Nerves that sense touch may play role in autism
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ASPartOfMe
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Joined: 25 Aug 2013
Age: 67
Gender: Male
Posts: 38,094
Location: Long Island, New York
Quote:
Autism is considered a disorder of the brain. But a new study suggests that the peripheral nervous system, the nerves that control our sense of touch, pain and other sensations, may play a role as well. The exploratory study is published in the October 14, 2020, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
“More than 70% of people with autism have differences in their sensory perception," said study author Sung-Tsang Hsieh, M.D., Ph.D., of National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "For some people, even a light touch can feel unbearable while others may not even notice a cut on their foot. If larger studies can confirm these results, it is possible that further insight into the peripheral nervous system could help us understand how this disorder develops and potentially light the way for treating these distressing sensory symptoms that most people with autism experience."
“More than 70% of people with autism have differences in their sensory perception," said study author Sung-Tsang Hsieh, M.D., Ph.D., of National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "For some people, even a light touch can feel unbearable while others may not even notice a cut on their foot. If larger studies can confirm these results, it is possible that further insight into the peripheral nervous system could help us understand how this disorder develops and potentially light the way for treating these distressing sensory symptoms that most people with autism experience."
Caution this is an exploratory study. That said as sensory differences are a diagnostic criteria for autism they might be on to something.
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
I'm not one to believe that every physical ailment known to mankind is correlated with autism, but I do believe that this in particular does sound more plausible.
I do have some sensory issues but not as bad as some Aspies. I mean I do have low pain tolerance, and I am sensitive to clothing tags on the back of my neck, I usually cut them out. And certain noises can physically hurt my ears.
But my sensory issues don't go as far as being physically unable to wear a face mask or something, so I cannot relate to other Aspies about that.
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