HEALTH NEWS: Autism studies seek new treatments
September 19, 2006
The National Institute of Mental Health has launched three studies to define types of autism and to explore treatments.
One study will define differences -- biological and behavioral -- in autistic children with different kinds of developmental histories. Another will examine the usefulness of the antibiotic minocycline in treating regressive autism. Research suggests that autism may be linked to inflammation in the brain.
A third study will test whether autism may be treated by removing heavy metals from the blood, based on the belief that autism can be caused by thimerosol, a mercury-based preservative once used in childhood vaccines.
Autism arises in early childhood and is characterized by delays in development of social and communication skills.
By Carolyn Susman, Palm Beach Post




