly if you have any questions: m0casa02@louisville.edu I am sorry for any misunderstandings.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jul 19, 2006 at 6:15 am
Dr. Casanova,
Thank you so much for commenting here and for your clarifications. We more than appreciate your work to expand understanding about autism.
Sincerely,
Kristina Chew
Joseph
Jul 19, 2006 at 9:18 am
I interpret Dr. Casanova’s research as suggesting that NTs have big-ass neurons, except unfortunately not many of them :)
Why is it called an abnormality? Because not many people have it?
Manuel F. Casanova
Jul 19, 2006 at 11:17 am
Joseph,
What my research suggested was that modules of cells within the cortex of autistic patients are constituted in such a fashion that they emphasize short connections but are otherwise inefficient at sustaining longer connections. In this regard, information that can be processed within a given area is done well, or better than normal, but information that requires integration of multiple disparate brain areas is abnormal. Mathematical analysis and visual discrimination are examples of information processing that can be done within given brain regions and that autistic patients tend to do well and sometimes better than control subjects. Autistic persons are impaired in joint attention, face recognition, and language– examples that require integration of multiple brain regions.
I am still somewhat flustered about the misquotes of the press release. I hope to be able to clarify any misunderstandings.
Kassiane
Jul 20, 2006 at 11:38 am
Not all autistic people are bad at language. Some of us have it as a so called savant skill. Hyperlexia comes to mind, as do all those autistic people who can present/type at NTs/whatever, but can’t cook or maintain a household. So your research is based in part on totally false assumptions about an autistic brain’s ability to do whatever.
WE DON’T WANT YOUR STINKIN CURE. Mkay? Not now, not ever. And we don’t want whatever you come up with that theoretically breaks us to make us like the majority to be inflicted on the next generation.
Stop trying to wipe us out. That’s utterly non helpful. Read “Speed of Dark” by Elizabeth Moon for an example.
Genocide by any other name smells as disgusting.
Jannalou
Jul 20, 2006 at 11:56 am
Kassi, I love you. :) You are so awesome.
Kassiane
Jul 20, 2006 at 5:31 pm
Love you too Janna. Glad you don’t think I was too harsh *grin*.
David N. Andrews BA-status, PgCertSpEd (pending)
Jul 20, 2006 at 7:48 pm
I’d love to see research leading to better ways of helping us use our brains’ differences more effectively.
Sadly for the medics, that is the province of education, not medicine. Autism is not, and never has been, a medical issue: it is developmental, and needs educational methods of working.
oh, and thanks Janna :)
Jannalou
Jul 20, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Just don’t tell JBJR, eh? ;)
Ah, I’m in a good mood tonight. I think I love the whole world right now! :D
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jul 20, 2006 at 8:56 pm
Education—-yes. Especially education for kids like Charlie.
Eileen
Jul 21, 2006 at 8:17 pm
Frankly, Dr.Casanova, I am very excited about your findings and the possible treatments you are trying to put together. I can’t wait to see the results of this new treatment…anything that could help my son with mod/severe autism who is very intelligent but unable to speak…Please keep the world updated. And by the way, I am so thankful for doctors like you who are taking the time and interest in trying to find some real answers. I would be happy to have my son first in line to try out your new treatment. Thanks.
Jannalou
Jul 21, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Of course, the very important fact that speech is not necessary in order to communicate effectively is something that matters very little to curebies.
“Real answers” to what, exactly? That’s what I want to know. There are people in this world who need real answers to problems like being unable to use the phone when incapacitated by anxiety. There are people in this world who need real answers to being unable to cook food without step-by-step auditory instructions (sometimes right down to which finger to move when). There are people in this world who need real answers to being unable to convince the “professionals” that their problem isn’t lack of motivation, it’s inertia and other forms of executive dysfunction.
These are the everyday, real-life situations being faced by adults, and to be perfectly honest, I think we need to focus on proper supports and services for adults with different needs (beyond group homes and other forms of institutionalisation) before looking at “cause” or “cure”.
Because long before we find anything resembling a real “cure”, those who are children now will become adults, with those same problems (and more) that I listed above.
The tragedy of autism isn’t autism.
It’s that “save the children” garners so much more support than “help the adults you weren’t ‘able to save’ when they were children”.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jul 22, 2006 at 4:52 am
“The tragedy of autism isn’t autism”: Jannalou, that rings powerfully.
I used to think that, if Charlie could talk, so many “battles” would be overcome, so much “progress” would ensue. Charlie learning to talk has given him another way to express himself, but it also opened the path to new frustrations for him—-he does not use language as many people do, he understands that the language he uses is very different (and much more minimal) that what many people do. I think of him learning not just to talk, but to better communicate—and that that is a lesson that he has his whole life to learn.
Alison
Jul 26, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Dr Casanova,
I am an Aspie (Asperger’s) with a “splinter savant skill” of Hyperlexia. I was very interested to read about your work. In some ways it struck a chord ie the written word is something I excel at, but have trouble with the spoken form. Having said that, however, I’m in no hurry to “find a cure” for something which I don’t consider to be a disability but rather an asset. I think laterally and have an extremely logical, well-ordered mind with an above average (130) IQ, hold a well-paid, responsible job and generally enjoy my life very much. The only problem I’ve got is the treatment meted out to me by non-autistic people, the neurotypicals of the population. They seem amazingly illogical, superstitious, incredibly sports, social and sex-obsessed, and many come across as also amazingly stupid. Is there anything you can do about “fixing” their brains? They don’t have to become totally autistic, but a little bit more logical and less judgemental would be nice.
Alison
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jul 26, 2006 at 5:18 pm
Alison, thank you—
Manuel F. Casanova
Jul 28, 2006 at 10:25 am
Dear Alison,
Thank you for your interest in our research. My main interest is in helping those patients that are incapcitated one way or another. We have over 100 patients in our local state hospital who fulfill the diagnosis of autism. They have been instituttionalized from a few years to a few decades. Many suffer from seizures, severe mental retardation or other comorbid conditions (e.g., tuberous sclerosis). We have over 200 patients in our clinics, some so overwhelmed by their sensory perception as to be incapacitated.
I have never mentioned changing a way a person thinks, especially in autism and Asperger’s. This is the charisma of the condition.
I would certainly appreciate if you emailed me directly. I have written a paper translating some of our research findings in layman’s terms– and would enjoy your criticisms. My email is m0casa02@louisville.edu.
Best regards,
Manuel
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jul 28, 2006 at 11:41 am
Dr. Casanova, Thanks very much for telling us more about your research—it’s more than appreciated.
Mike
Aug 9, 2006 at 11:54 pm
So it seems, from reading these messages, that autistic people do not want to be ‘cured’. Well then, do you think it is normal and acceptable to be repeatedly bashing yourself on the head, trying to poke your eye out and tearing your hair out, to name a few?
As an autistic, have you stopped to think that without the help of non-autistics that you simply wouldn’t be able to survive? It is us who cooks your meals, stops you from running out in front of cars, pays for everything you need because you are unable to hold a job, stops you from inflicting serious harm to yourself.
Do you think it is fair that you continue to live in your own little world, self absorbed in your own activity, totally excluding others around you and blocking out all emotion towards them?
As a father of an autistic child, I look forward to the day when a cure or treatment enables him to get a job, marry someone and have children of their own.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Aug 10, 2006 at 5:43 am
MIke, thank you for your comments here. What kind of educational program is your son enrolled in?
Joanna Roe
May 4, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I really need to know what doctor in Louisville to take my son to. He has been diagnosed with ADHD since he was 4 years old. I know in my heart that is not what he has. Especially since I have it. My life changed once I got on Medication. His life is getting worse. He is a 4th grader he will be 12 years of age in June and he is on a Kindergarden reading level. Kids his age will not play with him they make fun of him and they feel he acts like a little kid all the time. Please let me know who to take him to? And how to help him before it gets to late.
Thank you,
Joanna Roe
Tim
Apr 23, 2008 at 12:56 pm
We have an update:
http://www.wave3.com/global/story.asp?s=8163595
Bonnie Sayers
Apr 23, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Interesting reading. Thanks for the update.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Apr 23, 2008 at 1:31 pm
@Tim,
yes, thank you for the update. Are there plans to write up the results for publication and, too, to use the therapy for others who might be interested?
Tim
Apr 23, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I don’t know, this is the only other article I could find:
http://php.louisville.edu/news/news.php?news=1143
stopautismquackery
Apr 23, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I’m a little confused. It reads as if they’re treating anxiety, which is admirable of course.
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