Possible Autism Breakthrough

In addition to all the wonderful resources being shared highlighting mental health, here is a fantastic new breakthrough that shows promising effects for those suffering from autism and mental retardation. The pharmaceutical company Novartis has developed a drug that targets Fragile X Syndrome, the most common cause of autism and mental retardation. Though the drug is far from commercial development, 3 decades of genetic research have gone into its' development, and produced fantastic results in a small clinical trial. Researchers didnt observe the drug's effects on intelligence, but rather measured its effects on aberrant behaviors like hyperactivity, social withdrawl, and repetitive speech. For ethical reasons the drug was only tested on adults, but researchers believe it will have the most profound effects on children. According to Thomas R. Insel, director of the National Institute for Mental Health, the drug is such a significant discovery because he, among others, had always seen autism and mental retardation as condtions requiring behavioral therapy; not medication. " Just three years ago I would have said that mental retardation is a disability needing rehab, not a disorder needing medication."

Be on the lookout for news and studies relating to the drug. Even if this particular drug doesnt suceed in further clinical trials, its' initial success shows us that autism and mental retardation could be effectively treated through medication. In the meantime, should you require additional support or resources for autism or mental retardation I suggest the following:

Autism Society of America

Autism Blogger

The Daily Strength