Monday, 16 July 2012

Resting pupil size and levels of an enzyme in saliva may be indicative of autism and may tie autism to autonomic dysfunction according to a new study

New research out of the University of Kansas reports that the levels of the enzyme salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) in children known to have autism remained steady throughout the day as compared to typical children whose levels fluxtuate.  Also the pupils of children with autism measured on average to be more dilated throughout the day.  These two biomarkers associated with the autonomic nervous system may support the theory that dysfunction of the autonomic system plays a role in causing autism.  Read more about it at psychcentral.com here:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/07/14/salivary-enzyme-pupil-size-possible-biomarkers-for-autism/41574.html
Read the journal article reporting the results of the study at wiley.com here:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dev.21051/full

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