Previous research has shown a connection between autism and an enlarged amygdala in children. New research, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, has identified the time frame in which these changes occur. This study reports that the amygdala of infants who later went on to develop Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was at a normal size at 6 months of age but grew abnormally between 6-24 months of age for a significant number of the children studied. This abnormality can be measured before behavioral symptoms are evident.
This information can be very useful for families and health care providers. If an infant is identified to be at risk for ASD and scans reveal an enlargement of the amygdala during the 6-24 month time period, then important services can be provided such as assistance with sensory processing and social development.
For further reading, please go here:
ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.21090896
This information can be very useful for families and health care providers. If an infant is identified to be at risk for ASD and scans reveal an enlargement of the amygdala during the 6-24 month time period, then important services can be provided such as assistance with sensory processing and social development.
For further reading, please go here:
ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.21090896
