Scientists close to identifying autism's cause

SCIENTISTS from Edinburgh University are a step closer to understanding how abnormalities in brain development may lead to autism and behavioural disorders.

Research into Fragile X Syndrome – a genetic condition that is the leading known cause of autism – has discovered that critical phases in the brain's development may be mistimed in some people.

This may bring inappropriate communication between brain cells and could cause the symptoms experienced by Fragile X patients, such as hypersensitivity to touch and sound, as well as social withdrawal, hyperactivity and anxiety.

Fragile X syndrome affects around one in 4,000 men and one in 8,000 women worldwide.